Countdown to PETS 2025
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Please support the victims of SoCal Wildfires
A request from our Zone 26-27 Director
As you know, the Los Angeles area has been devastated by large fires that are burning out of control in several areas. Many thousands of homes have been destroyed, and tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated.
Our Rotary colleagues in the affected Districts – Districts 5280 and 5300 – have activated District Disaster Relief Funds to assist the victims of the fires. District 5280 (Los Angeles) has also created a Resource Directory and online spreadsheet for In-Kind Donations.
To access information and links to District 5280’s Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund and other resources, please click HERE.
To access information and a link to District 5300’s Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund, please click HERE.
Thank you,
Daniel C. Himelspach
RI Director 2023-25
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
2025 – 2026 Rotary Theme
“Unite for Good”
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.