By Vinay Gandhi Billapati, a member of the Rotary Club of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
I am a second-generation Rotarian, having grown up in a Rotary family. My father joined the Rotary Club of Anakapalle the year I was born. Although I officially became a Rotary member in 2019, Rotary has been a part of my life since childhood.
Over the years, I attended Rotary fellowships, installation ceremonies, thanksgiving gatherings, family events, vocational award functions, competitions, and numerous service activities. Yet, one dream remained unfulfilled — to attend a Rotary International Convention.
This year, that dream became a reality.
In June 2026, I travelled to Taipei for my very first Rotary Convention. It was also my first solo international journey. The detailed guidance provided by Rotary International and the Host Organization Committee gave me the confidence to plan the entire trip without using a travel agent. My friend Jagan Mohan Maddi, a fellow Rotary member, and I booked our travel and accommodation independently and planned the journey together.
From the moment we landed in Taipei, we experienced exceptional hospitality. Host committee volunteers welcomed us warmly and guided us to our accommodation using the metro. At almost every metro station, cheerful volunteers were available to assist attendees. Their dedication deserves heartfelt appreciation.
The registration process itself took barely five minutes, although reaching the registration counters required a long walk through the massive convention venue. Everywhere we looked, there were enormous halls, well-organised exhibition stalls, efficient volunteers, and smiling faces ready to help.
The inaugural ceremony at the Taipei Dome was truly memorable. With the President of Taiwan as the chief guest and the spectacular Parade of Flags, the event perfectly reflected Rotary’s global spirit. Travelling across Taipei by metro, buses, and convention shuttle services allowed us to interact with attendees from many countries. Despite meeting for the first time, every Rotary member greeted one another with warmth. Rotary was the common language that united us all.
The breakout sessions, general sessions, House of Friendship, Rotary Village, Rotary Peace Park, fellowship stalls, and Rotary Action Group exhibits were beyond anything I had imagined. Every corner offered opportunities to learn, connect, and be inspired.
One of the most memorable moments was fulfilling my long-cherished dream of taking a photograph with the 2024-25 Rotary International President, Stephanie A. Urchick. Another proud experience was serving as a volunteer during the breakout sessions. Wearing the Rotary Volunteer sash was an honour, and the appreciation we received from attendees made the experience even more meaningful.
As a vegetarian, finding suitable food was sometimes challenging, but the kindness and hospitality of the people of Taipei more than compensated for it. We are especially grateful to Past District Governor Bhaskar Ram of District 3020 and Past District Governor Rampur Viswanadh from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, who had earlier visited Visakhapatnam through a Rotary Friendship Exchange, for hosting memorable meals during our stay.
No account of this convention would be complete without acknowledging the extraordinary people of Taipei. Their warmth and willingness to help left a lasting impression on us. On one occasion, after we missed our tour bus, a taxi driver not only ensured that we reached our destination on time but also personally walked with us until he located our tour guide. Such genuine kindness beautifully reflected the culture and hospitality of Taiwan.
Looking back, attending my first Rotary Convention has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my Rotary journey. It strengthened my belief that Rotary is far more than an organization — it is a global family united by service and friendship.
I wholeheartedly encourage every Rotary member to attend at least one Rotary Convention. The friendships you build, the ideas you discover, and the inspiration you gain will remain with you for a lifetime. I am already looking forward to my next convention.
Don’t miss the excitement of the 2027 Rotary International Convention in Barcelona, Spain, 26-30 June. Register early to take advantage of discounted rates, including a special promotional discount available 17-21 September.
https://blog.rotary.org/2026/09/17/first-ever-rotary-convention-experience-shines/