district 117 toastmasters annual Conference

Chart Your Course

McKimmon Center, NC State University | Raleigh, NC

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May 29-30, 2026

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Chart Your Course

Honoring Our Legacy

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Opens January 2026

Guided by Values

Leading with Purpose

Join us for the District 117 Toastmasters Spring Conference 2026, a two-day leadership experience celebrating growth, connection, and purpose.

Honor Your Mentor

Submit a True North Tribute

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Lance Miller, DTM

KEYNOTE SPEAKER, WORLD CHAMPION OF PUBLIC SPEAKING

Top rated by 1000+ attendees

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★★★★★

We’re honored to welcome Lance Miller, 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking, to the District 117 Spring Conference!

With his trademark storytelling and heart-centered approach, Lance inspires audiences to lead with authenticity, courage, and conviction.

His keynote will challenge us all to rise, refocus, and rediscover the “why” behind our leadership.

(More speaker announcements coming soon!)

Transform Your Leadership Journey

World-Class Learning

Gain insights from Lance Miller's keynote address and participate in hands-on educational sessions designed for every skill level—from emerging speakers to seasoned champions.

CHART YOUR COURSE TO EXCELLENCE

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Championship Contest

Experience the thrill of District 117's International Speech and Evaluation Contest finals. Watch the best speakers compete and learn from their mastery.

Network & Connect

Build lasting relationships with fellow Toastmasters from across eastern North Carolina through structured networking and our elegant gala banquet.

Inspiration & Motivation

Leave a Legacy...and Honor One

Celebrate Excellence

Leave energized, inspired, and equipped with actionable strategies to take your communication and leadership to the next level.

Attend our last conference as the district covering Eastern North Carolina before merging into one state. Honor your mentors and others who have helped shape your Toastmasters journey.

Honor our Distinguished Toastmasters in the DTM Gauntlet Ceremony and celebrate the achievements of members who've reached the pinnacle of Toastmasters success.

Two dynamic days that will elevate your speaking skills, expand your network, and accelerate your path to excellence

Ramona Baylor, DTM

As District 117's first District Director, Ramona set the standard for leadership that would define our District for years to come. Her commitment to integrity, respect, service, and excellence helped shape the legacy we carry forward today.

Now serving on the Board of Directors of Toastmasters International, Ramona continues to champion our mission on a global stage. Join us in celebrating her transformative impact on District 117 and honoring the foundation she built for all of us.

Learn More About Ramona

Meet Us @ McKimmon

Navigate your way to the McKimmon Center at NC State University. The venue features free parking, Wi-Fi for conference attendees, and plenty of spaces for connecting and networking.

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Conference Agenda

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Registration Open

5:00 PM – 5:45 PM

DTM Reception – Networking & Charcuterie

5:45 PM – 6:00 PM

Banquet Seating Opens

6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Conference Gala & Banquet

Official Welcome & Keynote Address
Dinner Buffet with Dessert
DTM Gauntlet Ceremony

Two action-packed days of learning, competing, and connecting

Friday, May 29, 2026

Saturday, May 30, 2026

7:00 AM – 7:45 AM

Continental Breakfast

8:00 AM – 8:50 AM

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

10:00 AM – 10:50 AM

10:50 AM – 11:20 AM

11:20 AM – 12:20 PM

Evaluation Contest

Communication & Leadership Lunch w/ Networking Topic Tables

Opening General Session

Education Sessions – Round 1

Contestant & Judges Briefings

6:30 PM – 7:00 PM

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

3:20 PM – 4:40 PM

Closing Ceremony & Recognition

Open Networking, Legacy Party for Ramona Baylor

2:00 PM – 2:50 PM

Education Sessions – Round 2

This is tentative schedule. Subject to change.

