Due to the sheer size of the State of Florida - and the distance that those participants from the Bahamas must travel - over half of the participants check in to the hotel on Thursday in preparation for the official start on Friday morning. In order to make the most of that, there are some very valuable optional sessions on Thursday afternoon. There is also a get-acquainted “Dessert” reception Thursday evening on the 27th floor of the hotel where we can view the nightly fireworks display from Disney World. Things start very early on Friday so attempting to come rushing in on Friday morning could make for a rough start to one's PETS experience.

During Rotary Florida PETS every district holds breakout sessions that are just for those Rotarians attending from the respective districts. There are more breakout sessions dedicated to the topics of club administration, membership, service projects and The Rotary Foundation. In those modules participants are mixed with other participants from other districts based upon the number of members in one's Rotary club as well as the Rotarian's possible previous participation in the Rotary Leadership Institute. There are also specialized sessions for assistant governors as well as those spouses for which an additional registration fee has been paid.

Every president-elect is assigned a group code (A-P) which designates which club-size breakout you are to be in when not in session with your district. That group code is also on your name badge. The agenda gives you the time and location of the entire PETS schedule, including the names of breakout rooms for all sessions.

There are four planned meals: lunch on Friday, dinner on Friday, breakfast on Saturday and lunch on Saturday. Each of these meals is considered part of the overall training due to the fact that very special guest speakers are brought in - from around the Rotary world - to share their Rotary experience and vision. Please don't make alternate plans during these periods. Again, remember, that in order for your spouse or partner to join you for these meals that person must be a registered participant at Rotary Florida PETS.

A word about menu choices at the four meal events: vegetarian meals are anticipated and will be accommodated. Any and all special menu restrictions beyond straight-forward vegetarian options need to be brought to the attention of your governor-elect, who will pass the request on to the Rotary Florida PETS operating committee. Please understand that all requests will be noted but the final capability to respond is limited by that of the hotel banquet department's capability to comply.

There is a House of Friendship that serves as the networking hub for the event. In addition to being "the place to be" when not in a session there are licensed Rotary vendors with tables and more tables of Rotary themed merchandise - so, bring your checkbook or your credit card and take back some bling for your fellow Rotarians to kick off the year in style in your club.

If this is your first Rotary event outside of your club, please know that there is a contingent of Rotarians serving as a special hospitality committee, called ‘the Palace Guard”. These individuals are prepared to assist you with anything from a simple question to an emergency request. Just look for the folks in the yellow vests!

Everyone always wants to know about expected dress. Like all Rotary training events this is similar to a business training seminar. Please dress comfortably, but professionally. Some of the meeting rooms tend to be a bit cool so it might be advisable to bring a sweater or jacket. It would certainly be appropriate, at the Friday dinner, for men to consider wearing a sport coat - and optional tie - while women should plan on attire suitable for a semi-formal business meal.