FVDG/DGE Training Program
The First Vice District Governor/District Governor-Elect (FVDG/DGE) Training Program is a year-long initiative that prepares FVDGs/DGEs with essential knowledge and leadership skills to support their districts and Lions International.
The format of the training program has undergone recent improvements which include self-paced online assignments, a new live virtual seminar, an expanded two-day in-person seminar at the international convention, and a vice district governor multiple district/single district workshop (VDG MD/SD) organized locally by multiple/single district Global Leadership Team (GLT) coordinators or Global Action Team (GAT) area leaders.
Please see the FVDG/DGE Program Overview for a view of the entire FVDG/DGE Training Program.
Below you will find detailed information pertaining to the FVDG/DGE Training Program and the international convention.
FVDG/DGE Virtual Seminar
DGE Seminar at Convention
Online and local learning
Resources
FVDG/DGE Virtual Seminar
Who: FVDG/DGE
When: February 2026
The FVDG/DGE Virtual Seminar is an interactive virtual learning experience designed for FVDGs/DGEs to connect with their peers, share insights and strengthen their leadership skills. This virtual seminar features inspiring presentations from the international first vice president, pre-assignments, and live virtual training sessions led by a group leader certified through the Lions Certified Instructor Program.
DGE Seminar at Convention
Who: DGE and spouse or adult companion
Seminar: Thursday, July 2 – Friday, July 3, 2026
Arrival: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Departure: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
DGEs and their spouse or adult companion will experience two days of engaging discussions, interactive learning, and inspiring presentations. Highlights include a photo opportunity with the incoming international president, motivational guest speakers, engaging activities and a special presentation tailored for DGEs' spouse/adult companion. The seminar concludes with the highly anticipated DGE Celebration Banquet.
Schedule
Know Before You Go Checklist
Onsite Experience
Travel visa
DGEs and their spouse/adult companion may need a visa to travel to the DGE Seminar at Convention. If you do require a travel visa, we encourage you to begin the visa application process as soon as possible. For more information visit the convention webpage.
Travel reimbursement
2025-2026 FVDG/DGE Seminar
2026 Travel Reimbursement Policy
2026 Travel Expense Form
Banking Information for Reimbursement of Expenses
Completed expense forms and receipts are due to [email protected] by the due date listed on the claim form in order to receive eligible reimbursements. No payment will be made if claims and supporting documents are received beyond 30 days past the due date.
Online and local learning
Along with the in-person and virtual seminar, there are online and local learning opportunities included the training program. FVDGs/DGEs are assigned a collection of eLearning courses via their custom learning path, and will participate in a joint workshop with the second vice district governors (SVDGs) in their area. Review the following to learn more.
Online assignments
FVDGs/DGEs will be assigned online assignments to complete throughout their year of training. The courses will be automatically assigned as they become available in the Lions Learning Center (LLC), which can be accessed through the Lion Portal. For further support, email [email protected] or view Lions Learning Center (LLC) access instructions.
VDG Multiple/Single District Workshop
Lions International provides resources and curriculum for multiple districts and single districts to conduct a joint workshop for second vice district governors (SVDGs) and FVDGs in their area. The instructor-led workshop is organized by multiple/single district GLT coordinators in consultation with the GAT area leaders.
Visit the Leadership Development Multiple District Grant Program webpage for more information.
Contact information
For questions, please use the contact information below.
Registration/Hotel Arrangements
+1 630-468-6914
[email protected]
Travel/Flight Arrangements
+1 630-468-7052
[email protected]
Travel Reimbursement
+1 630-203-3839
[email protected]
Seminar Program Content
+1 630-468-6857
[email protected]
Online Assignments
+1 630-468-7073
[email protected]
