Celebrating 100 Years Of Toastmasters: My Experience at the Anaheim Convention

The shared experiences, conversations, and memories
created at this event are ones I will treasure for years
to come.

Attending the Toastmasters International 100th year celebration Convention in Anaheim, California from August 14-17, was a memorable experience. This marked my second convention, and this time, I had the distinct honor of representing District 41 as the District Director. Being the first Nepali woman to hold this position made the moment even more special.

The journey to Anaheim was long, with a lengthy layover in Dubai, but every minute was worth it. The two days leading up to the Convention were dedicated to District Leader Training. These sessions, led by experienced leaders like Past International President Pat Johnson, were invaluable. I learned so much from her and other District Directors from around the globe. Despite our different geographies, I realized how similar our members’ needs and district challenges are. The most beneficial discussions, however, were those with our region’s leaders, as the problems we face are more aligned, making the solutions more applicable to our work. A special moment to cherish was receiving the District Program Quality Award for the year 2023-24 which I received in recognition of exceptional achievement in Distinguished Clubs by District 41.

Armed with these insights, I am eager to implement the learnings in District 41, in collaboration with the other Trio members. The Convention itself was a spectacular celebration of Toastmasters’ 100-year journey. The gallery walk took me through the rich history of Toastmasters and its milestones, while the sharing sessions by past leaders provided wonderful educational opportunities. However, the highlight of the Convention for me was carrying the Nepali flag during the Convention Inauguration Flag March—an incredibly proud and emotional moment.

It was also a wonderful opportunity to watch the World Championship of Public Speaking finals live at the Convention. Seeing world-class speakers give their best was something else entirely. I was thrilled that all the top three positions were won by women, but my personal favorite speaker unfortunately disqualified due to exceeding the time limit. This served as a powerful reminder of how crucial timing is in public speaking.

The Annual Business Meeting was another memorable event. Elections were conducted with utmost professionalism, and I had the chance to meet all the candidates at the Candidate Corner. While each candidate had a clear vision for the future of Toastmasters, I felt a stronger connection with some than others. The inauguration of the new President was a grand affair, with past presidents walking down the ramp amidst applause and flashing cameras, marking a moment of pride and celebration for everyone in the hall.

Looking back, the most cherished aspect of the Convention for me was the bond formed with fellow Toastmasters from across the world. The shared experiences, conversations, and memories created at this event are ones I will treasure for years to come. I am proud to have represented District 41 and Nepal at such a historic occasion. The experience has strengthened my passion for Toastmasters, and I look forward to the journey ahead.