YOUR PRESIDENT YEAR STARTS HERE
You Said Yes.
Now What?
Let’s make sure you’re ready.
Real preparation for a year that matters
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport
Saturday – Sunday: 10am – 10pm
LET’S BE HONEST
You didn’t say yes to this role so you could guess your way through it.
Most incoming presidents walk in with good intentions and a long list of questions. What matters. What doesn’t. What actually works.
PELS is where that gets real.
This is not a weekend of lectures. It is a practical, honest look at what it takes to lead a successful Rotary club.
You will leave with clarity, confidence, and a plan you can actually use.
This Is Where It Begins
James D. Boyle
PELS OPCOM CHAIR
Lindsay Knight
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR
WELCOME TO PELS 2027
As an incoming Club President, you will be part of a phenomenal learning activity with hundreds of other Club Leaders stretching from The Pacific Northwest United States, Western Canada and Alaska.
Through the collective efforts of District Governor-Elects in 9 different Districts, along with highly qualified Learning Facilitators and an experienced Operating Committee, you will find an environment created for you and your classmates where you can gain practical insights, share ideas, explore best practices, build valuable and long-lasting relationships, and develop skills to lead and inspire your club members.
Whether you are a relatively new Rotarian chosen to lead your club in the coming year, a seasoned Rotarian, or an “encore” (second time) club president, you have an opportunity to select from a variety of tailored-made learning sessions specifically designed for your needs and level of experience.
The Pacific Northwest Presidents-Elect Learning Seminar is one of the largest and most highly recognized learning activities within the Rotary organization. Our goal for you as President-Elect is to have you come away with the ability to make a lasting impact for your Rotary club and each of its members while also realizing a dramatic improvement within yourself. Enjoy the upcoming journey.
We are glad you are here.
2027-2028 District Governors and PELS Operating Committee
Nobody Tells You This
LEADERSHIP IS A VERB
WHAT YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH
WHAT YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH
PELS isn’t about sitting through presentations and hoping something sticks.
Every learning experience is designed to give you practical tools, fresh ideas, meaningful relationships, and the confidence to lead your club from day one. You’ll leave prepared not only for your presidency, but for the leader you’re becoming.
LEAD WITH CONFIDENCE
Walk into your first meeting knowing where to begin. Gain the confidence to lead with purpose, communicate clearly, and make decisions that move your club forward.
LEARN FROM EXPERIENCE
Hear honest stories from Rotary leaders who have been in your shoes. Discover what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they had known before taking office.
BE READY FOR YOUR YEAR
Leave knowing what comes next, what resources are available, and where to turn when questions come up during your year as President.
PRACTICAL IDEAS
Take home ideas you can put into action immediately. Learn proven approaches from clubs that have faced the same opportunities and challenges as yours.
INSPIRE YOUR CLUB
Learn how to engage members, develop future leaders, strengthen your club culture, and create meaningful experiences that keep people coming back.
FIND YOUR PERFECT DOG
Looking for a rare breed? Need help finding a reputable breeder? Wondering whether your dog can attend PELS? We have absolutely no idea. But you would be surprised how often we get asked.
BUILD LASTING CONNECTIONS
Meet Presidents-Elect from across the Pacific Northwest, Western Canada, and Alaska. The friendships and networks you build at PELS often become your greatest resource throughout the year.
GROW AS A LEADER
Your presidency lasts one year, but the leadership skills you develop can last a lifetime. PELS is designed to help you grow personally and professionally, both inside and outside Rotary.
KNOW WHERE TO TURN
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Leave knowing where to find resources, who to call, and where to get help when something unexpected comes up.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
SAVE THE DATES
PELS will return to the DoubleTree Inn at Sea-Tac for the next three years. Go ahead. Put them on the calendar now. Your future self will thank you.
2027 · February 19–21 |2028 · February 18–20 | 2029 · February 16–18
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Hotel, transportation, parking, arrival, check-in, and what you should know before leaving home.
→ GETTING HERE (Coming soon)
MEALS, GUESTS & MORE
Meals, guests, dietary needs, accessibility, and the practical details everyone eventually asks about.
→ EVENT DETAILS (Coming soon)
YES, WE HAVE AN FAQ
From serious questions to surprisingly specific ones, chances are someone has asked it before.
→ EXPLORE THE FAQ (Coming soon)