Communicators Connect at Convention 2026

Toastmasters 2026 International Convention took on the theme of “Wide-Open Communication” to emphasize members’ skill sets and the stunning scenery of Vancouver, Canada. The four-day event was packed with Toastmasters business, networking opportunities, education sessions, speech contests, and of course, fun. If you weren’t able to make it, or are looking to relive the experience, check out some highlights below.

World Championship of Public Speaking

The International Speech Contest, which starts at the club level, culminated at the 2026 International Convention with eight finalists on the World Championship stage. They had advanced from the 26 competitors in the semifinals the day before. The winners of the August 21 championship event:

Dirceu Da Silva of Rotterdam, Netherlands, claimed first with his speech “Best Decision Ever!”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-based Gurmeet Singh Gurcharan Singh took second with “Good for Nothing.”

Aaron Samson from Berkeley, California, captured third place with his speech titled “The Chain.”

The Golden Gavel Award

Jennifer Moss is the recipient of the 2026 Golden Gavel Award, Toastmasters’ highest honor. Moss, a Canadian, has made an impact in a variety of mediums: She is a workplace culture strategist, journalist, author, radio columnist, and tech entrepreneur.

In her thought-provoking presentation at convention, she recounted a period when her husband, Jim, contracted a harrowing illness and how that changed their lives. The experience altered her perspective on what was truly meaningful, spurring her to closely examine workplace culture. Moss speaks and writes extensively on the topic, and helps leaders strategize about how to improve their work culture and prevent employee burnout. She is the chief research and strategy officer at the Florida-based Global Wellbeing Group.

Learn more about Moss in this Toastmaster magazine profile.

Keynote Presentation

After the Parade of Flags at the Opening Ceremonies, psychologist Jody Carrington brought high energy and candor to the convention main stage, reminding attendees to find true connection with others. Through personal stories and her life experiences, Carrington inspired the audience to battle against the loneliness epidemic and find community with those around them and in their Toastmasters clubs.

She shared a quote from famed spiritual teacher Ram Dass, coauthor of Walking Each Other Home: Conversations on Loving and Dying, that truly encompassed her core message: “We’re all just here walking each other home.”

 

 

 

---

Accredited Speakers

This year, the 96th Accredited Speaker designation was presented to Eric Feinendegen, DTM, of Gurnee, Illinois. Professional speakers who earn the designation demonstrate public speaking mastery and expert knowledge in a subject. The program includes a two-level selection process, and candidates who advance to Level 2 present in front of an audience and panel of judges during the International Convention. In his speech “Don’t Send the Money,” Feinendegen shared tips on how to recognize financial scams and protect your money.

Learn more about the Accredited Speaker Program here.

Club Meeting Experience

Seventeen Toastmasters from across the globe participated in a club meeting hosted live onstage on Saturday, August 22. All meeting role participants and the two speakers and two evaluators applied ahead of convention for the opportunity to showcase the core Toastmasters experience. Four day-of volunteers participated in the impromptu Table Topics portion of the meeting, stepping up in front of the large audience. From convention first-timers to Past International Presidents, a 22-year-old Table Topics participant, and members from as far as Australia and Zimbabwe, this event represented the diverse and vibrant culture found in club meetings around the world.

Education Sessions and Events

This year featured an expanded lineup of education sessions, extended learning sessions, and Toastmasters workshops. The education sessions and extended learning sessions are available On Demand with unlimited viewing.

General Education Sessions

• Using AI to Craft Pitches That Attract New Members – Mariam Tariq
• Purpose or Perish: Leading With Meaning – Joshua M. Evans

Extended Learning Sessions

• Get to the Point! – Joel Schwartzberg
• Speak Outside of Toastmasters for Fun, Profit, and Club Building – Darren LaCroix

Toastmasters Journey Workshops

Building off last year’s success, additional workshops were added this year. Led by Toastmasters members, these sessions focused on topics pertinent to members and clubs.

• Club Resuscitation, Please!
• The Best of Speechcraft
• Mentorship Mastery
• Growing Practices
• Build Up Those Speech Contests!
• Pathways Maximized

Convention On Demand

Did you miss out on the convention sessions or events? Enjoy unlimited access to sessions and highlights for 100 USD by purchasing On Demand.

Don’t Miss Next Year!

The 2027 International Convention will be held in Paris, France, from August 18 through August 21.

Share this article