2025 District 26 Annual Conference

Theme: Step Up - Conquer New Heights and Elevate Your Voice!

Location of Event:

Great Wolf Lodge, 9494 Federal Drive, Colorado Springs, CO  80922

Schedule of Activities

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience of personal and professional growth at the District 26 Annual Conference.   Push your physical and mental boundaries as you embark on the epic climb up the Manitou Incline, with 2,768 steps that test your endurance and reward you with breathtaking views.
But the real challenge?  Stepping up to express your voice with confidence and mastery.
This year’s conference isn’t about the climb — it’s about taking your storytelling and speaking skills to new heights.  Every step you take is one closer to mastering the art of delivering unforgettable messages!
Join us for an unforgettable experience where you’ll challenge your limits and amplify your voice at the annual District 26 conference.

Friday, May 2  – Great Wolf Lodge, 9494 Federal Drive, Colorado Springs, CO  80922

Explore our regular District 26 website for detailed descriptions of our activities, accompanied by photos:
– Open Mic Night
– Humorous Speech Contest
– Humor Workshop
– Pre-Conference Manitou Incline
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10:00 AM

Great Wolf Lobby

Pre-Conference Adventure   |  Manitou Springs Incline Challenge

Meet in the Lobby for carpooling to site.   

 

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

White Pine Ballroom

First-Timers

 

 

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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5:00 PM to 7:45PM

Tables in Pre-Function Area

Attendee Check-in at the Conference Registration Desk

 

 

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Stage in White Pine Ballroom

Briefing – Humor Contestants & Sergeants-at-Arms

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5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Tables in Pre-Function Area

Welcome Reception with Heavy Hors d’oeuvres, Coffee, Hot Tea, Water + Cash Bar

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5:15 PM to 6:00 PM

Northwest Territories A

Briefing – Contest Officials (Judges, Ballot Counters, Timers)

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6:00 PM to 7:45 PM

White PIne Ballroom

Humor Workshop presented by:

Darren LaCroix, AS    | 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking

Introduced by Kirsten Weiss

 

 

  Audience Handout  

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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8:00 PM to 9:45 PM

White Pine Ballroom

Humorous Speech Contest

Join us for an entertaining evening brimming with laughter! Get ready to enjoy a plethora of chuckles as the winners from each of the seven Divisions showcase their original, family-friendly humor speeches, demonstrating exceptional oral communication skills.

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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10:00 PM to 11:00 PM

White Pine Ballroom

Open Mic Night – Hosted by Darren LaCroix, AS, WCPS

Are you a dazzling commentator, a belting singer, a side-splitting stand-up comic, or a poetic wordsmith? Perhaps you rock out on an instrument? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just jamming for fun, swing by our District 2025 Conference Open Mic Night and let your talents shine!

Cash Bar Party at Open Mic Night – Sip, Sing, and Shine!

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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10:00 PM to 12:00 PM

Northwest Territories A

Hospitality Suite

 

 

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

Saturday, May 3 

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7:00 AM to 8:45 AM

Pre-Function Area

Welcome  |  Check-in   |  Silent Auction   | Speaker Tables

 

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7:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Pre-Function Area

Coffee, Hot Tea and Water

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7:45 AM to 8:00 AM

Pre-Function Area

Banner  Parade Line-up

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8:00 AM to 9:15 AM

White Pine Ballroom

Step UP Opening Ceremony –  

Banner Parade   |   Posting of Colors  |  Surprise Opening

  •  District Director, James Gable, DTM – Welcome Message and Recognition of current District Executive Committee Members
  • Program Quality Director, Ruth Prentice, DTM
  • Club Growth Director, Kim Angell – Presentation of Club Ambassador Awards

Step UP Close

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9:30 AM to 10:15 AM

White Pine Ballroom

Keynote Presenter, Luisa Montalvo | 2024 World Champion of Public Speaking |  “No Fear”

Introduced by her friend,  Sylvia-Ann Mareli

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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10:30AM to 11:15 AM

White Pine Ballroom

Keynote Presenter, Ed Tate    |    2000 World Champion of Public Speaking   | ” The Story Finder:  How to Create New Stories in Minutes”
Download handout

Introduced by Conference Chair, Pete Moyer, DTM, PDG

In this session, you will:

  •  Create a Conversation Starter: A 10-second micro-pitch that captures the attention of busy people in seconds!
  • Learn how to pitch your ideas, products, services, or yourself in 3 minutes or less!
  • Get buyers to put down their smartphones and pick up your
  • Rehearse your pitch in front of a live
  • Shark-Tank Proof Your Pitch: Get your buyers to say, “I’m in!” rather than “I’m out. “
  • Cause people to choose you over others!
  • And much more….