Lobby / Vendor Area

Room 2B

Room 2C

Room 1D

Room 1C

Room 1C, 8A, 8B

Room 1C, 8B

Room 1C

Room 2C

Room 1C

Room 1D

Room 1C

Contestant & Judges Briefings

Room 1C, 8B

7:00 AM – 7:45 AM

First Timers Breakfast with International Director Ramona Baylor, World Champion of Public Speaking, Lance Miller, the TRIO, and District Historian, Peggy Beach

Room 8A

8:50 AM – 9:50 AM

Keynote Workshop with Lance Miller

Room 1C

10:50 AM – 11:20 AM

Networking Break

Lobby, Courtyard, 8A

2:50 PM – 3:20 PM

4:40 PM – 5:00 PM

International Speech Contest

Lobby, Courtyard

Networking Break

Lobby, Courtyard, 8A

2:50 PM – 3:20 PM

Networking Break

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

The Early Late Show with Al Herr

Room 1C

6:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Roast Honoring Ramona Baylor

Room 1C

educational session speakers

Develop yourself intentionally as a speaker and a leader, and stay on top of your game.

Dr. Kevin C. Snyder, DTM, AS

Transform Your Toastmasters Speech onto PAID & TEDx Stages!

Mel Gower

DRIVE Your Bus: Steering Teams to Engagement & Results

Elana Etten, DTM, LSSMB

Stop Prompting, Start Partnering: How to AI Like a Human

Coming Soon

To Be Announced

Coming Soon

To Be Announced

Coming Soon

To Be Announced

Stay Up To Date. Link to the app!

Get notified when new educational sessions, sponsors, agenda changes, conference news, and more!

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”I’m always excited to be part of these amazing gatherings — meeting 100+ Toastmasters from all walks of life, networking with seasoned speakers, witnessing champions in action, and just having fun with my fellow club members. You never know — you might meet your future mentor or a lifelong friend!”

- Uday Kiran

”Serving on the First Timers Committee gave me a chance to connect with members from across the District and see the conference through fresh eyes. I truly enjoyed welcoming attendees, sharing experiences, and learning together. If you’ve never attended, come ready to be inspired and leave with new friends and renewed motivation.”

- Pamela Flemions

"Being a first time attendee at the same time as launching the District Store at the conference was a blast! I had many wonderful networking moments, friendship launches, motivational insights from a caring, supportive, amazing community. I grew by leaps and bounds from the conference. Thank you to all the volunteers who made it possible! I am already looking forward to next year's conference!"

- Joleen Rasmussen

”From engaging activities such as the speech contests to social events, it’s a chance to enjoy yourself while growing as a communicator and leader. If you’re looking for a meaningful, energizing experience that will elevate your Toastmasters journey, the District Conference is the place to be.”

- Oliver Hartmann

What To Expect When You Come

Have some QUESTIONS?

What will be included in my registration?

Your conference registration will include access to all keynote presentations, educational breakout sessions, both contest finals, the Saturday gala banquet, all meals listed in the schedule, conference materials, networking events, and the DTM Gauntlet Ceremony.

What services are available for special needs and requests?

There are local services available at the local level as part of the general area health plan. These services are provided at the point of emergency or where needed.

Can I attend just one day?

While the full conference experience is highly recommended, single-day pass options will be evaluated. Check back when registration opens in January 2026, or download the app for updates on single-day availability.

Where can I stay?

We've secured discounted rates at several nearby hotels and will release information about an affordable accommodation at NC State's Wolf Village Apartments once registration opens. The McKimmon Center is conveniently located on NC State's campus with easy access to Raleigh attractions.

What's the dress code?

Business casual for daytime sessions and educational workshops. Business professional or semiformal attire for the evening gala banquet.

What happens if there is a schedule change?

Of course, firstly we will inform you via the app by push notification.

Everything you need to know for a seamless conference experience

Is parking available?

Yes! Free parking is available at the McKimmon Center. Detailed parking information and directions will be sent with your registration confirmation.

When will registration open and pricing be announced?

Registration will open in January 2026. Pricing details will be announced at that time. Download the conference app to be among the first to know when registration opens and to receive early bird pricing details.

Will there be early bird pricing?

Yes! Early bird pricing, or our Super Saver Discount, will be available for a limited time after registration opens in January. (This will be the most cost effective rate and that is a Pergerson Promise.) Download the app and turn on notifications to ensure you don't miss out on the best rates.

Who should attend this conference?

Everyone! Whether you're a brand-new member or a Distinguished Toastmaster, the conference offers value for every skill level. New members gain inspiration and foundational skills, while experienced members can refine their craft, compete, network with peers, and celebrate achievements.