2009-Present:
Embracing the Digital Age and Beyond

2016 – Toastmaster magazine website/digital edition launches

In October 2016, the Toastmaster reaches members and nonmembers alike in its first-ever web-based edition.

A computer and phone screen displaying a webpage

The Toastmaster magazine’s online landing page prior to its 2022 redesign

2017 - The Pathways learning experience

Toastmasters embraces the digital learning experience by introducing Pathways in 2017, and later by making it the official learning program of the organization in 2020. While the traditional, printed educational materials served the members well for decades, Pathways is customized to members’ professional and personal goals and reflects the most progressive concepts in instructional design and adult learning.

The original 11 paths in the Pathways learning experience

2018 – World Headquarters relocates

For the first time since its founding in 1924, Toastmasters is based somewhere other than Southern California when it moves to Englewood, Colorado (near Denver).

World Headquarters building in Englewood, Colorado

2018 – A milestone for the World Championship of Public Speaking^®

For the first time, all three winners of the World Championship of Public Speaking^® are women. Prior to announcing the results, 2018-2019 International President Lark Doley, DTM, tells the audience, “This is a historical achievement for our organization.” The winners (in descending order from first to third place) are:

Ramona J. Smith, of Houston, Texas
Zifang “Sherrie” Su, of Tianjin, China
Anita Fain Taylor, DTM, of Pembroke Pines, Florida

(left to right) Anita Fain Taylor, DTM, Ramona J. Smith, and Zifang “Sherrie” Su

2019 – An alliance with Rotary

In May 2019, Toastmasters International and Rotary International form a strategic alliance. The alliance helps Toastmasters members establish fellowship and new connections with Rotary members while contributing more to their own communities.

Rotary and Toastmasters International’s logos with blue background and hands holding in the air

Rotary and Toastmasters International’s partnership logo

2020 – Clubs move online

Before 2020, the Toastmasters experience was based on in-person learning and presenting. When the COVID-19 pandemic hits, members in most countries can no longer meet face-to-face. In March 2020, the Board of Directors votes to allow all clubs to meet online, and within a couple of months, most clubs are doing so. Districts hold online conferences in May and June, and in August, over 65,000 people register to watch the first-ever online Toastmasters International Convention.

Group of people smiling during a Zoom meeting

Toastmasters members host virtual club meetings during the pandemic in 2020.

2022 – Toastmasters ventures into artificial intelligence

At the 2022 International Convention, Toastmasters announces a partnership with Yoodli, a company that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help people improve their public speaking skills. Members can use the AI-powered coaching tool to receive instant feedback on their speeches.

2023 – Women leaders make history

For the first time in Toastmasters history, three women are set to serve as International President in consecutive terms. Morag Mathieson, DTM, of Moehrendorf, Germany, was inaugurated in 2023; followed by Radhi Spear, DTM, of Piscataway, New Jersey, in 2024; and Aletta Rochat, DTM, of Cape Town, South Africa, in 2025.