District 82 Toastmasters International annual conference kicks off today

Toastmasters International, the globally recognised volunteer organisation dedicated to fostering communication and leadership skills, is gearing up for a monumental centennial celebration this year. 

With its 100th anniversary approaching, Toastmasters International is not just reflecting on its rich history, but also looking forward to the future. In this spirit, District 82 Toastmasters International is proud to present the Ovation 2024, the annual District conference, scheduled to take place from 10 to 12 May at the picturesque Wave N’ Lake, Conference Hall, Welisara. 

Ovation 2024 stands as a beacon of achievement, celebrating 100 years of Toastmasters International and 40 years of District 82 Toastmasters in Sri Lanka, Maldives, and the British Indian Ocean Territory. It is a gathering of like-minded individuals, each with a commitment to personal growth and excellence. 

Ovation 2024 is not just a conference; it is an opportunity for aspiring leaders and communicators to showcase their talents, learn from renowned speakers and trainers, and celebrate the dedication and self-improvement of Toastmasters across the region. 

Highlights of Ovation 2024 

Celebration of Toastmasters Centennial: This year marks the 100th anniversary of Toastmasters International, and Ovation 2024 will pay tribute to this milestone with special events and presentations that highlight the organisation’s rich history and global impact. 

Presence of the Chief Guest, Toastmasters International President, USA, Morag Mathieson: As the Chief Guest of Ovation 2024, Morag Mathieson, TM, International President, Toastmasters International, USA, brings a wealth of experience and insights. Her gracious presence adds immense value to the conference, inspiring attendees with her vision and leadership. 

Keynote speeches: The conference will feature four keynote speeches from esteemed speakers, including Morag Mathieson, DTM, International President of Toastmasters International; Prof. A.K.W. Jayawardane, former Chairman of Commercial Bank PLC and former Vice Chancellor of University of Moratuwa; Ramesh Schaffter, Managing Director and Group CEO of Janashakthi Group; and Balraj Arunasalam, DTM, Toastmasters International President 2017-2018. 

Educational sessions: Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in five educational sessions, led by five renowned trainers, covering a range of topics aimed at enhancing communication and leadership skills of participants. 

Speech contest finals: The conference will host finals for four speech contests, providing a platform for Toastmasters members to showcase their talent and expertise in competitive settings. 

Hall of Fame award ceremony: Outstanding leaders and communicators of District 82 will be recognised and celebrated during the ‘Hall of Fame’, a prestigious award ceremony, honouring their achievements and contributions to the Toastmasters fraternity.

Fun Night: Ovation 2024 will conclude with a fun-filled, memorable evening, featuring entertainment and networking opportunities for members of District 82, bringing together professionals from across Sri Lanka, Maldives, and the British Indian Ocean Territory. 

A celebration of resilience and excellence 

Ovation 2024 represents not only the past achievements of Toastmasters of District 82, but also the future potential of its members. It’s a celebration of resilience, growth, and excellence. 

As Toastmasters International embarks on its next century of empowering individuals worldwide, Ovation 2024 serves as a testament to the transformative power of effective communication and leadership. 

Join the celebration 

District 82 Toastmasters in Sri Lanka, Maldives, and the British Indian Ocean Territory invite everyone to join them in this historic celebration. Ovation 2024 promises to be an event to remember, filled with learning, inspiration, and the joy of fellowship. Whether you’re a seasoned Toastmaster or someone looking to improve your communication and leadership skills, Ovation 2024 welcomes you to be a part of this incredible journey.