Second Global Leo Conference Promises Creativity, Excitement

Think of a family 144,000 members strong spread across 130 countries scheduling an international get-together for the second time in 50 years, and it’s understandable why Leos are so excited about the second Global Leo Conference to be held during the 91st Lions Clubs International Convention in Bangkok, Thailand.

Plans for this year’s conference, scheduled for June 23 and 24, include successful seminars similar to last year’s event, as well as some added twists. Activities at the conference include a Leo welcome center, opening and closing sessions, Leo/Lion panel discussions focusing on leadership development and relationships with sponsoring clubs, and a special forum for Leo Club Advisors. Leos will also have a chance jump in line as part of the International Parade.

Participants in last year’s conference say the value of such a gathering can’t be overlooked. For Lion Peter Bertelli, attending last year’s conference while still a Leo in the Greater Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Leo Club proved an invaluable opportunity for developing skills, exchanging activity and community project ideas and networking with other Leos. Bertelli, who turned 18 and joined the Bridgewater Academy, Massachusetts, Lions Club this year, said the conference helped energize participants, who returned to their respective clubs with new approaches and new ideas for youth service.

“Last year’s conference was a wonderful start to enhance the Leo movement,” Bertelli said. “It was a great experience to be able to discuss ideas and concerns regarding Leos in an open forum, and to engage with both Leos and Lions presenting at the discussions and sessions.”

Janaka Peiris, past president of the Colombo Wekanda, Sri Lanka, Leo Club, served as master of ceremonies during the Global Leo Conference’s Leo 50th Anniversary Reception at last year’s conference. Attending gave him the chance to share some success stories from his club and enjoy the camaraderie and companionship of Leos from other countries. “I had a really great time in Chicago, and being an emcee was the experience of a lifetime,” Peiris said.

Both attendees agreed the conference afforded them a unique learning experience, both in understanding how Leos function on an international scale and befriending Leos from other cultures.

“Leos gained knowledge on different topics, and had the opportunity to speak directly with Headquarters staff and Lion VIPs,” Bertelli said. “Attending the conference also gives Leos the opportunity to explore many other diverse cultures. I recommend Leos attend so that they can play a part in the conference.”

More information about the conference is available online at www.lionsclubs.org.

Global Leo Conference At-A-Glance:

Monday, June 23, 2008
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Leo Welcome Center
1– 2 p.m. - Global Leo Conference Opening Session
2:30 – 3:30 p.m. - Leo/Lion Panel Discussion – Optimizing the Leo/Lion Sponsor Relationship (separate Alpha & Omega sessions)
4 – 5:00 p.m. – Leo Club Program Seminar
 
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
9 – 10:30 a.m. - Leo/Lion Panel Discussion – Developing Skills to Become a Leader (separate Alpha & Omega sessions)
9 – 10:30 a.m. - Leo Club Advisors Forum for Advisors
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. - Global Leo Conference Closing Session
4:00 p.m. - International Parade