2025 Convention Agenda

Agenda

Wednesday, August 20

Please note: All events are listed in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)/ Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -4.

8 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

Onsite Registration Desk Open

In-person attendees: make this your first stop to pick up badges, convention materials, and your pre-ordered #Toastmasters2025 Bag.

8–10 a.m.

Board of Directors Briefing

Hear the Toastmasters International Board of Directors share updates about recent decisions and the organization’s vision and strategies for the future.

10:30–11:30 a.m.

First-Timers’ Gathering

Be a part of this interactive session with a welcome to our first-time attendees of the International Convention by International President Radhi Spear, DTM, and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Rex. Learn how to make the best of your first convention while meeting fellow first timers and making new friends.

12:30–3 p.m.

Smedley Fund History on Wheels Tour

Step aboard a 90-minute historical experience as you tour Philadelphia’s iconic landmarks combined with a special tribute to the Ralph C. Smedley Memorial Fund®. This double-decker bus tour offers a unique opportunity to discover both local history and the legacy of the memorial fund. The ticket price includes a donation to the Smedley Fund, round-trip transportation, and a fully guided excursion from the comfort of your seat. Admission to the Smedley Fund History on Wheels Tour is by ticket only. Tickets can be purchased through the in-person registration process.

Note: Toastmasters International does not discriminate on the basis of disability, and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation in compliance with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

3–7:30 p.m.

Marketplace

The Marketplace is a one-stop shop where you can meet the international candidates, learn more about Toastmasters leadership roles, engage with the Ralph C. Smedley Memorial Fund®, network with sponsors, and shop the convention store.

7–9 p.m.

Opening Ceremonies and Keynote Presentation with Anne Bonney

Be there for the highly anticipated convention kickoff, featuring the popular parade of flags, a motivating keynote presentation with the spirited Anne Bonney, and an introduction of the 2024–2025 Board of Directors, as well as the candidates for the 2025–2026 Board of Directors.

9–9:30 p.m.

Meet Keynote Speaker Anne Bonney

Engage live and in person with the lively keynote speaker Anne Bonney in this unique networking opportunity.

9–9:45 p.m.

Global Celebration Reception

Come in your native dress or as you are and celebrate the opening of the 2025 International Convention with Toastmasters and friends from across the globe.

10 p.m.–12 a.m.

Sing-Along

Bring your unique talents to this grassroots attendee favorite that was started by Past International President Ted Corcoran, DTM, in 1992.

Note: This agenda is subject to change. Please check back often for exciting updates.

Thursday, August 21

Please note: All events are listed in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)/ Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -4.

7 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

Onsite Registration Desk Open

In-person attendees: make this your first stop to pick up badges, convention materials, and your pre-ordered #Toastmasters2025 Bag.

7–10 a.m.

Candidate Showcase

Learn about this year’s candidates for international office as they address convention attendees.

8 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

Marketplace

10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Concurrent International Speech Contest Semifinals

Cheer on contestants as they compete for a chance to advance to the World Championship of Public Speaking®. Each contestant will present an original five- to seven-minute speech and be judged by a panel of experienced Toastmasters. Learn more about the International Speech Contest.

Semifinal 1

Check back in July to see a list of all contestants who will be competing in Semifinal 1.

Semifinal 2

Check back in July to see a list of all contestants who will be competing in Semifinal 2.

Semifinal 3

Check back in July to see a list of all contestants who will be competing in Semifinal 3.

Semifinal 4

Check back in July to see a list of all contestants who will be competing in Semifinal 4.

12:15–1:15 p.m.

Toastmasters Lunches 1

Mingle with convention attendees while enjoying lunch. This event is by ticket only, purchased during the registration process.

1:30–2:30 p.m.

Concurrent Education Sessions

Choose from one of four dynamic education sessions, all happening concurrently and to be repeated once more in the timeslot immediately following this one. Session details coming soon.

2:45–2:30 p.m.

Concurrent Education Sessions Repeat

Choose from one of four dynamic education sessions, all happening concurrently. Session details coming soon.

4–5 p.m.

Road to Leadership

Join an enlightening conversation that will explore the importance of leadership roles. Check back soon for more details.

7–9 p.m.

Hall of Fame

This event is sure to get you on your feet! Celebrate Distinguished District successes and individual members’ accomplishments.

10 p.m.–12 a.m.

Sing-Along

Bring your unique talents to this grassroots attendee favorite that was started by Past International President Ted Corcoran, DTM, in 1992.

