The year 2013 will be significant for Rotary. In April 2013 the COL will be held in Chicago to shape our policies and constitutional documents for the next three years and beyond. In July 2013 the full roll out of Future Vision will take place. The Vancouver Institute gives us an opportunity to prepare for these two major events. Our COL seminar is open to everyone; with the COL delegates playing a focal part in the discussion and debate at the seminar (PRIVP Mike McGovern as leader). FV training will be included in our DGNs, DGEs training and a full day Foundation seminar will be held on the Wednesday before the Institute for DRFC and others interested in OUR Foundation.

The Institute 2012 leadership team is preparing an appealing program for Rotarians and spouses/partner to not only make our Institute exciting, but enjoyable and memorable. The 2012 Vancouver Rotary Institute presents an opportunity for fellowship and sharing the latest Rotary information.  The Rotary Institute is the most important event held in our zones; it is an opportunity to spend time with Rotary senior leaders and to learn of the developments of Rotary International in an affable and informal setting. The Westin Bayshore is strategically located on the harbour. It is a beautiful setting with many of the city's most popular sites within walking distance. Please take a few extra days to enjoy Vancouver. An early bike ride or sunset walk on the Stanley Park seawall will be unforgettable. The world's best fish and chips are served in the park but only if you sit on a log and eat them from a paper cone.

Join the more than 165 Rotarians and partners that have already registered for Institute 2012. Online registration is available in English, French and Russian. Just click on the "Register Now" button and visit the registration page. There is no paper registration form. All registration is online. This saves time and money. Please also register for each of the pre institute training seminars you will be attending such as GETS, DGN, DG, Foundation, Membership/Public Image or COL. Want to know who has already registered for Institute 2012? click HERE

A photo journal of the 2011 Zone 24-32 Boston Institute is available online. The Institute that opened with an earthquake and closed with a hurricane. To view photos click HERE

The Institute hotel has a sleek waterfront location. It is located in downtown Vancouver on Coal Harbour, steps away from shopping, dining, entertainment, arts and culture, the hotel is set against the natural beauty of the 1,000-acre Stanley Park and offers direct access to the city's world-famous seawall. The Westin Bayshore Vancouver offers indoor and outdoor pools, a new 5,000 square-foot spa, a restaurant where huge windows overlook Coal Harbour and the North Shore Mountains, and a bar and grill with two patios boasting great views - plus a 60,000 square-foot conference centre. Please visit the institute 'HOTEL' page and follow the links to book a room. The basic rate is $184. If you want a suite or harbour view room please book early.

Want to get away from the popular tourist sites? Try these:

• Deeley Motorcycle Museum - a private collection which is open to the public. 250 bikes from 50 manufacturers. How about a 1885 Reitwagen, a 1906 Indian, 1933 Harley VLE or a 1942 US Army model Indian and much more. Located next to the Harley dealership in Vancouver.
• Vancouver Police Museum - located in the old city morgue and Coroners Court building. Guns, uniforms, badges but even better the autopsy tables, forensic displays (the real CSI), the first VPD badge made from a US silver dollar and the most unique gift shop in the city.
• Punjabi Market - located on South Main Street, this 6-block pocket of Eastern culture has quickly become known as Vancouver's Little India. The fusion between cultures culminates along the streets where you can purchase elaborate fabric, samosas for snacking and fresh produce from the market. Lots of restaurants.
• 9 O'Clock Gun - if you hear a very loud cannon shot your first night at the Institute - don't worry it's Vancouver's 9 O'Clock Gun. An 1816 Cannon that is loaded with black powder and fired every night. It is just across from the Institute hotel. The gun has a fascinating history

The district trainers from across Zones 24 and 32 who met in Boston for the full day district trainers seminar agreed to continue sharing ideas and strategies to improve Rotary education in our zones. The district trainers are organizing regular online seminars. The first seminar was held in October the next seminar is on November 29 on the topic of Pre-PETS including who should attend, agendas, who should give the training and innovative ways to offer Pre-PETS seminars. The trainers will be well prepared for the zone district trainers seminar in 2012 in Vancouver. If you are involved in district or zone training and wish to join the discussion please contact PDG Penny Offer, PennyOffer@dccnet.com

• Download a Q & A sheet on the most common questions about Institute 2012. DOWNLOAD
• Download a copy of the Institute 2012 Brochure - DOWNLOAD
• Download the draft program at a glance - DOWNLOAD