DISCON 2026, May 1 - 3
Secure your spot by April 27th, because a Rotary Conference is better with you there!
Registration Options
Full registration $339.00
First Time attendance $237.30
First Time attendance $237.30
Youth Pricing $199 pp
Dueling Pianos only $40 pp **
Gala Dinner Sat only $100 pp
Dueling Pianos only $40 pp **
Gala Dinner Sat only $100 pp
Interact/Rotaract - Saturday only (9-5, no dinner) $25.00 pp
** There are 2 Options to purchase additional Dueling Piano tickets for friends and family.
1. When you register for the conference, you can add guests to your registration, to attend the Dueling Pianos only, or,
2. You can provide your friends and family the following link to go in and purchase their own tickets
Link to Dueling Pianos - TICKET PURCHASE
Registrations may be cancelled up to and including April 17. A $50 administrative fee will be retained.
House of Friendship
The House of Friendship is our Rotary-style expo—where clubs showcase projects, fundraisers, and fellowship, and sponsors share their products. Think of the House of Friendship as the heartbeat of the Conference. It's the hub of connection, conversation, and collaboration; the perfect place to learn, share, and build relationships.
Tables are $50 each, maximum 2 tables.
Register and pay for your table now. Applications close April 27, 2026.
BOOK YOUR HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP TABLE HERE
Speakers
Ms. Louisa Horne DG 2019-2020
Rotary Club of Halifax Harbourside (Rotarian)
Rotary Club of Halifax Harbourside (Rotarian)
Louisa is an educator, entrepreneur and business leader. A former geologist, teacher, certified business coach, and Chief Academic Officer of national educational companies, Louisa is now an independent Management Consultant (CMC), specializing in leadership development and strategic thinking.
Mr. Chris Koch "If I Can"
Motivational Speaker (If I Can)
The limitations we face in life are often the ones we place on ourselves. Chris Koch’s
inspirational “If I Can” presentation is about making the most out of life, with a focus on
appreciating what we have instead of worrying about what we don’t.
inspirational “If I Can” presentation is about making the most out of life, with a focus on
appreciating what we have instead of worrying about what we don’t.
Chandra Crowford
Olympian
Pursuing Excellence & Championing Inclusive Communities Speaker: Chandra Crawford (Olympic Gold Medalist), Experience a powerful blend of humor and heart as Chandra Crawford shares her real-life tools for overcoming obstacles and pursuing your own path to excellence.
Tareq Haddad (Peace by chocolate)
Award-Winning Entrepreneur | Advocate for Peace
Tareq Hadhad is telling his story. He was a Syrian refugee and now
living his new life with his entrepreneurial family in Canada’s east coast.
He is the founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate, and most recently
been recognized as one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada by
Atlantic Business Magazine.
living his new life with his entrepreneurial family in Canada’s east coast.
He is the founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate, and most recently
been recognized as one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada by
Atlantic Business Magazine.
Keynote Speaker: Chandra Crawford (Olympic Gold Medalist), Intersection of elite performance and the urgent mission to build inclusive, welcoming communities
Agenda
Celebrate Rotary, Connecting Communities, Leading with Purpose
Agenda Subject to Change
| Friday, May 1 | Kick-off & Celebration The afternoon is dedicated to reuniting with friends before we officially launch the weekend. Presidents-elect in person learning sessions will be held in the afternoon |
| 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
House of Friendship: Setup & Move-in
Stop by and pick up your name tag! Exhibitors and clubs prepare their displays for the weekend |
| 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Conference Registration Open
Stop by and pick up your name tag! |
| 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
District Governor’s Welcome & Dueling Pianos Party
Let’s start the weekend with high energy, music, and Rotary fellowship! Vibe Check: Friday night is all about being comfortable and ready to move! Dress is casual, so come as you are. We'll have a delicious spread of appetizers for purchase, and a cash bar will be open to keep the spirits high while the pianos are playing! |
| Saturday, May 2 |
Inspiration, Impact & Celebration
A full day of learning and connection, building momentum toward our signature evening gala. |
| 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM |
Networking & House of Friendship Open
|
| 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM |
Ready, Set, Rotary: The Weekend Starts Now!
People of Action, People of Fun: The Official Start! |
| 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM |
The DG Playbook: Plotting the Path
District Governor Manon Leading with Heart and Hustle |
| 10:50 AM – 11:50 AM |
Plenary Session: Leading with Authenticity, Courage, and Purpose
Louisa Horne, member of the Rotary Club of Halifax Harbourside |
| 11:50 AM – 1:00 PM |
The HOF Hangout & Midday Munch
Networking luncheon & House of Friendship Open |
| 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM |
Rotary Reimagined: Local Heart, Global Muscle
International President Representative Address |
| 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM |
The Return on Investment: Changing the World One Drop at a Time
Tim Schilds, Board Member The Rotary Foundation (Canada) |
| 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM |
Fellowship & Refreshment Break
Stretch your legs and visit the House of Friendship one last time for the day. |
| 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM |
Plenary Session: Humour, Honesty, and Unstoppable Positivity
Speaker: Chris Koch ("If I can"), A high-energy afternoon session to recharge and refocus. |
| 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM |
District Governor’s Inspirational Message
|
| 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM |
The Glamour Timeout: Refresh, Rest, and Get Radiant
Networking Break / Dinner Preparation |
| 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM |
Major Donor Reception (By Invitation Only)
|
| 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
Sparkle & Socialize: The DG’s Evening Welcome
The Toast of the District: Pre-Gala reception with DG Manon |
| 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM |
Light up the Night: Gala
District Awards, Rhythm, and Rotary Impact. A celebration of our collective impact followed by a night on the dance floor. This isn't just a dinner; it’s an experience where we celebrate our "People of Action" by becoming "People of Light!"
