Frequently Asked Questions
- About PELS
- Registration & Payment
- Lodging & Accommodations
- Arrival & Check-In
- Event Schedule & Activities
- Special Features
- Dress Code
- Still Have Questions?
About PELS
Who should attend Far West PELS?
Far West PELS is designed specifically for Rotary Presidents-Elect and Assistant Governors.
For Presidents-Elect, it provides the essential preparation, tools, and network you’ll need to lead your club successfully during your year as president. For Assistant Governors, it can help you strengthen your leadership skills, understand your district’s vision, and build strong relationships with the presidents you will support.
Why should I attend PELS?
PELS is an important part of your Club President journey! It’s where you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make your year as president both impactful and rewarding. You’ll connect with peers from across multiple districts, learn proven leadership practices, and leave with a clear vision and action plan for guiding your club.
Finally, you’ll fulfill Rotary International’s requirement for all incoming club presidents to attend a district-sponsored presidents-elect training/learning seminar (2022 RI Manual of Procedure: Club Constitution, Article 11, Section 5c).
How do I get the most out of PELS?
Come prepared to participate fully — attend every session, engage with your small group discussions, and network with fellow Presidents-Elect and Assistant Governors. Complete the pre-event learning materials in advance, ask questions, and take notes you can bring back to your club. The more energy and openness you bring, the more value you’ll take home.
Registration & Payment
What is included in PELS registration?
Price includes your event registration, class materials / supplies, meals throughout the weekend (six total), Friday welcome reception, and your hotel room.
Who pays for my registration?
Rotary clubs typically include PELS registration fees in its budget. Please consult with your club board to determine if they will pay at time of registration, or if you should pay and seek reimbursement.
Do I have to pay at the time of registration?
Yes, payment at registration is preferred and usually made by credit card. If paying by check, notify the registrar. Most clubs reimburse at least the basic registration fee for Presidents-Elect. If you request a single-occupancy room, your room will only be confirmed once payment is received. If payment has not been made and the supply of single rooms is filled, your reservation will be converted to a shared room.
Why should I consider a shared room?
Sharing a room at PELS is a great way to build connections while being mindful of costs. Many lasting Rotary friendships begin at events like this, and a roommate gives you the chance to strengthen ties with another leader in your district. In addition, a shared room helps reduce expenses for your club, making it a win-win for both fellowship and budget.
I would like to share a room with someone I know who is also attending PELS. How do we ensure we have a room together?
At the time of registration, you will list the person you’d like to share a room with as your preferred. That person must also list you as their preferred roommate. We will not assign a shared room if only one party indicates they wish to share rooms.
Lodging & Accommodations
May I bring my spouse or partner?
No. Unfortunately, PELS is a business session for Presidents-Elect only, and we cannot accommodate partners.
May I stay at another hotel or other nearby accommodation?
No. All PELS participants stay at the event hotel, the DoubleTree San Jose Airport. Your guest room is included in the registration package, and there is not a separate option without lodging. Staying onsite ensures you can fully participate in the program, as the schedule is very full and does not allow extra time for commuting.
Can I book a hotel room to arrive before Friday?
Yes. Early arrival on Wednesday or Thursday is available for an additional cost, which you can select during registration. If you’ve requested a shared room, both roommates must be on the same arrival and departure schedule.
Arrival & Check-In
Is parking available?
Yes, but parking is limited. Arrive early or carpool. A discounted Rotary rate of $10/day is available with validation.
Where do I check-in upon arrival?
When you arrive, please check in first at the PELS registration desk (not the hotel front desk). Our staff will coordinate directly with the hotel to prepare your room and assign keys. You’ll receive your room key during your District meeting on Friday afternoon, and there will be time afterwards to settle into your guest room before the evening sessions begin.
Where do I get my hotel room key?
You’ll receive your hotel room key Friday afternoon during your District Governor-Elect meeting. Please do not check in at the hotel front desk.
Where should I keep my luggage before I get my room key?
Please leave your luggage in your car until after the DGE meeting. Time is allocated after your Friday afternoon session with your District Governor Elect (before dinner) for you to retrieve your luggage and go to your room. If you are not arriving by car, please coordinate with your District Governor Elect.
Event Weekend & Event Features
What kind of workshops and learning sessions will I attend?
Over the course of the weekend, you will experience inspirational plenary sessions, dive deep into learning breakouts, and interact and learn from your District, Zone, and Rotary International leadership teams. PELS is an action-packed weekend with a lot of variety of sessions to help keep the momentum and learning going.
What should I wear at PELS?
Daytime sessions call for casual chic or business casual attire, while evening dinner events are more formal with business or cocktail attire. For the professional photo booth, business attire is recommended. Since hotel ballrooms can be cool, we suggest bringing layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.
How are breakout groups assigned?
There are three types of breakouts you will participate in throughout the weekend:
- Core learning breakouts are assigned based on your role: President-Elect, Encore President, or Assistant Governor.
- District breakouts are assigned by your club’s corresponding district.
- Subject-specific Facilitated Discussions are selected at time of registration (or will be randomly assigned if the registrant does not select a subject). Each PE and AG can select up to two sessions.
Special Features & Extras
The Rotary Project Fair is like a House of Friendship, where you can connect with organizations to explore potential local and global project ideas your club may want to pursue during your term as Club President. The Rotary Project Fair opens 10:00am on Friday. Check the event schedule for full hours.
Are Rotary merchandise vendors onsite?
Yes! Multiple vendors will be on-site with apparel, pins, jewelry, awards, and much more. Our vendors Open Friday and Saturday from 8:00 AM.
What are Hospitality Suites?
Each District – as well as the Event Chair -- host a suite to allow Rotarians to mingle and network each evening of PELS. Each suite has its own theme or vibe, offers and it can be fun to visit all of them over the course of the weekend. Hospitality suites are open Friday and Saturday evenings after dinner.
Will there be a photographer at PELS?
Yes. A professional photographer will be on site offering participants the opportunity to purchase a professional headshot. Your professional headshot can be used for business cards, your club/district website, and more! The photo booth is open beginning at 8:00 AM on both Friday and Saturday. Business attire is recommended, and digital copies of your photo will be available for purchase.
In addition, an event photographer will capture candid moments throughout the weekend. General event photos are posted to an online photo album and shared on the Far West PELS website after the event.
Do I receive a certificate of completion?
Yes. Certificates are typically distributed at the final district session or are emailed after the event. This may be submitted to your club for reimbursement (if needed).
Your feedback is essential to helping us make PELS better each year. After each session—and again at the conclusion of the event—you’ll receive short digital surveys to evaluate speakers, sessions, and your overall experience. Taking a few minutes to complete these surveys ensures that your voice is heard and directly shapes future PELS programs.