Toastmasters International -Wide-Open Communication: 2026 Convention

A silver trophy for first place is in the foreground, with bingo cards, a ferry, and a Native American headdress in circular frames against a city skyline background.

Are you open to the many opportunities to improve yourself at the annual International Convention? Join your fellow Toastmasters in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, a city of expansive beauty and site of the 2026 convention, taking place August 19–22. With a theme of “Wide-Open Communication,” the four-day program will offer an exhilarating mix of educational and social opportunities.

Expand your knowledge and skills by attending education sessions and workshops, as well as the always highly anticipated World Championship of Public Speaking^® (and the semifinal contests leading up to it). In addition to learning from experts and top-rate speakers, take advantage of the chance to connect and swap ideas with members from around the globe. Don’t miss out on networking opportunities and Smedley Fund social events throughout your time in Vancouver!

Opening Ceremonies

The convention fun starts with the festive Opening Ceremonies. The popular, and moving, Parade of Flags will unfurl its display of pageantry and international spirit, where members from around the world, many decked out in native attire, carry the flags of their countries onstage in a colorful procession. Attendees will also be introduced to the organization’s newly elected Board Members and hear from this year’s keynote speaker.

Keynote Speaker

Psychologist and author Jody Carrington, Ph.D., will deliver her keynote presentation, “Decoding Emotional Intelligence,” after the Parade of Flags. Carrington has worked with Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, educators, and healthcare leaders, is the author of three books, and hosts her own podcast. Her talk will focus on how to better perceive, control, and evaluate emotions to allow for more impactful leadership.

Hall of Fame

Every year, the Hall of Fame program highlights the achievement of varied goals by Districts and members around the world. This year’s ceremony will mark the accomplishments of Distinguished Districts and individual members in the 2025–2026 program year. Districts are recognized as Smedley Distinguished, President’s Distinguished, Select Distinguished, and Distinguished. Presidential Citations are given to members who display dedication and exemplary service in their clubs or Districts, or at the international level.

2026 Keynote speaker Jody Carrington and 2026 Golden Gavel honoree Jennifer Moss

Golden Gavel Award Presentation

Jennifer Moss is this year’s recipient of the Golden Gavel Award, which is given annually to someone distinguished in the fields of communication and leadership. She will be delivering her speech, “Why Are We Here? Creating a Workplace Culture Everyone Wants.” A resident of Ontario, Canada, she has written three books on that topic and is cofounder of the Work Better Institute. In addition, she is a tech entrepreneur and syndicated radio columnist. Moss, who touts the value of gratitude and optimism, tracks workplace trends and focuses on how workplace culture can be revitalized in the wake of COVID.

Education session speakers Mariam Tariq and Joshua M. Evans

Education Sessions and Workshops

This year brings even more education sessions than recent conventions! Each day will begin with a general education session geared toward all attendees. On Thursday, AI expert Mariam Tariq will discuss using AI to craft pitches and presentations that attract new members. On Friday, workplace expert Joshua Evans will present tools to help you escape the grind of daily minutia and keep your focus on real purpose. And Saturday, come out to hear the Golden Gavel honoree, Jennifer Moss, offer her insights and perspectives on creating a healthy work culture.

On Friday afternoon, choose from one of two exciting extended learning sessions. Joel Schwartzberg, bestselling author and regular Toastmaster magazine contributor, will teach attendees how to simplify and sell a message regardless of field, background, or audience. Meanwhile, award-winning thought leader Dai Manuel, DTM, will motivate members to infuse new vision into club meetings.

Back by popular demand, Toastmasters Journey Workshops will be held concurrently on Friday morning. Participants will have six workshops to choose from, with each session held once in the morning and repeated later in the day. These workshops are geared specifically toward member and leader needs, and cover a variety of topics, including reviving struggling clubs, Speechcraft^®, branding, membership growth, speech contests, and Pathways tips.

