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Background on Lions Clubs International Convention

The Lions Clubs International Convention
In late June or early July of each year 15,000-20,000 Lions clubs members and their families from more than 100 countries gather for the Lions Clubs 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 in 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 1.35 million members in 46,000 clubs in 197 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.

Convention Moved to Boston
Normally the Lions Clubs International Board of Directors selects convention sites from around the world five years in advance following an extensive bidding process. Following the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, it was determined that the Lions Clubs International Convention would have to be moved to another city. 

Boston was one of a number of cities that quickly offered to host the convention. Tourist authorities presented options for accommodating the convention and the large number of attendees and explained why their cities are attractive destinations. Local Lions club members also demonstrated their commitment by forming a Lions Host Committee.

Deciding factors in the choice of Boston included appropriate meeting space, available housing in proximity to the convention center, median double room hotel rates and estimated shuttle costs, as well as the many attractions Boston offers for conventioneers from around the world.

This is the first time that the Lions Clubs International Convention will be held in Boston and the first time it will be held in the northeastern part of the United States since 1936.

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. Lions in Boston quickly formed a Host Committee and in only eight months volunteers have devoted hundreds of hours to 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 Clubs International Conventions

Chicago, IL, USA	2007
Bangkok, Thailand	2008
Minneapolis, MN, USA	2009
Sydney, Australia	2010
Seattle, WA, USA	2011

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