2024 Convention Agenda

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Toastmasters International-Agenda

Agenda

Please note: All events are listed in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)/Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -7.

Wednesday, August 14

Session Color Key:

IP = In-Person
O = Online

Toastmasters Through the Years Exhibit

Journey through 100 years of Toastmasters history. Explore Toastmasters artifacts pulled from the archive at World Headquarters.

Wednesday — 8–10 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Thursday — 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Friday — 12–3:30 p.m.
Saturday — 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

8 a.m.

Online Convention Platform Opens

Familiarize yourself with the online convention experience before the livestream events begin.

8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Onsite Registration Desk Open

In-person attendees: make this your first stop to pick up badges, convention materials, and pre-ordered special items like the #CelebrateToastmasters100 Bag and the newly released hardcover Toastmasters history book.

8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Marketplace

The Marketplace is available to both in-person and online attendees. If joining in person at the Anaheim Marriott, the Marketplace is your opportunity to meet the international candidates, learn more about Toastmasters leadership roles, engage with the Ralph C. Smedley Memorial Fund^®, and shop the convention store. If you are an online attendee, the online Marketplace will be a must-visit to connect with convention sponsors and engage with Toastmasters online booths.

9:45–11:45 a.m.

Board of Directors Briefing

Hear the Toastmasters International Board of Directors share updates about recent decisions and the organization’s vision and strategies for the future.

1:30–2:45 p.m.

Toast Talk Education Sessions

Hear three back-to-back 18-minute sessions, all designed to enhance your Toastmasters journey. Stay tuned for engaging session information to be announced soon.

3–3:30 p.m.

First-Timers’ Gathering

Be a part of this interactive session with a welcome to our first-time attendees of the International Convention by International President Morag Mathieson, DTM, and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Rex. Learn how to make the best of your first convention while meeting fellow first timers and making new friends.

3:30–4 p.m.

Meet the Speakers

Engage live and in person with the day’s education speakers to get your questions answered or to learn more about educational content. Check back soon to see which speakers will be participating in this unique networking opportunity.

7–9 p.m.

Opening Ceremonies and Keynote Presentation with Shawn Ellis

Be there for the highly anticipated convention kickoff, featuring the popular parade of flags, an empowering keynote presentation with the renowned Shawn Ellis, and an introduction of the 2023–2024 Board of Directors, as well as the candidates for the 2024–2025 Board of Directors.

9–9:30 p.m.

Meet Keynote Speaker Shawn Ellis

Engage live and in person with keynote speaker Shawn Ellis in this unique networking opportunity.

9–9:45 p.m.

Global Celebration Reception

Come in your native dress or as you are and celebrate the opening of the 2024 International Convention with Toastmasters and friends from across the globe.

10 p.m.–12 a.m.

Sing-Along

Bring your unique talents to this grassroots attendee favorite that was started by Past International President Ted Corcoran, DTM, in 1992.

Note: This agenda is subject to change. Please check back often for exciting updates.

Thursday, August 15

Session Color Key:

IP = In-Person
O = Online

Toastmasters Through the Years Exhibit

Journey through 100 years of Toastmasters history. Explore Toastmasters artifacts pulled from the archive at World Headquarters.

Wednesday — 8–10 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Thursday — 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Friday — 12–3:30 p.m.
Saturday — 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

6:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

Onsite Registration Desk Open

7–10 a.m.

Candidate Showcase

Learn about this year’s candidates for international office as they address convention attendees.

9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Marketplace

Toastmasters International Speech Contest

Cheer on contestants as they compete for a chance to advance to the World Championship of Public Speaking^®. Each contestant will present an original five- to seven-minute speech and be judged by a panel of experienced Toastmasters.  Learn more about the International Speech Contest.

10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Concurrent International Speech Contest Semifinals

Semifinal 1

Check back in July to see a list of all contestants who will be competing in Semifinal 1.

Semifinal 2

Check back in July to see a list of all contestants who will be competing in Semifinal 2.

12:30–1:30 p.m.

Networking Lunch

Mingle with convention attendees while enjoying lunch. This event is by ticket only, purchased during the registration process.

Toastmasters International Speech Contest

1:30–3:30 p.m. Concurrent International Speech Contest Semifinals

Semifinal 3

Check back in July to see a list of all contestants who will be competing in Semifinal 3.

Semifinal 4

Check back in July to see a list of all contestants who will be competing in Semifinal 4.

3:45–4:45 p.m.

Road to Leadership

Join an enlightening conversation that will explore the importance of leadership roles. Check back soon for more details.

5–5:45 p.m.

Education Session

Check back soon for session details.

5:45–6:15 p.m.

Meet the Speaker

Engage live and in person with the day’s education speaker to get your questions answered or to learn more about educational content. Check back soon to see which speaker will be participating in this unique networking opportunity.

7–9 p.m.

Hall of Fame

This event is sure to get you on your feet! Celebrate Distinguished District successes and individual members’ accomplishments.

10 p.m.–12 a.m.