Club Meeting Experience

For the first time, Toastmasters will be able to participate in a club meeting on the convention stage. Two speakers will have the opportunity to present to a worldwide Toastmasters audience and all meeting roles, including evaluators, will be selected through an application process. Table Topics^® speakers will be able to volunteer in the moment to practice their impromptu speaking skills. Don’t miss out on witnessing this exciting club meeting!

If you’d like to speak or serve in a meeting role, apply today.

The Marketplace and Toastmasters Central

Stop by the Marketplace throughout the convention to meet education session speakers, engage with our valued sponsors, learn about the Ralph C. Smedley Memorial Fund^®, and visit the Convention Store to stock up on Toastmasters merchandise!

New this year, and housed within the Marketplace, will be Toastmasters Central, a convenient setting where you can directly connect with other members, leaders, and the World Headquarters Team on a wide variety of Toastmasters topics. The Toastmasters Events App will have more details and specific times.

Education session speakers Dai Manuel, DTM, and Joel Schwartzberg

New Leadership

Every vote counts! This year the Annual Business Meeting will be held at the start of convention, on Wednesday, August 19. All Member Clubs and Delegates at Large will have the opportunity to vote in person or by proxy in the elections of the 2026–2027 International Officer and Director candidates. As a reminder, this year the Candidate Showcase will take place online before the convention.

World Championship of Public Speaking

Find out who will emerge as this year’s World Champion of Public Speaking as eight finalists compete for the title. The International Speech Contest Semifinals take place on August 20 in four separate contests, with two contests running at a time. Speakers representing different parts of the world will compete in each semifinals contest, and the top two from each one will advance to the World Championship of Public Speaking^®, held on August 21.

Accredited Speaker Program

Show your support as you listen to fellow Toastmasters give their final presentation in the Accredited Speaker Program. Three candidates will share their expertise in a subject as they speak to a live audience and panel of judges on August 20. The speakers who earn the Accredited Speaker designation will be announced at the World Championship of Public Speaking on August 21.

Experience Convention Online

If you can’t make it to Vancouver, or aren’t able to attend every session, you don’t have to miss out! As in previous years, nearly all convention events will be available for viewing online.

All events from the main stage will be livestreamed, allowing you to watch as they happen: Opening Ceremonies, Golden Gavel presentation, Annual Business Meeting, the Toastmasters Club Meeting Experience, and the World Championship of Public Speaking. Other events, such as the Toastmasters Journey Workshops, will be recorded and available after the event has concluded. All in-person attendees will automatically receive access to the online experience for 60 days when the event concludes.

You can access the online convention experience 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, including the International Speech Contest Semifinals, will be available soon after the event.

Socializing Opportunities

Throughout the convention, you will have the opportunity to network with others and make lasting memories. Don’t miss your chance to get to know fellow Toastmasters at these social activities. Many of these events require tickets, which can be purchased during the registration process.

Connect with others and learn tips for your first convention at the First-Timers’ Gathering.
Enjoy a meal with fellow members at the Toastmasters Lunches.
Form connections as you meet new people at the Speed Networking event.
Start your mornings with the Smedley Fund Morning Yoga.
Have fun as you play with fellow Toastmasters during the Smedley Fund Bingo Night.
Enjoy the views during the Smedley Fund Evening Harbor Cruise.
Welcome in the new International President with dinner and dancing.
Show off your singing skills at the sing-along, a convention tradition started by Past International President Ted Corcoran, DTM.

Convention Information

The convention will take place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and all events and activities will be in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)/Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -7, which is the local time in Vancouver. A time zone converter is listed at the top of each agenda page.

Be sure to follow the convention on social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Use the hashtag #Toastmasters2026.

Accessibility

The Vancouver Convention Centre follows all Canadian accessibility laws. Learn more here.

Toastmasters International Convention

August 19–22, 2026

Vancouver Convention Centre East

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Advance rates end July 26.

Don’t forget to purchase additional events during the registration process, including Evening Harbor Cruise, Toastmasters Lunches, Bingo Night, Morning Yoga, Legends and Sacred Ceremony, #Toastmasters2026 Bag, and the President’s Celebration.