Saturday Night (Light up the Night: Gala): A touch of light! Wear your best and add a glowing accessory (lights, neon, or sparkles) to help us brighten the room.
|
| Sunday, May 3 | Vision & Excellence |
| 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM |
The Morning Spark: Coffee at the House of Friendship
Start the day with fellowship and networking |
| 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM |
Breakouts: The Rotary Action Plan: Recharged & Ready
No boring PowerPoints here! Just real talk, real feedback, and real action for the year ahead. |
| 9:40 AM – 10:30 AM |
The New Chapter: Visioning & Beyond
Get an exclusive first look at the roadmap for the year ahead as we introduce our District Governor-Elect, Darcy Mykytyshyn |
| 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM |
A Celebration of Life & Connection Memorials and Celebrations
Pause in memory for the Rotarians we have lost this year, and celebration impact |
| 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Pursuing Excellence & Championing Inclusive Communities
Speaker: Chandra Crawford (Olympic Gold Medalist), Intersection of elite performance and the urgent mission to build inclusive, welcoming communities |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM |
The Strategy Social: Bites, Breakthroughs, and Big Ideas
Networking luncheon & House of Friendship Open |
| 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM |
Leadership, Compassion, and the Power of Community
Speaker: Tareq Haddad (Peace by Chocolate), Powerful vision of the impact that is only possible because of the lessons learned in adversity |
| 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM | From Inspiration to Impact: The Grand Finale & Ringing of the Bell |
DISCON 2026: The "Know Before You Go" Checklist
| What to Pack: The DISCON 2026 Style Guide |
| Friday Night (Dueling Pianos): Casual & Relaxed. Jeans and your favorite Rotary t-shirt are encouraged! |
| For our daytime sessions, we're keeping it Business Casual. Think comfortable, professional, and ready for action! It’s the perfect time to sport your favorite Rotary pin or club gear while we dive into the playbook for the year ahead. |
| Saturday Night (Light up the Night: Gala): A touch of light! Wear your best and add a glowing accessory (lights, neon, or sparkles) to help us brighten the room. |
| Arrival & Registration |
| Location: Pidherney Event Centre, 4725 43 Street Red Deer, AB |
| Registration Desk: Opens Friday at 4:00 PM. Stop by first to pick up your name tag , you’ll need your name tag for entry into all sessions and meals! |
| Parking: Ample free parking is available on-site at the Event Centre. |
| Food & Drink |
| Friday: Complimentary appetizers are included and a cash bar will be available. |
| Saturday: Starts with a networking coffee moment to get the ideas flowing, buffet lunch and a Gala Dinner are all included. A cash bar will be available. |
| Sunday: Starts with a networking coffee moment to explore ideas together and a buffet lunch |
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| Wi-Fi: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue so you can post your "People of Action" moments in real-time. |
| Business Cards: Bring plenty! Between the House of Friendship and the conference you’ll be making a lot of new connections. |
| Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and a light sweater or jacket, conference rooms can sometimes get a little chilly when the brainstorming heats up! |
Accomodation Options
Holiday Inn & Suites Red Deer South, 33 Petrolia Drive Red Deer, 403-348-8485
- Booking Link: Rotary District Conference- May 1-3, 2026- Holiday Inn & Suites Red Deer South
- Distance to Pidherney Centre: 6.4 kilometers 11 Minutes
Holiday Inn Express 50 Ave, 2803 50th Ave Red Deer, 403-343-2112, (Breakfast included)
Holiday Inn Express Red Deer North, 6433 Orr Drive Red Deer, 587-457-5851 (Breakfast Included)
- Booking Link: Rotary District Conference- May 1-3, 2026- Holiday Inn Express Red Deer North
- Distance to Pidherney Centre: 5.7 kilometers 10 Minutes
Campground
- The Westerner Park RV Resort (south end of Red Deer) has a year-round campground.
- No overnight parking in the Pidherney Centre Parking lots as per Red Deer City Bylaws.
- https://www.westernerpark.ca/rv-resort/
Home Stay - We are also looking at the possibility of Home Stay Hospitality at Rotarians Homes - stay tuned for more information.
No overnight parking (RV or camping, etc.) in the Pidherney Centre Parking Lot as per Red Deer Bylaw.