While the Rotary year starts in July of each year, January is when we start to prepare for the coming year. DGE training at the International Assembly in San Diego, pre-PETS for the incoming club presidents, training for other Rotary leaders for the coming year - all occur in the first few months of the calendar year. Our Zone Institute in October is also a time of learning. For past & current leaders of Rotary, it is an opportunity to interact with senior Rotary leaders to discuss issues and programs. It is also an opportunity to renew old friendships and make new ones.  Vancouver is the perfect location for a Zone Institute. Please plan to attend your Zone Institute and stay for a few days to discover the west coast of Canada. Enjoy the multicultural diversity of one of Canada's most unique cities and gateway to the Rocky Mountains.

Our first keynote speakers for Institute 2012 have been selected. Joe Roberts has an insiprational story to share. I know you will be moved. Bob Scott has more up to date information on polio eradication possibly than anyone in Rotary. They both will generate a lot of discussion in Vancouver. Watch for updates on more keynote speakers. Our pre institute training team have been working very hard to develop programs that include current trends in Rotary and design a learning environment that challenges and motivates those involved. After the 2012-13 goals and theme are announced at the International Assembly we will post the pre institute agendas. I have exciting news about the class reunion dinner. The company we are working with for our harbour dinner cruise has just purchased a new yacht. The 500 passenger ship will be the largest harbour cruise ship in Vancouver and allow all of us to cruise together.  Click here to take a peak .

Join the more than 170 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

The Donald MacRae Peace Award is an annual award presented by Rotary Zones 24 and 32 to recognize and honour an individual or organization in each zone for outstanding achievement consistent with the ideals of Rotary as expressed in the Fourth Object of Rotary. Any Rotary Club or District in Zone 24 and 32 is entitled to submit the name of one candidate (See application form ). This is the most pretiegous award that the Zones 24-32 presents. The awards will be announced and presented at the Institute in Vancouver. The deadline for applications is April 30 2012. All Governors in Zone 24 and 32 are encouraged to nominate a candidate from their district.   read more

Expressions of interest are welcome from clubs, districts, Rotary Action Groups, Rotary Fellowships licensed Rotary vendors, not-for-profit groups (with Rotary partnership agreements or affilated with Rotary) who wish to rent display space in the House of Friendship at the 2012 Institute. The House of Friendship will be in a lobby attrium immediately outside of the ball room doors. This is a high traffic site ensuring displays and vendors excellent visibility. Space is limited. Details and applications will be available soon from DG Marilyn Bedell or PDG Ron Bedell

The 4-Star Institute hotel has a unique waterfront location. The Westin Bayshore, offers guests the best of both worlds: the activities and cultural events of Vancouver, as well as a relaxing resort experience. Enjoy views of the coastline, mountains and Stanley Park. Connected to the historic 1,000-acre Stanley Park via its picturesque seawall, you're just moments away from unspoiled nature. Also close by are the many shops, restaurants and entertainment venues of downtown Vancouver and nearby Robson and Denman Streets. Most rooms have a balcony with magnificent views of the harbour, misty mountains and city skyline. The two onsite restaurants feature a variety of creative regional cuisine.  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.

If you like ships and marine history a must see when you visit Vancouver is the Vancouver Marinetime Museum. Walk onto the deck of the famous RCMP ship St Roch - the first ship to travel the Northwest Passage West to East and first ship to circumnavigate North America. Tour the unique exhibits inside and the floating exhibits at the museum's dock. Only a 10 minute drive from the institute venue. www.VancouverMaritimeMuseum.com

This month National Geographic Magazine selected Vancouver's Sutton Place Hotel  chocolate buffet as the world's (yes world's) best. If you love chocolate this all you can eat buffet is only 5 minutes away from the institute venue.  Famous with Vancouverites, the Chocoholic Buffet provides delectable offerings including an array of home made luscious cakes, pastries and pies, exquisite sorbets and ice creams, topped only by the Bar's own renowned Brittany crepes, a house specialty made right before your eyes.

• 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