Spectacular First Toastmasters Conference

Over the last years, I interacted with dozens of Toastmaster Members through ‘Zoom’ video calls. Many people from BC, some from other provinces, or other countries. People i worked with during various contests, seen during trainings, online guest club visits, or while being an Area Director. I finally got to meet some of you in-person. It was refreshing seeing fellow Toastmasters somewhere other than on the computer screen.

As first time attending this Toastmaster event, I enjoyed the jam packed agenda with Inspiring Keynote Speakers, Educational Sessions, Lunches, and a Gala Dinner with Dance. The District Level Contests (Evaluation Contest, the Table Topics Contest, and the International Speech Contest) were a joy to witness. After all, the Contestants at the District Level already progressed through the contests held at their Club, their Area, and their Division. Meaning there was some serious talent. Everyone was in for a treat!

Among featured presenters was Accredited Speaker, Freddi Dogterom. There was Bob McDonald, Canadian Author and Science Journalist from CBC Quirks and Quarks. I had the huge honour of meeting the Incoming Toastmasters International President-Elect Aletta Rochat, DTM, who came all the way from Cape Town, South Africa! Aletta is an international speaker, trainer, and author. And ofcourse, I couldn’t resist getting a picture together … in front of MIA’s Banner. Not often an International President will visit a District Conference, given they go all over the world, but you know what, D21 located in BC is a special place and big things happen here! As the D21 Theme goes and in tune with what MIA stands for, RISE UP AND BE DISTINGUISHED!