By Kevin Hidalgo, Key Club International trustee 

As we approach Key Club’s 100th birthday in March, questions start to pop up about celebrating an occasion this special. Do we make birthday cakes? Buy confetti? Throw a surprise party? While all these ideas are amazing, one answer stands out: Attend the 2025 Key Club International Convention in Orlando, Florida, U.S., July 2-6!  

It might seem daunting to get everything organized so you can attend, but the following steps will make the process as swift as the wind on a rollercoaster: 

  1. Identify your district. If you don’t already know what district your Key Club is in, don’t worry. Download our map of Key Club districts. 
  2. Go to your district’s website. During this year’s convention in Orlando, many districts will spend time in nearby theme parks. Check your district’s website to find information about registration, transportation, itinerary and pricing. Find the link to your district’s website here. If you can’t make it to your district tour or your club is not in a district, your club advisor can be your chaperone — or make plans to connect you with a chaperone once you’re in Orlando. 
  3. Plan fundraising. Talk to your club advisor about getting members to attend the convention. Set up a meeting to read through the Sponsorship Toolkit for fundraising ideas. After deciding which of the various tactics best fit your club, work with your club advisor and officers to set a date and organize the event. 
  4. Pursue partnerships. Local organizations and businesses can be partners and sources for fundraising. Make phone calls, send emails and create a detailed list of steps for your fundraiser. Key Club presidents should also speak to their sponsoring Kiwanis club to ask for funds. Find instructions in the Sponsorship Toolkit. The sooner you organize, the more time you’ll have to get members on board with attending the convention and supporting your fundraiser. 
  5. Advertise ASAP. Once you’ve organized a fundraiser, remind members at every Key Club meeting to attend both the fundraiser and the convention. Send out interest forms to them and hold meetings about why they should attend the convention. 
  6. Finalize the details. Once members have signed up to attend the convention and paid for registration, it’s time to finalize the details — such as how your club members will get to district meeting spots. 

 

I can’t wait to celebrate our centennial with you during the Key Club International convention. Pack your things — including your very best business professional outfits — and get ready for a week of service and leadership!