Celebrating a Century at the 2024 International Convention

This year’s International Convention will transport you back in time to the 1920s—a roaring era of economic prosperity, cultural change, exuberant optimism, and Dr. Ralph C. Smedley. Take a trip to Southern California, where the first Toastmasters club meeting was held in 1924. Join fellow members from around the world for a centennial celebration and take part in a heritage of convention highlights, including Opening Ceremonies, the Golden Gavel Award Presentation, the World Championship of Public Speaking®, and more.

This dazzling four-day event will take place in person in Anaheim, California, or attendees can enjoy an online portion that will be livestreamed and On Demand. Be inspired by expert speakers and valuable education sessions, take time to network with other members, immerse yourself in Toastmasters history, and enjoy a 1920s-style formal dinner/dancing during the President’s Celebration. 

Keep reading to find out how you can make this year’s convention a milestone to remember.

Experience Convention Online

The convention will be a hybrid event. Attendees will have an option to experience the event live online or On Demand after the event has concluded. The online convention experience can be accessed from any internet-connected device, including your phone, tablet, computer, or TV.

Livestreamed events will be in real time; check the agenda where they are listed in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)/Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). On Demand replay will be available by end of August. Once On Demand, recorded program events will be available with unlimited access to online attendees.

Opening Ceremonies

Don’t miss the highly anticipated convention kickoff on August 14, featuring the popular Parade of Flags, an empowering keynote presentation, and an introduction of the 2023–2024 Board of Directors, as well as the candidates for the 2024–2025 Board of Directors. This long-standing event showcases the truly international spirit of the organization.

Keynote Speaker

Shawn Ellis is an American motivational speaker whose focus is resilience and adaptability. He has more than 20 years of leadership and business experience, and offers tips to help individuals, leaders, and teams succeed in a world full of change.

In his upcoming book, Mastering the Moments, Ellis lays out a path to resilience, growth, and fulfillment. He also hosts The Better Life Better Business Podcast. Ellis’s keynote session is titled “Mastering Real-World Resilience and Adaptability.”

Golden Gavel Award Presentation

Lisa Sun is the recipient of the 2024 Golden Gavel Award. As an entrepreneur, Sun founded the inclusive clothing brand Gravitas in 2012 with a mission to boost women’s confidence. The company’s origin story dates back to her first professional review, where she was told that she “lacked gravitas,” and “should go buy a new dress, big jewelry, and great shoes.”

Sun is also a professional speaker and the author of the national best-seller Gravitas: The 8 Strengths That Redefine Confidence. She says she has always had a passion for style, inclusivity, and helping people look and feel their best. Prior to founding Gravitas, Sun spent 11 years as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company.

Read more about Sun in this Toastmaster magazine profile.

Convention Education Sessions and Speakers

This year’s convention is putting the spotlight on networking and connecting with fellow members, while exploring Toastmasters International’s rich history. In that spirit, listen to a panel of Past International Presidents recap some of the organization’s historic highlights and milestones in the education programing and growth around the world.

Other education sessions include a focus on negotiating conflicts in your clubs and beyond, and a Road to Leadership—an enlightening conversation that will explore the importance of leadership roles.

Toastmasters History Panel

Neil Wilkinson, DTM, Past International President 1993–1994, will moderate a panel of Past International Presidents as they discuss Toastmasters’ last 100 years, including its major milestones, how Smedley started the organization, as well as how it has evolved and how it has stayed true to Smedley’s vision.

Panelists will include: Tim Keck, DTM (1999–2000), Ted Corcoran, DTM (2003–2004), Dilip Abayasekara, DTM (2005–2006), and Pat Johnson, DTM (2010–2011).

Toast Talk Sessions

Hear three back-to-back 18-minute sessions, all designed to enhance your Toastmasters journey. Experienced Toastmasters will give informative talks on how they market the organization to guests, onboard new members, and engage and retain all members. Learn more about their experiences and how you can do the same in your club. Stay tuned for additional details to be announced soon.

Toastmasters Through the Years Exhibit

This in-person exhibit will have you journeying through 100 years of Toastmasters history. Explore how the organization has evolved over the years, from a group of men in a basement meeting room in Santa Ana, California, to a global powerhouse in 148 countries. Attendees will be able to view artifacts, understand how the organization grew and expanded, watch a video that highlights events and milestones, and talk to various leaders.

New Leadership

Your vote counts! Elect 2024–2025 International Officers and Directors and vote on important issues that guide the future of the Toastmasters International organization at the Annual Business Meeting on Friday, August 16. You can learn about the candidates for international office in the Candidate Showcase event on August 15.

World Championship of Public Speaking

Experience the thrill as eight finalists, representing different parts of the world, compete for the top honor in the 2024 World Championship of Public Speaking. The semifinals take place on August 15: four separate contests with seven speakers each. The top two from each contest advance to the championship held two days later. Find out who is representing your region in the semifinals!

Accredited Speaker Program

The 2024 Accredited Speaker Program will be conducted as a hybrid event from Anaheim, California. Each candidate will have the option to present onsite from Anaheim or online from their home country. Candidates for the designation speak on a specialized topic in their field; those who attain the title combine expert knowledge with mastery of the spoken word. The candidates give their final presentation before the judges at the convention.

Visit the Toastmasters website to learn more about the Accredited Speaker Program.

Mix and Mingle

It wouldn’t be a Toastmasters convention without the networking and socialization! When you’re not busy watching speeches and listening to education sessions, make sure to check out these social activities below. Most require a ticket, so you’ll need to make your selections while registering.

Social activities include:

• A 1920s-style formal dinner and dancing in celebration of the new International President.
• Engaging with other members via a new centennial history book, including many pages to capture signatures and memories of your time with fellow Toastmasters.
• A gathering of first-time convention attendees.
• Networking lunches.
• Toastmasters Marketplace.
• Smedley Fund Eras of Exercise Experience.
• The Sing-Along, a favorite convention tradition started in 1992 by Past International President Ted Corcoran, DTM, of Ireland.

Events and information are continually being updated; visit the website to view the agenda.

Ready to register? You’ll meet a global network of Toastmasters during this special convention where you can learn, connect, and commemorate the organization’s centennial. To start the celebration, use #CelebrateToastmasters 100 on your social media channels.

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