 

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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11:30 AM to 12:15 AM

White Pine Ballroom

Keynote Presenter, Darren LaCroix, AS  |   2001 World Champion of Public Speaking   |  “ALL IN!”

Introduced by Rich Hopkins, DTM

 ALL IN! HANDOUT

 

 

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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12:30 PM to 1:45 PM

White Pine Ballroom

LUNCH | Keynote  – District Director, James Gable, DTM

“The Leadership Journey – Your Tomorrow Starts Now”

Introduced by Program Quality Director, Ruth Prentice, DTM

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

White Pine Ballroom

How to Win a Speech Competition!

Featuring All 3 World Champions: Luisa Montalvo, Ed Tate, and Darren Lacroix, sharing how they won and how they help others to win

 

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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4:00 PM

Pre Function Area

Silent Auction Bidding Closes | Please pick up baskets and Pay by 5:00 PM

 

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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3:00 PM to 4;00 PM

Free Time 

 

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Stage in White Pine Ballroom

 Briefing – International Contestants and Sergeants-at-Arms

 

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Northwest Territories A

DTM Reception for all DTMs

The Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award signifies the pinnacle of educational success within Toastmasters. Join us in honoring and celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of the newly awarded DTMs. 

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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4:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Pre-Function Area

 Reception  – Network with Cash Bar

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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4:15 PM to 5:15 PM

Pre-Function Area - Round Open Area (South Side opposite of White Pine Ballroom)

Contest Officials (Judges, Ballot Counters, Timers) – International Speech Contest

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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5:15 PM to 5:30 PM

Pre-Function Area

Dignitary Line-up  – Ann Hill, DTM, IPDD – Coordinator

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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5:30 PM to 6:45 PM

White Pine Ballroom

Dinner

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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6:30 PM to 7:15 PM

White Pine Ballroom

First-Timer Drawing & Installation of Newly Elected District Officers

Outgoing and Incoming District Director Messages

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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7:30 PM - 9:45 PM

White Pine Ballroom

International Speech Contest

Will our first-place winner advance to become the next World Champion of Public Speaking? Join us in watching and cheering on the contestants as the champions from each of the seven divisions in the District present a five- to seven-minute speech on a topic of their choice. A video of the first-place winner will be submitted to Toastmasters International for the regional quarterfinals.

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10:00:PM to 12 Midnight

White Pine Ballroom

Hospitality Suite

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

Sunday, May 4

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8:00 AM to 9:15 AM

White Pine Ballroom

Breakfast with the World Champions

Welcome to this exclusive opportunity to socialize and engage with other
Toastmasters while learning from professional speakers who happen to be
World Champions of Public Speaking. This session will be unscripted and
unplugged, with the audience creating the agenda. Think of it as an “Ask
Anything” Q&A.

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.

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9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

White Pine Ballroom

Train the Trainers’ Extreme Course with Ed Tate

Download Workshop Handout

Discover practical, hands-on training methods that are suitable  for experts, beginners, and non-trainers. This session is designed
to empower you with the skills and knowledge you need to excel in your training roles.
During this Toastmasters session:
• Enhance trainee performance and achieve impactful
outcomes.
• Engage your audience throughout the entire training
program.
• Uncover the secrets, strategies, and techniques of top
trainers.
• Address common mistakes that often impede trainers’
success!
• Become the Training Phenomenon! Be the one that
attendees remember for days, months, and years.
• Motivate your audience to take action.
• Learn how to create engaging and interactive training
experiences.
• Discover a tool that enables you to design training
programs in just 10 minutes.
• Enjoy yourself, have fun, and much more…

Prepare you for your conference experience, educate you about our extraordinary district, provide the opportunity to meet and network with outstanding Toastmasters, and win a prize.