Join us in Tucson for the 2021 Rotary Institute at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort on November 11-14, 2021. Time is running out to book your registration, meal plan, and your hotel room. This very special conference — our first in-person since 2019 — is adhering to all COVID-19 safety protocols, and proof of vaccination or confirmation of a negative PCR test within 72 hours will be required for all attendees.
We currently have a room block at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort that is 100% sold out. Demand to attend the 2021 Zone Institute has been strong all year, and we are very appreciative for your incredible support of this event!
For individuals that have reserved their seat at Institute, time is running out to purchase your meal package. Purchase of a meal package is required to participate in all of the general sessions, and is separate from all of the wonderful class reunions taking place off-site. Deadline for cancellation is Thursday, October 14, 2021. Purchase of a meal package is only $395 per person, and is required to attend the general sessions.
FAQ
Can we play golf or tennis?Shohag2021-09-29T18:42:23+00:00
Nestled into the Santa Catalina Mountains, Ventana Canyon is a lush desert oasis, with each scene more spectacular than the next. On a pristine 600-acre gated preserve, you’ll discover two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by architect legend Tom Fazio.
Click here to learn more about the Ventana Golf & Racquet Club.
The fee at present is $129. Clubs can be rented for $60 which includes a sleeve of six balls. Interest has been terrific, and we will be having a special golf experience on Sunday. To make a tee time, click here.
The resort also has an excellent tennis facility with several championship quality courts. Court use is complimentary, and loaner rackets are available.
When is the deadline for cancellation with a full refund?Shohag2021-10-08T21:18:46+00:00
Our deadline for cancellations with a full refund is Thursday, October 14, 2021.
Will the event practice social distancing?Shohag2021-05-25T20:21:59+00:00
We have purposely limited registration to do all we can to provide the enjoyment of the wide-open spaces of Tucson, indoors and out. Of course, we will comply with all precautions and safeguards mandated at that time, if any.
When should I arrive?Shohag2021-05-25T20:22:22+00:00
As of July 1, 2021, if you will be a District Governor Elect or Nominee you need to arrive no later than Sunday November 7th. If you’ll be a District Governor at that time please arrive no later than Tuesday November 9th. For all others, we recommend no later than Thursday November 11th, but why not come earlier or stay later and enjoy the resort?
Why are there different dates to arrive?Shohag2021-05-25T20:22:44+00:00
The Big West Institute is November 11th to 14th. The Institute focuses on how we can “Look to the Future and Grow Rotary” with general and breakout sessions, keynote speakers, Governor Class reunions and a whole lot more. The beginning of the week is the training classes for those in line to become a Governor.
What is the weather like?Shohag2021-09-07T23:13:25+00:00
Average temperature during November is a high of 74°F/23°C and a low of 48°F/9°C.
What is the attire?Shohag2021-09-30T00:32:15+00:00
Desert casual, no need for fancy dresses, neckties and the like. However, we do have two special events:
Thursday night is our International Mix and Mingle and you are encouraged to wear a hat or outfit representing a favorite country you have or wish to visit.
Saturday night is our gala and introduction of our incoming Governors. Think of Bourbon Street and the sounds of New Orleans playing as they are ushered into the ballroom. It will be a festive event and we would like attendees to wear a mask! Not the kind we’ve been wearing for a year, but New Orleans style Mardi Gras mask! Please bring your own or pick from a selection that will be available at the resort. Men: Desert casual, slacks. Ladies: Casual cocktail attire with Mardi Gras theme.
Is there a meal package?Shohag2021-07-01T18:39:32+00:00
Our meal package will include Thursday night’s Mix and Mingle which will offer various International food stations, hors d’oeuvres, beverages; Friday breakfast and lunch; Saturday breakfast, lunch and the gala. The package is $395 and will be available in early July. Purchase of the package is required to attend general sessions and the gala. Purchases of individual meals will be considered on a case by case basis only.
