Excellence and Beyond!
District 123 Inaugural Hybrid Conference
MAY 14 & 15, 2022 – Barrie
What an amazing conference! Fantastic Keynote Speakers, wonderful workshops, exciting District Contest, but most of all meeting fellow Toastmaster members in-person. Highlights from the two day event will soon to come!

Do you want a memorabilia of the first District 123 Conference? Then checkout the latest items in our District Shop.
Join us for an amazing weekend!
Take your Toastmasters experience to new heights from the comfort of your own home, or in person at Georgian College in Barrie, ON at our inaugural district conference. Educational and entertaining, this weekend will transform your concepts of how far you can grow.
- Experience keynotes from four champions of speaking and incredible leaders!
- Learn from top level Toastmasters in workshops that go beyond your path!
- Celebrate the growth of other members who have achieved their goals!
- Be inspired and entertained at two speech contests!
- Kick back, have fun and dance in the evening!
Register today!
Not a Toastmaster? No problem; we welcome guests to join our conference and see how amazing our organization is. If you want more infomation on Toastmasters, visit our About page.
Details will be added as events are finalized so check this page often!
Keynote Speakers
Featured Talks & Speakers

May 14 — 9:30 AM
Verity Price
World Champion of Public Speaking 2021
Verity Price is the first speaker from Africa to ever be crowned the World Champion of Public Speaking and the sixth woman in the contest’s history.
Her talent for ‘acting out the box’ rather than merely ‘thinking out’ of it has brought international success for Verity, speaking globally on innovation and thinking differently, which includes two TEDx Talks.
As the Toastmasters 2021 World Champion, Verity captured the judges, and thousands of people’s imagination with her winning speech ‘A Great Read’ – an inspiring invitation to improve our lives by “writing a different story”. Helping people do just that is Verity’s passion.
Verity believes passionately that change happens when teams have the confidence to create new ideas. She has crafted speeches and workshops to grow this ability with measurable, exponential success over the last decade.

May 14 —1:55 PM
Roger Caesar
2021 3rd Place World Champion of Public Speaking
Roger is an inspirational, passionate professional public speaker and coach, driven to continuously helping people find their voices and maximize their greatness. Roger has won an unprecedented 5 District 86 speech titles. In this year’s 2021 World Championships of Public Speaking Roger took home third place honours, placing him TOP 3 in the world! He is a founding member of Raising Champions Advanced Toastmasters Club, a member of the Brampton Toastmasters Club, and Sponsors two Youth Gavel Clubs. In 2021 he was awarded the District 86 Toastmaster of the Year!
Roger dedicates his time to making a difference in his community, supporting various virtual events and organizations as a keynote speaker across the world. He approaches everything he does with hard work and positive enthusiasm, truly believing “Don’t wait for the world to recognize your greatness, LIVE IT and let the world catch up to you!”

May 14 — 2:30 PM
Arabella Bengson
World Champion of Public Speaking 1986
In 2022, Arabella Bengson may be the oldest living world champion speaker, having won her championship in 1986. Though not a native speaker of English, she’s the only Canadian woman to bring home the world trophy, representing District 60. At the time, she was a Bell Canada Manager.
A lifelong learner, Arabella has 2 masters degrees: one in psychology and another in Speech from the University of Hawaii.
She has accreditations in numerous training, including Accelerated Learning. She was the first woman president of Ontario Speakers Association.
She is alive and well, demonstrating longevity, joy of life, inspiring others to strive for excellence. In part-time retirement, Arabella enjoys speaking, coaching, dancing, dragon boating, and presenting at different conferences round the globe—living her golden years to the fullest.

May 14 — 7:30 PM
Craig Valentine
World Champion of Public Speaking 1999
Craig Valentine, MBA, an award-winning speaker and trainer, has traveled the world helping speakers, executives, and salespeople turn their presentations into profits. Known as the Master Storyteller, he is a professional speaker and has spoken in the United States, Taiwan, Canada, Jamaica, Qatar (Doha), England, Bahamas, Hong Kong, China, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, South Africa, Japan, and Ireland, giving as many as 160 presentations per year. He is the 1999 World Champion of Public Speaking for Toastmasters International, winning out of more than 25,000 contestants in 14 countries.
He is also the co-author of the Amazon.com #1 Bestseller, World Class Speaking In Action.
Craig is the President of The Communication Factory, LLC, which is an award-winning company that helps people present and profit.

