August 2024 – my very first experience attending a Toastmasters International Convention. I was like a wide-eyed toddler wandering through a toy shop for the first time. Whew, I was overwhelmed. If you thought Toastmasters meetings were quick and action-packed, wait until you get hit with the energy of a Toastmasters convention. That’s exactly what happened to me. What a fiesta!
I could not wait to reach the venue in Los Angeles. The 100-year special edition made this convention especially significant. When I arrived the evening of August 16th, the fiesta was well underway–shining bright with all its colors! Events and sponsor booths vied for my attention. District 101 being recognized and crowned “President’s Distinguished ” this year was the cherry on top!
The first event I attended was the Region 1 gathering (District 101’s region), where the Toastmasters International Presidents awarded the outgoing Region Advisor with accolades for keeping the region buzzing throughout the year. The sheer number of districts (20 to 30) in each region is breathtaking. There is an average of 500-1000 members per district, which gives you an idea of how many Toastmasters are in our region. The room, let alone the entire conference, was bustling with Toastmasters, analogous to a gathering of Minions in Gru’s basement in Despicable Me. Being at the right place at the right time, I was given a coin for attending the convention for the first time.
In addition to educational sessions, I attended a Pathways training presentation and witnessed the new software in action. No more of the novice user interface where Toastmasters must meander in different directions with little guidance. Having been a Vice President of Education (VPE) trainer for District 101 on several occasions, I felt the new Pathways user interface would save me time from having to create short training videos for newbies on navigating the Toastmasters.org and online Pathways site. This transformation was just what I was looking for. TI, please let us know as soon as it becomes available!
How could you miss the on-site Toastmasters store which was decorated in Anaheim attire? There were a lot of keepsakes at the convention: a teddy bear with an Anaheim t-shirt; DTM / Toastmaster member / club officer pins adorning numerous jackets. The best part was being able to use Toastmasters district credits to buy fiesta items at the Toastmasters store.
Evenings were colorful with some light events like sing-alongs and dances for people to unwind. The highlight of the event was the International Speech Contest on the last day of the convention. I felt like I was in a speech tasting event (like wine tasting) and had to provide my opinion on the best new flavor (best new International Speech Champion). Like all other pageants, the World Champion of Public Speaking from the previous year gets to crown the new winner! The champion then basks in the glory for a whole year and gets invited to a lot of clubs. It is a treat!
This year, eight speakers prepared and delivered their inspirational, personal, or informational masterpiece on stage. One common element was the intention to influence the audience with their style of delivery. The winner of this 2024 convention presented a speech titled “37 Strangers”, which I first felt was a strange title. But when the speaker Luisa Montalvo appeared on stage in a wheelchair and began to speak, things slowly became obvious. She was referring to the people who helped her regain life after an accident. She rightfully presented a tribute to all the frontline workers who helped her when she was at the lowest point in her life.
The icing on the cake was the additional time spent with my Toastmasters colleagues and friends and getting to know them better. The laughs, smiles, and eye-rolls were all worth it. The last evening of the convention was something to die for! It was the Presidential Ball. Women were dressed in glittery gowns and men in tuxedos. The food was exquisite and the dessert would send you to heaven!
I couldn’t get enough of the dance floor after dinner and the delight of starting another Toastmasters year sent my spirits soaring that night!
If you get a chance to attend a Toastmasters International Convention, do not think twice! Jump right in and you will pat yourself on the back for investing in yourself!! Fiestas are always better in groups, and this one has speaking as its key ingredient!
Priya Shastri DTM,
Saratoga Big Basin Toastmasters Club