Sing-Along

Bring your unique talents to this grassroots attendee favorite that was started by Past International President Ted Corcoran, DTM, in 1992.

Note: This agenda is subject to change. Please check back often for exciting updates.

Friday, August 16

Session Color Key:

IP = In-Person
O = Online

Toastmasters Through the Years Exhibit

Journey through 100 years of Toastmasters history. Explore Toastmasters artifacts pulled from the archive at World Headquarters.

Wednesday — 8–10 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Thursday — 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Friday — 12–3:30 p.m.
Saturday — 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

6:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Onsite Registration Desk Open

7 a.m.–12 p.m.

Annual Business Meeting

Your vote counts! Elect 2024–2025 International Officers and Directors and vote on important issues that guide the future of the Toastmasters International organization.

11:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Marketplace

12–1 p.m.

Networking Lunch

Mingle with convention attendees while enjoying lunch. This event is by ticket only, purchased during the registration process.

1:30–2:30 p.m.

Golden Gavel Award and Distinguished District Recognition

This event will begin with the procession of the Distinguished Districts. Then, be inspired by the 2024 recipient of Toastmasters’ most prestigious award, the Golden Gavel. Watch as we honor Entrepreneur/Speaker/Author Lisa Sun and be inspired by her session, “Cultivating Courage: Reframe Results to Compel Action.” Learn more about the Golden Gavel Award and the historical list of distinguished honorees.

2:30–3:30 p.m.

Meet 2024 Golden Gavel Honoree Lisa Sun

Engage live and in person with the 2024 Golden Gavel Recipient Lisa Sun in this unique networking opportunity.

3–5 p.m.

Accredited Speaker Program

Watch as candidates for the prestigious Accredited Speaker designation give their final presentation before the judges. Check back soon to see a list of the 2024 Accredited Speaker Program candidates.

6–9 p.m.

District Leader Order Event (Invitation Only)

Admission to this event is by invitation only. Attendance is limited to current District Directors.

10 p.m.–12 a.m.

Sing-Along

Bring your unique talents to this grassroots attendee favorite that was started by Past International President Ted Corcoran, DTM, in 1992.

Note: This agenda is subject to change. Please check back often for exciting updates.

Saturday, August 17

Session Color Key:

IP = In-Person
O = Online

Toastmasters Through the Years Exhibit

Journey through 100 years of Toastmasters history. Explore Toastmasters artifacts pulled from the archive at World Headquarters.

Wednesday — 8–10 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Thursday — 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Friday — 12–3:30 p.m.
Saturday — 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

6:30–7:30 a.m.

Smedley Fund Eras of Exercise Experience

Watch and participate at your own level while two fitness instructors lead you and your peers through the most popular exercises of the last few decades. This special fit and fun event is another nod to the centennial celebration--an exclusive 100th anniversary attraction that also lets you give back to the organization and its heritage! All proceeds go directly to the Ralph C. Smedley Memorial Fund®. Don't miss it.

Note: Toastmasters International does not discriminate on the basis of disability, and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation in compliance with the U.S. Department of Justice's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

8 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Onsite Registration Desk Open

8–9:30 a.m.

Region Gatherings

Mingle with members from your region and celebrate the results of the Annual Business Meeting. Please note that you will be meeting with your 2023-2024 region first. We will then transition to meet with the newly aligned 2024-2025 regions.

10–11 a.m.

An Extraordinary History: Past Leaders Discuss 100 Years of Toastmasters

Join the prestigious panel of Past International Presidents, which includes Dilip Abayasekara, Ted Corcoran, Pat Johnson, and Tim Keck, as well as moderator Neil Wilkinson, as they guide you through Toastmasters International’s amazing heritage.

11–11:30 a.m.

Meet the Speakers

Engage live and in person with the prestigious panel of Past International Presidents, including Dilip Abayasekara, Ted Corcoran, Pat Johnson, and Tim Keck, as well as moderator Neil Wilkinson. Don't miss this unique networking opportunity to get your questions answered!

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Networking Lunch

Mingle with convention attendees while enjoying lunch. This event is by ticket only, purchased during the registration process.

1–3:30 p.m.

World Championship of Public Speaking

Experience the thrill as eight finalists compete for the top honor in the 2024 World Championship of Public Speaking^®.

3:45–4:15 p.m.

World Championship of Public Speaking: Winner’s Showcase

Take the opportunity to congratulate the first, second, and third place winners of the 2024 World Championship of Public Speaking®.

6:30–7:30 p.m.

President’s Inauguration

Watch as newly elected International Officers and Directors are officially installed into office and welcome the incoming International President.

7:30 p.m.–12 a.m.

President’s Celebration

Join in the festivities of this 100^th anniversary celebratory event, which includes a 1920s-style formal dinner and dancing; period dress is encouraged. Admission to the President’s Celebration is by ticket only. Tickets can be purchased through the in-person registration process.

Note: This agenda is subject to change. Please check back often for exciting updates.

Toastmasters International-2024 Convention