The Los Angeles Convention Center hosted the 99th annual Rotary International Convention, attended by more than 20,000 Rotarians from an estimated 140 countries. The convention generated more than $16.5 million to the local economy, according to Rotary International. There are more than 32,000 Rotary Clubs and over 1.2 million members—known as Rotarians—world-wide. It is a non-religious organization and open to all persons regardless of race, color or creed. The stated purpose of the organization is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

 “It is a momentous occasion for Angelenos when Rotarians from all over the globe join together in Los Angeles,” said Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Mayor of the City of Los Angeles. “We are honored and proud to host an organization dedicated to provide humanitarian service, encourage higher ethical standards and help build a better and safer world.”

The City of Los Angeles has previously hosted the Rotary convention twice; the first time in 1922 and the second in 1962. “It is well-known that Rotarians share a unique bond of working together toward a brighter future,” said Pouria Abbassi, P.E., CEO & General Manager of the Los Angeles Convention Center. “We at the Los Angeles Convention Center also share a similar bond with our clients, working together for successful events.”

 The Los Angeles Convention Center attracts over 2.5 million annual visitors and is renowned internationally as a prime site for conventions, trade shows and exhibitions. With its towering emerald architectural design, the LACC is a well recognized Los Angeles landmark. The Convention Center comprises a 347,000 square foot South Exhibit Hall, connected to 210,000 square feet West exhibit Hall by a two-story meeting room concourse bridging over Pico Boulevard. Kentia Hall located beneath the South Exhibit Hall can be converted into a parking area for 415 vehicles. Major Components include: 720,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, 64 meeting rooms totaling 147,000 square feet, a 299-seat presentation theater, three food courts, full-service Business Center and advanced fiber optics, power and data/network systems.