Preview the Exciting Speaker Lineup

Register for the Toastmasters International Convention, taking place August 22–25 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Choose from a variety of registration, add-on and special event options. Registration for access to the events Wednesday through Saturday, including the World Championship of Public Speaking, is 600. Alternatively, you can enjoy the VIP experience for 675. Toastmasters can also purchase a ticket to attend only the World Championship of Public Speaking for 75.

The annual International Convention is popular with Toastmasters from around the world, with thousands attending each year. Among many highlights, attendees will watch 10 finalists compete for the title of World Champion of Public Speaking on Saturday, August 25.

Featured Speakers

Keynote Speaker Steve Gilliland, CSP, CPAE
“Follow Me”
Author, businessman and celebrated speaker Steve Gilliland is a member of the U.S. National Speakers Association’s Speaker Hall of Fame. With a style that combines motivational speaking and stand-up comedy, he will share insights on how to make hard decisions, find ­creative solutions and motivate others.

Pat Johnson, Past International President
“Building and Sustaining Vibrant Corporate Clubs”
Pat Johnson, a seasoned executive and leader from Victoria, British Columbia, served as Toastmasters International President from 2010 to 2011 and now coaches people on becoming the most effective, authentic leaders possible. She will discuss the importance of thinking like a stakeholder when working with corporate clubs.

Sarah Khan, CC
“#BeginWithin”
Sarah Khan is a professional speaker and advocate who frequently presents on topics like “The Science of Communication Through Connection” and “The Art of Mindful Living.” During this presentation, she will share her story about how she learned to cultivate her inner courage through “practices of the heart.”

Lars Sudmann, DTM
“The Innovative Toastmaster”
Lars Sudmann is a public speaker and former CFO of Procter & Gamble Belgium who now advises businesses on leadership, strategy, innovation and communication. He will share practical strategies on improving leadership and communication skills. To learn more and read Sudmann’s article on “Creating a High-Performance Culture,” see page 22 of this issue of the Toastmaster magazine.

Johnny Campbell, DTM, AS
“Embracing the Winds of Change—Adjust Your Sails”
Author and Accredited Speaker Johnny Campbell’s expertise lies in dealing with and embracing change. He will provide pragmatic tips on how to build confidence and resiliency in the face of uncertainty.

Michelle Tillis Lederman
“How to Get What You Want: Influencing Others Into Action”
Michelle Lederman, recognized as one of the Top 25 Networking Experts by Forbes magazine, is an author and expert on workplace connections and relationships. She will teach you how to ask for what you want and share the three reasons people take action.

Eldonna Lewis Fernandez, ACS, ALB, AS
“Think Like a Negotiator—Ways to Create Win-Win Results”
Eldonna Lewis Fernandez is an expert negotiator, Toastmasters Accredited Speaker and United States Air Force veteran who worked for years as a contracts negotiator in the aerospace industry. She will discuss seven key strategies for negotiating with confidence to achieve results.

Mohammed Murad, Past International President
“Is Leadership for Me?”
Mohammed Murad is an entrepreneur and managing director of three companies who served as Toastmasters International President from 2014 to 2015. His interactive presentation will uncover the true meaning of leadership through the “5 Hs: Head, Heart, Health, Humility and Happiness.”