May 15 — 9:25 AM
Melissa McGavick
Toastmasters International Director, Region 6
Melissa McGavick, DTM, of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, is a professional speaker and trainer. She is the owner of McGavick Interactive Training, which was founded in 2004.
Melissa earned a bachelor of arts degree in communications and media studies from Pennsylvania State University. In 2008, she was awarded Business Woman of the Year by the Women’s Business Network of Western Pennsylvania for her excellence and leadership in her profession.
A Toastmaster since 2004, she has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.
“As a business owner, Toastmasters has given me the opportunity to learn to communicate more clearly with my clients. The leadership positions in the Toastmasters program have afforded me the opportunity to develop higher level leadership skills that typically only executives of large corporate organizations have the opportunity to practice,”.
As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Melissa works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.
Workshops

Excellence and Beyond Workshops
Take your communication and leadership skills to the next level at these virtual and in-person workshops.
Live With Intention: Set and Achieve Goals That Matter
Pre-Conference Session
Tuesday,May 37:00 PM |
![]() Courtney McLeod |
This workshop helps members set and achieve goals that matter. Members will also learn how to get the most out of their Toastmasters’ membership. Learn the process of creating a vision for your life and communication skills, generate an action plan and setup accountability to achieve your goals. |
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So You Have to Give a Speech: Now What?
Pre-Conference Session
Thursday,May 57:00 PM |
![]() Manesha Melwani, CC ALB PM |
Participants will:
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Turn Your Stories Into Speeches
Pre-Conference SessionWednesday,May 117:00 PM |
![]() Justine Dresser, PIP4 |
We all have stories that we have shared with family and friends. These stories can be turned into Pathway speeches. Your fellow members will be entertained to hear your stories and you will be able to gain and build your confidence speaking in front of an audience. |
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YOUR WILLPOWER IS YOUR secret SUPERPOWER: Learn to enhance it for a better life!
Pre-Conference Session
Thursday,May 127:00 PM |
![]() Carrie Lai |
Wondering why you don’t seem to be motivated, feeling low on energy and having problems making decisions? Perhaps you haven’t eaten, or you didn’t have enough sleep. The Culprit: Willpower. What is willpower anyway? Come join me as we explore how to tap into your willpower to enhance your life. |
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Change Is Not Something Just Found Only In Your Pocket
Conference Session
Saturday,May 1411:30 AM |
![]() Michael Bayer, DTM AS |
Constant change is inevitable. How can we manage change , transforming it into positive energy to drive success ? This session will help you understand and cope with change by learning how to:
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Are You Ready to Have a YouTube Channel?
Conference Session
Saturday,May 1411:30 AM |
![]() Annette Lavigne, DTM |
Find out if your really ready? What is keeping you up at nights?
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De Stress Your Life: The Power of Laughter
Conference Session
Saturday,May 1411:30 AM |
![]() Wayne Tuttle, ACS |
This presentation is rich in audience participation, featuring a “hands on approach” to inducing laughter! Topics include the intricacies of a good belly laugh and other secrets of the mirthful arts! |
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The Privilege of the Platform
Conference SessionSaturday,May 142:30 PM |
![]() Arabella Bengson, WCPS |
There is no finish line. Each passage is a progression let’s celebrate our journey! The triumph is NOT in the trophy it is in the striving to do our best. I am deeply grateful to help, coach, engage, challenge and inspire this is the privilege of the platform. |
