Registration is open; please get in touch with your DGE (District Governor-Elect) for more information regarding how to register.
Countdown to PETS 2025
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Why Attend Southwest PETS?
Rotary President-Elect Training Seminars (PETS) are essential events for incoming Rotary Club Presidents to prepare for their year of service. As club presidents-elect prepare to lead and guide their club, PETS provides an incredible opportunity to learn their role and work with others to set goals.
PETS is more than leadership training. It’s an experience – and for many Rotarians, it’s one of the most memorable and inspiring experiences of their Rotary careers! You’ll have the opportunity to meet Rotary International leadership, hear from great speakers and celebrate your district’s efforts to change our world!
Southwest PETS is a partnership of 11 Rotary districts encompassing five states. The first multi-district PETS established in the United States, today it has the distinction of being one of the largest multi-district PETS in the country!
This inspiring and informative seminar exposes Presidents-Elect to the latest trends and techniques in the operation of a Rotary Club. The PETS experience is also a wonderful opportunity for great fellowship and networking with over 600 Presidents-Elect from throughout the Western United States!
This website will assist in your preparation for PETS and can also be used as a resource at any time.
Building Future Rotary Leaders!
Leadership Training & Development
The PETS Training Team has developed a diverse curriculum based on its considerable experience and on the feedback received from previous attendees. The training is aimed specifically at giving practical information and best practices to prepare incoming Presidents for their year of service to their Club. Also during our meal sessions, we are treated to some of the very best speakers in the Rotary world.
Every year this unique PETS experience transforms those selected to lead their Clubs, giving them the knowledge and confidence to lead with innovation and inspiration. PETS is a participation sport, the more you put in, the more you get out, and the more your Club will benefit.
Mário César Martins de Camargo
Rotary International President-Elect
Mario Cesar Martins de Camargo is business consultant to the printing industry and former director of Gráfica Bandeirantes, a printing company founded by his father. Under his leadership, he expanded the company to be a supplier of printed material for clients in Brazil and South America including Visa, Ford, Volkswagen, and Microsoft.
De Camargo attended military school and graduated from a high school in St. Paul,
Minnesota, during a youth exchange program. He did a yearlong internship at MAN Roland, a printing press manufacturer in Offenbach, Germany, before earning his undergraduate degree at the Fundação Getulio Vargas School of Business Administration in São Paulo. He also received his law degree from the School of Law of São Bernardo do Campo.
He has led numerous professional associations, including as president of the Brazilian Association of Printing Technology (ABTG) and the Brazilian Printing Industry Association
(ABIGRAF). He was also delegate director of the Federation of Industry of the State of São Paulo (FIESP) in the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), vice president of FIESP, and vice president of the Latin American Confederation of the Printing Industry (Conlatingraf). He received the Printing Leader of the Americas award from the Printing Association of Florida and the Global Presidential Print Award from NPES, The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies.
De Camargo joined Rotary in 1980 at the age of 23. A past director and trustee, De Camargo will be the fourth Brazilian to serve as president of RI. He has also volunteered for numerous international roles including as RI learning facilitator, Zone Coordinator for the Avoidable Blindness Taskforce, Latin American Coordinator for the Health Problems Taskforce, RI president’s representative, and delegate to the Council on legislation. He has also served on committees including the RI Membership Development Committee, The Rotary Foundation Programs Finance Committee, and the International PolioPlus Committee.
De Camargo says Rotary global reach never ceases to impress him. “With Service Above Self, Rotary has created a unique global identity that is unlike any other I know,” says Camargo. “I think we all need to remember that we belong to an organization that opens up the world to us.”
During COVID lockdown in 2020, De Camargo took on two projects: studying for (and passing) the bar exam—38 years after attending law school — and learning Italian. He also enjoys reading history and biography books and appreciating good wine.
De Camargo is a recipient of The Rotary Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award. He and his wife, Denise, are Level 3 Major Donors and Benefactors of The Rotary Foundation.
Welcome to Southwest PETS 2025!
Congratulations to all those Rotarians chosen by their clubs to serve as president in 2025-26. You are about to embark on one of the most challenging chapters in your Rotary career – but as everyone will tell you, certainly one of the most rewarding years you’ll ever experience in Rotary!
Presidents Elect Training Seminars – better known as PETS – is a Rotary-created program designed to provide incoming presidents with the knowledge and skills needed to lead their clubs and ultimately enhance our organization’s ability to impact our communities and our world.
It’s been said that everything great about Rotary starts and ends at the club level. Our presidents-elect are crucial to not only Rotary’s current success, but critical to its future. Building a positive club culture, growing the organization and providing opportunities for club members to impact the lives of others are just a few of the many responsibilities of a great club president.
Southwest PETS was the first multi-district PETS program launched in the United States and today is one of the largest. This year’s PETS will include 11 districts from throughout the Western United States representing over 600 Rotary clubs! We especially wish to welcome our newest attendees from Utah and Montana who are joining us for the first time.
PETS is more than leadership training. It’s an experience – and for many Rotarians, it’s one of the most memorable and inspiring experiences of their Rotary careers! You’ll have the opportunity to meet Rotary International leadership, hear from great speakers and celebrate your district’s efforts to change our world!
But your PETS training doesn’t start and end during the three days we meet in Los Angeles in February. Our Southwest PETS team has expanded and enhanced our website this year to include a comprehensive pre-PETS curriculum using the Rotary Learning Center, virtual classes on a variety to Rotary topics and a Tool Kit of helpful resources available year-round, including once you take office as your club president.
All of those serving on the Southwest PETS team are volunteers. Our only mission is to provide club presidents-elect the training, resources and support they’ll need to be GREAT ROTARY LEADERS!
We look forward to meeting you and working with you as you prepare for your year as president. Again, thank you for accepting a leadership role in Rotary – and we’ll see you in Los Angeles!
Bret McKeand
2025 Chair, Southwest PETS
Past District Governor, District 5495
Member and Past President of the Peoria North Rotary Club (Peoria, Arizona)
Connect In Calgary
Embark on an exhilarating journey of connection and inspiration at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary! Engage in riveting discussions, learn from distinguished speakers, and explore enlightening breakout sessions against the backdrop of Calgary’s picturesque beauty nestled amid the Canadian Rockies.
Fueled by friendship and a spirit of collaboration, exchange best practices, ignite innovative projects, and form lifelong connections with fellow changemakers from around the world.
Take part in this transformative, one-of-a-kind event and experience the Magic All Around at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada 21-25 June 2025.