Background on Lions Clubs International Convention

The Lions Clubs International Convention - In late June or early July of each year, 12,000-15,000 Lions club members and their families from more than 100 countries gather for the Lions International Convention. For five days, Lions conduct association business, share fellowship and enjoy the sights of an international city. The Lions Clubs International Convention is one of the largest annual conventions of its kind in the world.

Lions Clubs International - Headquartered at Oak Brook, IL, USA, Lions Clubs International has staff that handles arrangements for convention events, housing, outside suppliers and exhibitors. More than 100 headquarters staff work at the convention.

Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with nearly 1.4 million members in 46,000 clubs in 193 countries and geographic areas. In addition to its efforts toward conquering blindness, the organization has made a strong commitment to community service and helping youth throughout the world. To learn more about Lions Clubs International visit www.lionsclubs.org.

Host City Selection - The Lions Clubs International Board of Directors selects convention sites from around the world five years in advance following an extensive bidding process. During the evaluation, tourist authorities present options for accommodating the convention and the large number of attendees and explain why their cities are attractive destinations. Local Lions club members demonstrate their commitment by forming a Lions Host Committee.

The Lions Clubs International Board selected Detroit/Windsor in April of 1997 on the basis of a very attractive bid put together by The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. Detroit/Windsor successfully competed with four cities in the USA and Australia. Deciding factors include appropriate meeting space, available housing in proximity to the convention center and arena, median double room hotel rates and estimated shuttle costs.

Convention Planning and Coordination - Cooperation is vital between Lions Clubs International Headquarters staff and the local Lions Host Committee in order to make sure that the convention runs smoothly.

Detroit, Michigan/Windsor, Ontario Lions Host Committee - Michigan and Ontario Lions volunteers have spent several years preparing for the convention. The group is responsible for hospitality including staffing welcome centers, arranging welcoming banners, securing local marching bands for the parade and serving as sergeants-at-arms for major events.

Upcoming Lions Conventions-