Note: This agenda is subject to change. Please check back often for exciting updates.

Friday, August 22

Please note: All events are listed in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)/ Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -4.

7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Onsite Registration Desk Open

In-person attendees: make this your first stop to pick up badges, convention materials, and your pre-ordered #Toastmasters2025 Bag.

8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Marketplace

8–9 a.m.

Golden Gavel Award and Distinguished District Recognition

This event will begin with the procession of the Distinguished Districts. Then, be inspired by the 2025 recipient of Toastmasters’ most prestigious award, the Golden Gavel. Watch as our organization honors an individual distinguished in the fields of communication and leadership. Learn more about the Golden Gavel Award and the historical list of distinguished honorees.

9–9:30 a.m.

Meet 2025 Golden Gavel Honoree

Engage live and in person with the 2025 Golden Gavel Recipient in this unique networking opportunity.

9:30–11:30 a.m.

Accredited Speaker Program

Watch as candidates for the prestigious Accredited Speaker designation give their final presentation before the judges. Check back soon to see a list of the 2025 Accredited Speaker Program candidates.

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Toastmasters Lunches 2

Mingle with convention attendees while enjoying lunch. This event is by ticket only, purchased during the registration process.

12:45–1:45 p.m.

Toastmasters Journey Workshops

Sharpen your skills as a Toastmasters club member and enhance your club experience with our Toastmasters Journey Workshops! Choose from one of four engaging workshops, each featuring three dynamic speakers delivering insights and strategies to support your growth. These workshops will all be happening concurrently and will be repeated once more in the timeslot immediately following this one. Workshop details coming soon—stay tuned for updates!

2–3 p.m.

Toastmasters Journey Workshops Repeat

Sharpen your skills as a Toastmasters club member and enhance your club experience with our Toastmasters Journey Workshops! Choose from one of four engaging workshops, each featuring three dynamic speakers delivering insights and strategies to support your growth. These workshops will all be happening concurrently. Workshop details coming soon—stay tuned for updates!

4–9 p.m.

Annual Business Meeting

Your vote counts! Elect 2025–2026 International Officers and Directors and vote on important issues that guide the future of the Toastmasters International organization.

10 p.m.–12 a.m.

Sing-Along

Bring your unique talents to this grassroots attendee favorite that was started by Past International President Ted Corcoran, DTM, in 1992.

Note: This agenda is subject to change. Please check back often for exciting updates.

Saturday, August 23

Please note: All events are listed in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)/ Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -4.

6–7 a.m.

Smedley Fund Sunrise Serenity Stretch

Wake up to the peaceful and rejuvenating experience of you and your peers being led through gentle stretches and mindful breathing to set a positive tone for the rest of the day! This group session is designed to awaken the body and mind of all fitness levels. You will receive a commemorative t-shirt, and 100% of your donation will go to the Ralph C. Smedley Memorial Fund®. The Smedley Fund Sunrise Serenity Stretch activity is by ticket only.

8 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Onsite Registration Desk Open

In-person attendees: make this your first stop to pick up badges, convention materials, and your pre-ordered #Toastmasters2025 Bag.

8–9:30 a.m.

Region Gatherings

Mingle with attendees from your region and celebrate the results of the Annual Business Meeting.

10–11 a.m.

Education Session

Check back soon for session details.

11–11:30 a.m.

Meet the Speaker

Engage live and in person with the day’s education speaker to get your questions answered or to learn more about educational content. Check back soon for details.

11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

Toastmasters Lunches 3

Mingle with convention attendees while enjoying lunch. This event is by ticket only, purchased during the registration process.

1–3:30 p.m.

World Championship of Public Speaking®

Experience the thrill as eight finalists compete for the top honor in the 2025 World Championship of Public Speaking®.

4–4:30 p.m.

World Championship of Public Speaking: Winner’s Showcase

Take the opportunity to congratulate the first, second, and third place winners of the 2025 World Championship of Public Speaking®.

6:30–7:30 p.m.

President’s Inauguration

Watch as newly elected International Officers and Directors are officially installed into office and welcome the incoming International President.

7:30 p.m.–12 a.m.

President’s Celebration

Join in the festivities of this celebratory event, which includes a formal dinner and dancing. Admission to the President’s Celebration is by ticket only. Tickets can be purchased through the in-person registration process.

Note: This agenda is subject to change. Please check back often for exciting updates.