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Representing Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake and Sumter Counties
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Rotary District Conference 2026

Our annual gathering of Rotarians from across all five counties in Central Florida becomes a celebration of accomplishments during the 2025-2026 Rotary year.

Rotary: Unite for Good

Conference Theme: Unite for Good

Join Rotarians from across the district for the 2026 Rotary District Conference, a two-day experience of fellowship, learning, inspiration, and celebration. This year’s conference brings together district leaders, club members, and special guests for networking, workshops, awards, project showcases, and the installation of new district leadership.

Event Details

Whether you are looking to strengthen your club, discover innovative Rotary projects, build new connections, or celebrate the accomplishments of our district, this conference offers something meaningful for every attendee.

Dates: Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27, 2026
Location: Orlando – Lake Mary Marriott

What to Expect

Experience a dynamic district event featuring:

  • Rotary business networking and fellowship
  • A House of Friendship and project showcase
  • Timely workshops on AI, public image, club culture, leadership, and grants
  • Updates from Rotary District and Zone leadership
  • District awards presentations and recognitions
  • Two inspiring keynote speakers from Rotary Zone 34
  • A local law enforcement leader as keynote speaker
  • Installation of the 2026–2027 District Governor and team

Friday, June 26

District Conference

Event Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The conference opens Friday afternoon with the House of Friendship in the Marriott Ballroom Foyer from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, featuring Rotary business networking and a project showcase.

From 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, guests are invited to the Cocktail Reception in Ballroom Salons ABCD. The evening includes an attendee welcome and inspirational kickoff from District Governor Richard Harris, an RI update from Rotary International Director-Elect Marshall Butler, and project showcase presentations.

Saturday, June 27

District Conference

Event Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Saturday begins with the House of Friendship reopening at 10:00 AM in the Marriott Ballroom Foyer.

From 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, attendees may choose between two workshops:

Workshop 1: Using AI to Boost Public Image
Ballroom Salon A
Presented by Susan Courter, Zone 34 Public Image Coordinator

Workshop 2: RI & District 6980 Orientation
Ballroom Salon B
Presented by Marshall Butler, RI Director-Elect, and Mike Vernon, District Trainer

At 12:00 PM, attendees gather for the District Awards Luncheon in Ballroom Salons ABCD. The luncheon includes welcome remarks from DG Richard Harris, a guest appearance by Marshall Butler, a keynote presentation by Susan Courter titled Using AI to Tell Your Story, and Part I of the District Governor’s Annual Report and Awards Presentation.

At 2:00 PM, conference workshops continue:

Workshop 3: Irresistible Club Culture
Ballroom Salon A
Presented by Michael Franklin, District Governor-Elect

Workshop 4: District Leadership Seminar
Ballroom Salon B
Presented by Mike Vernon, District Trainer

At 3:00 PM, attendees may choose from another set of sessions:

Workshop 5: Innovative Club/District Projects
Ballroom Salon A
Presented by Tom Beanland, Assistant Governor

Workshop 6: Grants & Global Projects
Ballroom Salon B
Presented by Mike Vernon, District Trainer

From 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the House of Friendship returns with a Rotary networking and fellowship mixer, along with continued project showcase opportunities.

The conference concludes with the Gala District Awards Banquet from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Ballroom Salons ABCD. This special evening includes ceremonial opening elements, attendee welcome remarks from DG Richard Harris, stories from the field highlighting Rotary’s motto in action, and a keynote address from Sheriff Lemma on Rotary’s Impact on the Opioid Epidemic & Human Trafficking. The evening also features Part II of the District Governor’s Annual Report and Awards Presentation, the installation of 2026–2027 District Governor Michael Franklin and team, closing remarks, promotion of next year’s district conference, a group photo, and adjournment.

Why Attend?

The Rotary District Conference is where service, leadership, and fellowship come together. It is an opportunity to celebrate the impact of Rotary, discover fresh ideas, strengthen district relationships, and look ahead to the future with energy and purpose.

Join Us

Come be part of a memorable district gathering filled with inspiration, practical learning, and meaningful connection.

Schedule at a Glance

  • Dates: June 26 & 27, 2026

    Register via this link: https://www.dacdb.com/Register4/index.cfm?EventID=77909703

    Questions? For more information, contact Conference Chair, Assistant Governor Pat Woodley at (407) 256-7185

  • Location Location

    Location: Marriott Lake Mary

    The Orlando Marriott Lake Mary is located at 1501 International Pkwy, Lake Mary, FL 32746 and is a newly renovated, 307-room hotel located in Lake Mary, FL, featuring modern,hard-floored rooms, along with an upscale experience to include the M Club lounge, the 1501 Kitchen & Bar, an outdoor pool, and over 14,000 sq. ft. of event space, making it suitable for business and leisure travelers.

  • Speaker 1: Marshall Butler

    Marshall Butler is the designated Rotary International Director for Zones 33/34 for the 2026–2028 term. A member of the Rotary Club of West Jacksonville (District 6970), he is a past District Governor (2016-17) and former Zone 34 Public Image Coordinator, known for his expertise in digital strategy, AI, and strengthening Rotary’s public image.

  • Speaker 2: Susan Courter

    Susan Courter is a 19-year Rotarian and Past President of the Rotary Clubs of West Plains Sunrise (MO) and Lakewood Ranch (FL). She has served as Assistant Governor, Public Image Chair, and currently serves as Zone 34 Rotary Public Image Coordinator (2023–26), following three years as Assistant RPIC.

  • Speaker 3: Sheriff Dennis Lemma

    Dennis Lemma was sworn in as Seminole County’s 10th Sheriff in 2017 and was subsequently re-elected in 2020 and 2024. As the county’s chief law enforcement officer, Sheriff Lemma leads a workforce of more than 1,400 employees and manages an annual budget of nearly $200 million. He is nationally recognized for his leadership in combating the opioid epidemic and addressing the growing human trafficking threat.

Download the Flyer

Rotary District 6980 Conference Flyer

Why Attend the Conference?

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    Connect with fellow Rotarians and strengthen the bonds of service and friendship.

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    Gain valuable insights from keynote speakers, booth displays, and breakout sessions on Rotary initiatives and community impact.

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    Attend free workshops designed to help you to help your club thrive.

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    Celebrate club achievements, share best practices, and find motivation for future projects.

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    Enjoy social events and entertainment, making memories that last a lifetime.

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Interested in joining a Rotary Club in Central Florida?

Rotary needs People of Action just like YOU to continue achieving its mission—and it all can start by requesting an invite to a Rotary meeting near your home or workplace. We continue building the next generation of Rotarian leaders to keep our wheel turning and fueling progress for our communities and the world as a whole.

FIND A ROTARY CLUB NEAR YOU

About Rotary Central Florida

This website is a Community Information Center about Rotary in Central Florida. Its purpose is to inform Central Floridians about Rotary’s projects, its values, and the goodwill it represents. As one of the world’s largest service organizations, Rotary continues to evolve with the times. Our membership is represented by Rotarians from a diverse group of professions, ethnicities, and religions—united under our motto of Service Above Self.

Rotary District 6980

Rotary District 6980 covers the Central Florida region across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, and Sumter Counties. The District is made up of 45 Rotary Clubs and 4 Rotaract Clubs bringing together nearly 1,700 volunteers from a diverse group of professions, ethnicities, and religions.

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