Staged for Success: A Toastmasters District 17 Conference to Remember
By Toasting Human Energy, the proud host of the 2024 conference
What does it take to stage a successful Toastmasters conference? A lot of planning, preparation, and passion. That's what Toasting Human Energy, the host club of the 2024 District 17 Conference, learned in the months leading up to the event. And the result was a spectacular three-day conference that showcased the best of Toastmasters in Western Australia.
The conference featured a variety of educational sessions, speech contests, and networking opportunities as well as a keynote presentation and masterclass by our honoured guest, Toastmasters International President, Morag Mathieson, DTM. The conference also celebrated the achievements of the district and the individual clubs and members culminating in the Annual District Council Meeting and the election of officers for the year ahead.
Where was it held?
The conference was held from 17 to 19 May 2024 at not just one but three venues! Downstairs at the Maj, IBIS Hotel and Flight Club in the King St precinct, Perth. We even had an online event with the Annual District Council Meeting.
The conference committee, led by Conference Chair Stephen Jenkins with the expert assistance of serial Conference organiser, Maree Pickens, worked tirelessly to ensure that everything ran smoothly and professionally. The committee members were supported by the club members, who volunteered their time and skills to help with various tasks, such as registration, logistics, fundraising and entertainment as well as SAA and MC roles. Big shout out to Jessica Gough and Nikki Regnard who did so much before and during the conference.
So many attended…
The conference attracted over 160 unique attendees, who came from all over the district as far away as Kalgoorlie. Some of the attendees were first timers, while others were seasoned Toastmasters. The conference offered something for everyone, regardless of their level of experience or interest and delivered fun at every turn ‘in person’ – a welcome change to the challenges of meeting solely online in the pandemic years.
Give me the lowdown…
The conference kicked off on Friday evening with a sold-out crowd at Downstairs at the Maj. Early arrivals mingled and enjoyed some light refreshments in the magnificent foyer where several historical items of His Majesty’s Theatre memorabilia were displayed, and guests took photos in front of our District’s new Centenary media wall. Once inside, guests were delighted to discover a comedy like den, a performers stage and professional stage lighting - perfect for our guest speaker and the Humorous Speech Contest. Our Toastmaster Queen, and new President of Toasting Human Energy, Jess Gough dazzled with her stage presence. She was the perfect foil for the honour of introducing our Toastmasters International President, Morag Mathieson in the first half and fencing with the hilariously suited Contest Chair, Peter Law, during the Humorous Speech contest.
Morag’s keynote address highlighted how far we’ve come as an organisation from our humble beginnings in 1924 to where we are today and where Toastmasters is headed for the next 100 years. Not many organisations reach this milestone let alone survive the challenges of wars, depressions and pandemics!
During the break we were entertained by the local jazz artist “Misty”, and it was wonderful to have a drink, chat to old and new friends and listen to her soulful vocals. Then it was time for the Humorous Speech Contest, where eight contestants vied for the title of the district's funniest speaker. The contest was a riot of laughter and entertainment, as the contestants delivered their hilarious speeches. The winner of the contest, Bandula Rodrigo from Murdoch Southsiders Toastmasters club, made the audience roar with his speech.
Missed his speech? Click here to watch!
The conference continued on Saturday with a full day of workshops, contests and a masterclass – oh and a bagpiper!! Yes, local Perth bagpiper, Gavin Hutchinson, made a memorable entrance at the start of Day 2 in honour of Morag’s Scottish heritage while we launched our digital club banner parade – that’s the ticket!!
See all the clubs in the banner parade - Click Here
Two workshops followed delivered by Luke George on storytelling and Diana Goh on financial literacy. People were pumped to learn so much not only for their Toastmasters Pathway journey’s but also their personal lives. Luke and Diana are experienced and knowledgeable Toastmasters, who now deliver these presentations in the professional speaking arena, and we were thrilled with how generously they shared their insights and tips with the audience.
Want to contact them?
Just when the conference couldn’t get any better, we were wowed at the level of competition in the three remaining District finals held throughout Saturday. We were also impressed by new member Nick Ricucci, from Mount Hawthorn Toastmasters, who bravely agreed to be the test speaker in the Evaluation Contest for 8 contestants to evaluate his speech – could you do it?
Congratulations to our winners –
International Speech Contest – First place - Raj Naidu – Central Communicators
Evaluation Speech Contest – First Place – Tim Blackburn, DTM – WA Speakers Bureau
Table Topics Speech Contest – First Place - David Sawyer, Touch of Gold
Another highlight of the day was the return of our Toastmasters International President, Morag Mathieson, to centre stage for her masterclass. This time Morag dived deep, workshopping the transferable skills of different meeting and leadership roles in Toastmasters with the audience. This presentation was so popular we will do it again, with Morag’s permission, in the coming months.
The competition continued at a Sundowner at our third venue, Flight Club, where the attendees enjoyed high tech darts in an old Victorian themed complex while chowing down on some seriously delicious finger food, chilled beers and tasty mocktails. Some serious competition developed over the evening and Tom Bielski, from Sunday Sundowners, stood victorious at the end after taking Murray Rogers, from St George’s, down to the wire!
Want to see a replay of several winning dart throws? Click here to watch!
The conference concluded on Sunday with a much needed sleep-in and lazy breakfast (for those staying at the hotel) while watching the masses sweat it out on Murray St running laps in the HBF Run for a Reason. Recharged, we were ready for the one of the most fun parts of any Toastmasters Conference, the Annual District Council meeting!! This year’s meeting was attended by a record number of district council members no doubt attracted to trying out the new Votapex voting platform – who knew council meetings could be so much fun! Importantly our 2023-2024 District Director, Ian Pickens, presided over the elections of our new leadership team – congratulations to the new District Leadership, affectionately known as the Trio and the Division Directors
District Director - Jeff Zhang
Program Quality Director - Tom Bielski, DTM
Club Growth Director - Maree Pickens, DTM
Northern Division Director – Desmond Miranda
Southern Division Director – Samantha Craig
Central Division Director – no candidate stood for this role, but Jeff has since appointed Vijay Vijayaratnam
Jeff was busy networking throughout the conference and recruiting a great team of aspiring leaders to take on roles as Area Directors and executive leadership roles who have since taken on their roles:
That’s a wrap!
The Staged for Success Toastmasters District 17 Conference was a memorable and rewarding experience for everyone involved. The conference achieved its objectives of providing education, inspiration, and recognition for our Toastmasters community. The conference also fostered camaraderie, friendship, and collaboration among the attendees. Staged for Success was a testament to the power and potential of Toastmasters, and how it can help people to become better speakers, leaders, and lifelong friends!
Thanks to our sponsors, Chevron Stages Network, Tease Industries, Siena’s Leederville, Mane Liquor, and Key Nutrition – your generous support made our conference all the more memorable!
Can’t wait for next year’s conference, can you? Drop a line to Tom Bielski, Program Quality Director at Program.Quality,Director@toastmastersd17.org if you want to be a part of the awesome committee organising the 2025 District 17 Conference – the experience will change your life, it did ours!!
