State Convention, June 12-13-14, 2026
Features Next Year's Int'l. President

Mark S. LyonHere’s your red-white-‘n’-blue opportunity to go one-on-one with next year’s international president for Lions. Mark S. Lyon, our current international first vice president (FIVP) makes a final stop before heading off to the International Convention (LCI-CON) in Hong Kong where he will be installed as Lions 2026-2027 international president.
Less than two weeks after the MD21 state Convention in Phoenix, FIVP Lyon jets off to the Orient to begin his role as the association’s “first Lion” and to encourage us all to support his vision for the new year. Here’s your opportunity to hear first-hand his vision, to go one-on-one with him about the future of Lionism, and to ask your burning question.
Whether at the town hall dinner Friday night, the Saturday luncheon or dinner, or at one of the hospitality suites both Friday and Saturday nights, it’s your opportunity to ask him, “What’s up? And what are your plans for building our Association?”
Get a preview of the new Lions year on June 12-14 at the state convention. Click Below to download the registration form and be one of the first ticketed to meet the gentleman from Connecticut who will be leading this association of 1.4 million volunteers in service.
Special events reign as we feature Lion Mark throughout the weekend: attending the Council meeting Friday afternoon or the casual dinner that evening featuring a Town Hall event in which he’ll answer questions asked directly by you, the Lions of Arizona. We’re planning to “live” stream the event – much like the political town hall events of election years.
On Saturday, FIVP Lyon will be the keynote speaker for the Convention Luncheon. Seating is limited for the luncheon, but we’ll open the room to Leos and Lions for the featured presentation about 1:00pm. Throughout the day, join in workshops, including one led by FIVP Mark (to be announced later). A one-on-one visit with Leos during their afternoon workshops is planned, plus Lion Mark will join us for the Saturday evening semi-formal dinner where he’ll present the International Presidents awards amid the patriotic weekend’s festivities, entertainment and dancing.
Parting comments will include his visits to district cabinet meetings on Sunday, plus a “Challenge” to next year’s Council at the closing session that morning. 
All-in-all, it will be a fast-paced, fun event featuring next year’s international president PLUS a lot of special activities all three days. For more details, check out the registration form and the Convention outline. And don’t forget to bring your club banner and dress for Flag Day (June 14) in your most patriotic attire.
See you there!

June 12-13-14, 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton, Phoenix/Mesa

Registration FormREGISTER SOON: June 12-13-14, 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 1011 W. Holmes Avenue, Mesa (near Hwy. 60 and Alma School Road).
CLICK HERE to download the State Convention Registration Form;  early registration ends May 20, 2026.
See below for program information.
For information on advertising in the souvenir program book, contact Lion Becky Fassett at 727-243-5725 or by email: BSFL72@gmail.com
Room Reservations: Negotiated convenvention rate is $109.00 plus tax per night ($124.56) and you must make your room reservation online or with the hotel before 11:59pm on May 20, 2026.
Do not wait; should you wait and want a room after May 20, you will pay the current rack rate (if any rooms are available). Make your own hotel arrangement either online or call the hotel (480-833-5555); group code Lions. Cancellation fees may apply.
Should you need to cancel a room reservation after the May 20 deadline date, please contact MD-CT Linda Finley prior to cancel at 602-999-5797 or email: amigorose@aol.com. There may be a wait list of Lions and she may be able to assist and transfer your room reservation to another Lion.

June 12-13-14, 2026
Convention Program Highlights