Comments from DGE Graeme Hope and his wife Sue who attended IA in Orlando, Florida in January 2026
Approx 1,000 DGEs and partners plus Rotary Leaders & Speakers attended the International Assembly, all located at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort – a short distance from Orlando. The size of the Resort required an energetic walk from your room to the conference facilities. The program was tight, starting with a Reception on Sunday 11 January. A four- day hectic schedule followed. Breakfast to Dinner (a different theme each night).
Graeme with DGE Shigeyuki Furuno from District 2510 Japan
Collectively, the engagement with so many Rotarians was a real benefit. In the words of 2026-2027 Rotary International PE Olayinka (Yinka) Babalola from the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria,, “We do not enjoy the full benefits of our Rotary membership if we don’t experience its inter-nationality”. Mixing with our Zone 8 DGEs and Rotarians from around the world was a highlight. This started with the Opening Ceremony / presentation of Flags carried by learning facilitators (PDGs) / Exchange of gifts/ cards / pins at meals and in break- out sessions and member cohort. All DGEs were allocated to an international cohort of 5-6. In my group were members from Peru, Chile, USA and Australia. A delightful experience was being contacted by DGE Shigeyuki Furuno from District 2510 in Japan. Shigeyuki was an exchange student hosted by Robinvale RC in 1974!
Events included an End Polio Now dinner, a lunch and photo with each DGE and partner with PE Yinka and Precy his wife. The date of this event,14 January 2026, was memorable as it coincided with my birthday - a great way to celebrate.
Conference General / Plenary sessions were focused on "Connection": To Inspire, Innovate, Impact, Create lasting change, Engage, lead, through stories and Action. These were followed by break-out sessions with groups of approx. 15 working through case studies / interaction and recording notes in a work- book. For some sessions, translation/ headphones were required as English was not spoken by all members. All the Speaker topics provided great examples of the “Connection” themes and practical ways to work together and create benefits for the community. And example of such a topic: Partnerships are about connection, not control. Coalition can achieve far more than an individual. Expressed eloquently in the African proverb: ‘If you want to go fast -Go Alone. If you want to go far – Go together“. A common theme from speakers regarding expanding our reach was the power of storytelling including your story / journey. Use Technology, including AI to amplify our message. At the heart of Rotary is a diversity of stories.
President-Elect Yinka called on members to Create Lasting Impact by making their clubs more welcoming, carrying out impactful projects and allowing their Rotary experiences to transform them personally. Rotary has changed us. It has shaped who we are and made us better people. In challenging Rotarians to focus on personal change is to aim to do better than their best in the past. Give yourself a challenge – go back five years – what was your best result – aim to do better – be it membership / fund raising.
Remember the adage:
- Good, Better, Best
- Never let it rest
- Until your good is better
- And you better is best!
Information about the materials, speeches and videos from IA can be found on https://rotary.org/ia2026
DGE Graeme Hope & Sue with RIPE Olayinka Babalola
and his wife Precy
and his wife Precy