Held annually, the conference brings together Rotary members to learn more about what is happening in the district and meet other Rotarians in the area.

The conference will be hosted by the Rotary Club of Griffith, along with the city's other clubs - Yenda (welcome and farewell barbecues), Avanti (Showcase) and Griffith East (administration, Sergeant at Arms) - at Griffith Regional Theatre.

Conference chairman Ross Grillo said District 9700 included regional centres such as Bathurst, Orange, Blamey, Parkes, Forbes, Wagga and Cootamundra and many smaller towns in-between.

"One of the (district) clubs does it every year. I nominated Griffith," Mr Grillo said. "It's a big thing for the area.

"We're hoping to get 500 people."

The theme of this conference is "Women in Rotary: Be the inspiration".

"The conference is free of charge and we want as many non-Rotarians to attend as possible," Mr Grillo said.

"We've got some very good speakers."

District Governor John Glassford said preparations had been in the works since Mr Grillo approached him in 2016 with the offer to host.

"I had no choice but to agree to holding it in Griffith," Mr Glassford said. "I am so glad that I agreed ... the journey has been so rewarding.

"I would like to invite the people of Griffith to join us and be part of this conference, those in particular who may want to learn what Rotary does.

"We are not an organisation of retired old men eating out. Far from it.

"Women have been able to join Rotary for 30 years now. The percentage of women in our D9700 is 21; we must and can do better than this.

"We have 10 inspirational speakers over the three days. These keynote speakers will be supported by other speakers and presentation in our youth programs."

The conference program will commence with a conclusion - the finish of the Polio PARADE at the Griffith Regional Theatre.

The 1600km, 28-leg tour of the District's 40 Rotary clubs by one of the few functioning iron lungs left in the world was raising awareness of Rotary International's "End Polio" project to eradicate polio.

"Maggie" was on loan from Pioneer Park Museum.

The tour included a bike ride with a relay baton that will be presented to Rotary International World President representative Anne L. Matthews, from South Carolina, USA.

Mr Glassford extended his thanks to Griffith City Council for its support and extended an invitation to the people of Griffith.

"Come on down, but let us know if you are coming," he said. "Entry is free."

Friday

5pm: Polio PARADE finish, including welcome home for touring iron lung "Maggie"

6.30pm: Official opening by mayor John Dal Broi

Friday 7-8pm: Speakers Stephanie Woollard OAM (Seven Women), Patricia Garcia AO (United Nations)

Saturday

10.30am: Jane Mberia (Rotary in Kenya)

10.30am Nyadol Nyuon (from South Sudan to Melbourne barrister)

1.30pm: Tracy Ochieng (sponsored Rotary student from Kenya)

3pm: Rotary Youth Exchange student presentations

6.30pm: Dinner dance featuring Australian Military Band Kapooka and competitions, including best-dressed couple and a Charleston dance off.

Sunday

9am: The Elephant Whisperer, Jack Lanting, 17 (from Thailand via New Zealand)

9.50am: Grant Fowlds from the Rhino Project in South Africa

11.00am: The Real Schoolies, Rotary project in Nepal with year 12 students