Will there be a golf cart or some other transportation available at the resort?Shohag2021-09-29T22:13:06+00:00
Absolutely! The staff members at the Loews Ventana Canyon are more than happy to assist any guest needing transportation within the resort.
Will there be vendors and a photo studio?Shohag2021-09-30T01:50:38+00:00
There will be vendors at our House of Friendship along with project showcases. There will be photography throughout the event, group, and class pictures on Saturday afternoon.
Will there be any free time?Shohag2021-05-25T20:51:50+00:00
But of course! We’ll adjourn early Saturday afternoon and you can have all day Sunday before departing Monday. Or arrive a couple of days earlier!
I’ve heard the Institute is closed to new registration, is that true?Shohag2021-05-25T20:52:40+00:00
Sort of! If you register today you’ll see a message that you will be put on a waiting list. Do not despair! As cancellations occur, and they will, you will move up that list and hopefully able to attend. At this point (May 23) there are very few on this list, so register today to better your chances of success!
I’ve also heard that the resort is sold out?Shohag2021-05-25T20:53:02+00:00
This is true. There is also a waiting list here for rooms to open up. We have made arrangements at a neighboring resort, The Lodge, for a limited number of rooms and recommend the Westin La Paloma, which is about 5 miles from the resort. If you wish to be put on the Loews waiting list please contact Bill Emslie emslie.bill@gmail.com to do so, letting him know your desired arrival and departure dates.
Will there be transportation provided from the Tucson airport to Loews?Shohag2021-09-07T23:06:57+00:00
Generally, not. However, if we have a large group arriving on the same flight we may provide a shuttle. The airport is 22 miles from Loews, about a 45-minute drive. Uber charges about $50 for the trip.
VIP Taxi has offered a special $50.00 flat rate to/from Tucson International Airport and Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. Download the coupon and show it to your driver, and you will be charged the flat rate. When you arrive at the airport, you can take the first VIP Taxi you see at the Airport Taxi Stand. Again, a digital copy of the coupon is required to be eligible for this special flat rate.
Who do I contact with any media inquiries?Scott Carr2021-08-11T21:31:25+00:00
For any media inquiries, please be sure to contact Scott Carr and Steve Lingenbrink.
Is a COVID-19 vaccination required for all attendees?Scott Carr2021-10-08T21:19:21+00:00
Given our support of vaccines and the priority we place on health and wellbeing, we ask that every attendee be fully vaccinated before traveling to Tucson. If you are not fully vaccinated, a negative PCR test within 72 hours will be required.
What is happening with class dinners?Scott Carr2021-09-29T23:03:58+00:00
The Past District Governor Class Dinners are a tradition of Zone Institutes, where past district governors are able to re-connect with their classmates. Below are the classes attending and planned venue for each dinner, as well as a link for connecting with each class coordinator.
| 2005-06 | Commoner & Company | Contact |
| 2007-08 | Trattoria Pina | Contact |
| 2008-09 | Risky Business | Contact |
| 2009-10 | Private Home | Contact |
| 2010-11 | Mini Time Machine Museum | Contact |
| 2011-12 | Pinnacle Peak | Contact |
| 2012-13 | Union Public House | Contact |
| 2013-14 | HOA Clubhouse | Contact |
| 2014-15 | Mini Time Machine Museum | Contact |
| 2015-16 | Tucson Country Club | Contact |
| 2016-17 | 3 Canyon Beer and Wine Garden | Contact |
| 2017-18 | El Charro Café-Ventana | Contact |
| 2018-19 | Locale Neighborhood Italian | Contact |
| 2019-20 | Hacienda del Sol | Contact |
| 2020-21 | El Charro Café-Oro Valley | Contact |
| 2021-22 | Reforma Modern Mexican | Contact |
| 2022-23 | Contigo Latin Kitchen | Contact |
| 2023-24 | Ventana Lodge Bar and Grill | Contact |