14 October 2014
LAS VEGAS: Ron D. Burton, the former President of Rotary International, has become the latest industry leader to join Business Events Sydney’s (BESydney) esteemed group of Ambassadors.
Mr Burton is still buzzing from the hugely successful 105th Rotary International Convention, held 1-4 June 2014 in Sydney, which outshone all expectations when it drew more international delegates than expected and attracted global attention for Rotary’s key cause, the worldwide eradication of the Polio disease.
“It is an honour! I am truly flattered to have been asked to tell the world about our great success,” said Mr Burton. “I have a story to tell about a group of people, a city, and a country that appreciated me and my organisation, and pulled out all of the stops to ensure our success. They shared their time, resources and lives with us, and truly rendered dedicated service.”
As one of the world’s largest annual meetings, the 105th Rotary International Convention attracted 19,653 participants from 153 countries to Sydney Olympic Park. This figure represented a marked increase in the 17,000 delegates projected by Rotary International in the months leading up to the convention.
“We are thrilled by Ron’s decision to join the ranks of our admired Ambassadors,” said BESydney CEO, Lyn Lewis-Smith. “The BESydney Ambassador Program engages with key representatives to provide intelligence, insight and influence in progressing international bid opportunities for the State of New South Wales. The initiative plays a vital role in raising Sydney’s profile as an international event destination and we happily welcome Ron to our family.”
Mr Burton will join BESydney at IMEX America to share his Sydney story. His presence supports BESydney’s commitment to the North American market, which continues to be a region of focus for the bureau. BESydney’s strategic decision to appoint Richard Yore to the position of Client Relationship Director – Americas earlier this year further demonstrates the value of this market to Sydney.
“Our local representation, together with strategies tailored to this market, will be critical to our success. Voluntary Sydney champions like Ron, who are eager to share their successes in Sydney with the world, only help to reinforce our value proposition,” said Ms Lewis-Smith. “A point of difference with our Ambassador program is the number of international representatives we have – currently standing at seven.
“Sydney truly does shine as one of the world’s greatest places to meet. And, with the new International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) on its way, there has never been a better time to talk to us about holding your next event in Sydney.”
Mr Burton said the greatest legacy of the convention in Sydney was the “buzz” that still surrounded the tremendous success of the event. “The co-operation we experienced with the Sydney authorities from top to bottom has set a standard for all future Rotary Conventions,” he said. “It won’t be easy for many to meet, but the standard is there.”
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. It connects 1.2 million members of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas.
