We hope we can answer some common questions about our learning experience for you on this page.
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All are welcome to attend the Empire Multi-District President-Elect Learning Seminar (MD PELS). The program is designed specifically for Presidents Elects, President Nominees, Assistant Governors in Rotary District 7120 and Area Representatives in CNY Rotary, but the content is great for any member who wants to learn more about Rotary. We also welcome leaders from outsideof our districts who are unable to attend their local PELS.
The clubs in the two host Rotary districts (7120 and CNY) all pay for their President Elect (PE) to attend, so there is no charge to PE's upon registration. Assistant Governors are also covered to attend.
The registration fee will vary from year to year, but is generally around $300 for the full weekend. Depending on speakers and the schedule of events, sometimes portions of the weekend are opened up for more guests with special pricing (like just a dinner with a great keynote). A new Future Leaders program will also provide less expensive access to a key portion of the weekend for a peek into the kind of support and guidance we provide to incoming club leaders, instilling confidence in becoming a leader.
In addition to registration, we offer discounted hotel room rates, which typically expire 30 days before the event. With our current venue at the Syracuse Marriott Downtown, our room block rates are a significant discount from the typical weekend rate. An incredible value for the luxury of this historic hotel!
For the 2026-27 event, rooms will be $179/night plus tax.
For the 2026-27 event, rooms will be $179/night plus tax.
If you have not yet identified your club's President Elect (PE) or they are just not available the weekend of our training (March 6-7, 2027), anyone else from your club can go in their place. Your club has already paid for this training, so we encourage every club to send someone to PELS. The speakers, networking and Rotary education that is offered is valuable for anyone in your club, from the current president, to a board member, or even a brand new member who wants to learn more about Rotary. Immersing yourself in Rotary for a weekend is extremely rewarding and fun, so do not let the opportunity pass you by!
If someone other than your PE is attending in their place, have that person register with the Club Representative ticket to attend in their place.
No, your hotel reservations must be made separately. We encourage anyone coming from out of town to stay at the hotel so you are part of the oganic late night and early morning networking that happens as people make meaningful personal connections.
We have arranged for an excellent nightly rate that expires about a month before the event (as most room blocks do!). You will not want to miss this, so pay attention to the invitations to get a room with our unique booking link when it is ready.
Clubs should consider reimbursing their leaders for this added expense when possible. Ask if your club will cover this for you.
Anyone experiencing financial hardship should reach out us through the contact form to explore options for support.
This is a great question and something we hear often, as we know it's more and more common for someone to serve as Club President more than once, which we call being an "Encore President."
The great thing about PELS training is that it is different every year. Each year we conduct a survey and use the responses to improve the next year's event. We also invite in different speakers, incorporate different topics, and of course there are always new things to learn about Rotary as we continue to evolve and work to stay relevant in our communities.
The great thing about PELS training is that it is different every year. Each year we conduct a survey and use the responses to improve the next year's event. We also invite in different speakers, incorporate different topics, and of course there are always new things to learn about Rotary as we continue to evolve and work to stay relevant in our communities.
Even if you've been before and you think you know all you need to know, the networking alone is worth the trip!
If you really are not interested in attending again, consider sending someone else from your club in your place. Your club has already paid for this training, so take advantage of it! We're sure there is someone in your club who would enjoy hearing speakers from Rotary headquarters, sharing meals with 160 other club leaders, and connecting with district leaders that can be a resource to you in the future.
Yes please! Your club may have already paid for you to attend, but we still need to know exactly who is coming and we want to be sure to have a name badge ready for you at check-in. Pay attention and do not wait to sign up. That's helpful to the fellow volunteers who help plan this big event!
Still have a question?
Reach out to us for personal assistance so we can make your PELS experience top notch!