It will be the utmost pride of Rotarians and all Thais to host this annual international event, “2012 Rotary International Convention.” Rotary, a global humanitarian organization and the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB: a public organization), together with government and private associations, all supported by the people of Thailand, will be welcoming over 38,000 guests from all over the world during May 6-9 at the IMPACT Arena Exhibition and Convention Centre. 

This year’s Convention is expected to break the previous attendance record, with the largest number of preregistered participants in the history of the Rotary Convention. The expected draw of over 3,000 million baht in revenues will help contribute to the country's MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) and tourism industries.  

Mr. Bhichai Rattakul, Advisory Committee Chair, Host Organization Committee of 2012 Rotary International Convention stated that all Thai people were proud that their country was chosen as host of the “2012 Rotary International Convention”, one of the biggest conventions in the world. Thailand was chosen by Rotary International to host the convention for the first time due to the convenience of its location and Thailand being an international aviation hub, as well as Government policies on tourism and MICE industry promotions. Furthermore, the convention center meets Rotary International's predefined criteria, offering assisted facilities as well. Rotary members from all over the world will get together to further enhance their practice of voluntary service in accordance with Rotary ideals. The Rotary International Convention is an important event for Rotarians everywhere, held every year.The primary purpose is to exchange information, cultures and advance network among Rotarians. This year's convention marks its 103rd year.  

Mr. Akapol Sorasuchart, President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau or TCEB and co-host, mentioned that, “Pushing for the title of host for international conventions is TCEB's main mission as we are committed to promoting the MICE industries as the principal businesses that will generate revenue and drive the economy of Thailand. Rotary International is a big convention, with many various businesses and individuals from all over the world participating, thus restoring confidence and the country’s image from the crisis we have recently undergone. It will also help to present Thailand in a different light under the campaign, “Believe in Thailand.”  

TCEB together with Rotary clubs in Thailand have worked together since 2004 to promote Thailand as host of the Rotary International Convention 2012 by submitting a Bid Book to Rotary International. As an attachment to the Bid Book, TCEB, as a government agent and a financial supporter, has submitted a letter of financial support in the amount of 270 million baht to organize 2012 Rotary International Convention. There were three cities at the time that qualified for consideration by the executive directors of Rotary International, including Sydney, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. On January12th, 2007, TCEB signed the financial support contract for 2012 Rotary International Convention in the amount of 270 million baht, which gained consent from the cabinet on March 8th, 2012 for Thailand to hold such convention.

2012 Rotary International Convention is a very important event for Thailand as it is an indication of the cooperation between Government and private sectors in order to develop MICE industries. We received the latest news from Rotary International that on January 19^th, 2012 at San Diego, there were over 28,000 pre-registers. If we can reach our goal, there will have 38,000 attendants to participate in the 2012 Rotary International Convention with the expected revenue of over 3,000 million baht. The convention will also help promote MICE industrial growth in the year 2012, with an estimated 750,000 participants generating over 60,120 million baht in the country. 

“Moreover, since Rotary emphasizes helping humanity and quality of life, benefits from the project will be distributed directly to remote communities. The organization of big conventions generally generates money-flow to support various ongoing or potential projects of the host country. This convention will also be a Showcase that demonstrates Thailand's readiness to host the World Expo 2020," Mr. Akapol concluded.   

In addition, Rotary International will hold Peace Forum in Thailand 1-2 days prior to the 2012 Rotary International Convention. The Peace Forum is held every three years and it is an honor and a good opportunity for Thailand to be able to promote our reputation as a peaceful country.

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