A Rotary District Conference or DISCON is a 2.5-day gathering for Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors designed to connect, inspire, and re-energize the Rotary experience.
It’s a time to build new friendships, reconnect with familiar faces, and engage with the core of Rotary—belonging and impact.
Members collaborate across clubs, share best practices, discover new project ideas, and learn from inspiring keynote speakers, often with international reputations.
Just as important, it’s a time to have fun—to let our hair down, celebrate together, and enjoy a memorable gala evening filled with camaraderie and laughter.
The conference also celebrates Rotary’s local and global impact, recognizes award recipients, and honors current and incoming club and district leaders, including a keynote address from a representative of the Rotary International President.
Your Inspirational Speakers
Louisa Horne - Leading with Authenticity, Courage, and Purpose
A Certified Management Consultant and former District Governor (2019-20), Louisa Horne is a Rotary visionary. She revolutionized leadership training through the TLC series and has led international exchange teams to Malaysia and New Zealand. Dedicated to building "irresistible," inclusive clubs, Louisa is a Paul Harris Fellow and renowned District Trainer.
Chris Koch - "If I Can" Humour, Honesty and Unstopable Positivity
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.
Chandra Crawford - The Baton, High Performance and What We Pass On
The Baton - high performance and what we pass On Speaker: Chandra Crawford (Olympic Gold Medalist), Experience a powerful blend of humour and heart as Chandra Crawford shares her real-life tools for overcoming obstacles and pursuing your own path to excellence.
Tareq Hadhad - Leadership, Compassion and the Power of Community
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.
Tim Schilds - One Drop at a Time
Tim has been obsessed with Rotary service since joining the Rotary Club of Dawson Creek in 1988.
Tim currently serves as the Lead Adviser on the Asic Education & Literacy Major Gifts Initiative, Endowment/Major Gifts Advisor for Region 35 and on the board of the Rotary Foundation (Canada)
Robert (Bob) Blacker - Rotary Reimagined: Local Heart, Global Muscle
A retired Pollice Inspector and dedicated Rotarian of 30 years, Bob is the visionary founder of the Write to Read Project, a literacy initiative launched in partnership with the Lieutenant Governor of B.C. His lifelong commitement to First Nations communities has earned him the Meritorious Service Medal and led to critical humanitarian efforts, including the recent development of the Rotary Fire Trailer project for wildfire-impacted regions. Bob is joining us from the Ricmond, BC, District 5040.
Interactive Think Tank
designed to ground the Rotary's Action Plan in real-world member feedback
No boring PowerPoints here! Just real talk, real feedback, and real action for the year ahead.
Our Interactive Sessions are designed to solve local challenges and give you a toolkit to grow your club’s impact.
Meet DISCON 2026 Facilitators
Increasing Our Impact with Tim Schilds, Major Gifts Initiative Adviser
Expanding Our Reach with Jeff Foss, District Membership Committee Chair
Enhancing Participant Engagement with Darcy Mykytyshyn, District Governor Elect
Increasing Our Ability to Adapt with Louisa Horne, Rotary Membership Coordinator for Zone 28
Social Events
Friday Night DG Welcome Party - Duelling Pianos
Van Walraven, the Godfather of Las Vegas Dueling Pianos, with his daughter, Avalon Walraven, will kick off the District Conference 2026 in Red Deer, on Friday night at 7:00 pm.
Saturday Night Dinner, Dance and Celebration - Light up the Night!
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.
What to Pack: The DISCON 2026 Style Guide
Friday Night with Dueling Pianos:
- casual & relaxed,
- jeans and your favorite Rotary t-shirt are encouraged!
Daytime Sessions:
- keep 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 Gala- 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
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!
Open again Saturday morning at 9:00 am
Parking:
Ample free parking is available on-site at the Event Centre.
Food & Drink
Friday:
Appetizers and snacks for sale, 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 breakfast to explore ideas together and a buffet lunch
FAQs
Can I invite friends to join us for the Duelling Pianos event?
Yes, you can either register and pay for them on your registration, or there is a link for them to register and pay for themselves on the Registration landing page.
Can I only attend for 1 day?
There is only a one - day option for our Rotaract Club members - $25. Does not include dinner.
Can I only come for the Saturday gala?
Yes, tickets are $100 per person. You can register through the registration link.
Boost Your Exprience
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!
OUR SPONSORS
Please join us in extending our deepest gratitude to our sponsors for their outstanding commitment and invaluable support in making this District Conference a resounding success.
LEADER SPONSORS
COMMUNITY BUILDERS
SUPPORTERS