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Leading Geographically Separated Teams
Conference Session
Sunday,May 157:50 AM |
![]() Michael Wader, CC |
Four Tactics to Lead Geographically Separated Teams! New leadership skills are needed with today’s workforce being remote. Learn to keep them up to date, satisfied, and accountable. |
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Become a Leader People Want to Follow
Conference Session
Sunday,May 157:50 AM |
![]() Barry Doctor, DTM |
In this session, participants will learn how to attract and retain followers because, we are This will be an engaging and thought provoking session that might change some of your own views on leadership. |
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Step Up Your Influence Game to Accelerate Your Success
Conference Session
Sunday,May 157:50 AM |
![]() Cindy Montgenie, DTM |
You have heard that “your network is your net worth”. A strong and powerful network is a game changer to achieve any kind of success. Discover how you can build a powerful network when you are not rich and famous! This is a French workshop. |
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Agenda
Pre-Conference Agenda | ||||
Date | Start | End | Description | Location |
03-May-22 | 7:00 p.m. | 8:00 p.m. | Courtney McLeod: Live With Intention: Set and Achieve Goals That Matter | Online |
05-May-22 | 7:00 p.m. | 8:00 p.m. | Manisha Melwani: So You Have to Give a Speech: Now What? | Online |
11-May-22 | 7:00 p.m. | 8:00 p.m. | Justine Dresser: Turn Your Stories Into Speeches | Online |
12-May-22 | 7:00 p.m. | 8:00 p.m. | Carrie Lai: YOUR WILLPOWER IS YOUR secret SUPERPOWER: Learn to enhance it for a better life! | Online |
Conference Agenda | ||||
Date | Start | End | Description | Location |
May 14, 2022 | 6:00 a.m. | 7:00 a.m. | Registration | Alumni Hall |
7:00 a.m. | 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast | Last Class | |
8:00 a.m. | 10:15 a.m. | Opening Ceremonies | Alumni Hall | |
Anthem USA – The Star-Spangled Banner | ||||
Anthem Canada – Oh Canada | ||||
Welcome by District Director | ||||
Toast to USA | ||||
Toast to Canada | ||||
Parade of Banners | ||||
10:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m | Verity Price – Keynote speaker 2021 World Champion Public Speaking | ||
11:00 a.m | 11:30 a.m. | World Champions Panel Discussion: Verity Price, Craig Valentine, Roger Caesar | ||
Workshop Series: | ||||
11:30 a.m. | 12:30 p.m | Are you ready to have a YouTube Channel: Annette Lavigne, DTM [in-person] | Alumni Hall | |
Change Is Not Something just Found Only In Your Pocket: Michael Bayer [virtual] | R224 | |||
De-stress Your Life: The Power of Laughter: Wayne Tuttle [virtual] | R225 | |||
12:30 p.m. | 12:45 p.m. | Networking Break | ||
12:45 p.m. | 1:45 p.m. | Communication and Leadership Award Luncheon | Last Class | |
C&L Award Recipient – Michael Shoreman | ||||
1:45 p.m. | 2:15 p.m. | Keynote: Roger Caesar, DTM 3rd Place World Champion 2021 [in-person] | ||
2:15 p.m. | 2:30 p.m. | Networking Break | ||
2:30 p.m. | 3:30 p.m. | Workshop – Arabella Bengson 1986 World Champion Public Speaking [virtual] | Alumni Hall | |
Networking Break | ||||
3:50 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. | Humorous Speech Contest | Alumni Hall | |
5:30 p.m. | 6:30 p.m. | Networking Break | ||
6:30 p.m. | 6:50 p.m. | Hall of Fame – DTM Awards | Alumni Hall | |
6:50 p.m. | 7:00 p.m. | Networking Break | ||
7:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. | District Directors Dinner & Entertainment | Last Class | |
8:30 p.m. | 9:45 p.m. | Keynote, Craig Valentine, DTM 1999 World Champion Public Speaking [in-person] | ||
9:45 p.m. | 11:00 p.m. | Entertainment | ||
May 15, 2022 | 6:00 a.m. | 7:30 a.m. | Breakfast & Registration | |
7:50 a.m. | 8:45 a.m. | Workshop series | ||
Become a Leader People Want to Follow: Barry Doctor, DTM [in-person] | Alumni Hall | |||
Leading Geographically Separated Teams: Michael Wader, DTM [virtual] | R224 | |||
Atelier français – Intensifiez votre jeu d’influence Cindy Montenie [virtual] Step Up Your Influence Game: Cindy Montgenie |
R225 | |||
8:45 a.m. | 8:50 a.m. | Networking Break | ||
8:50 a.m. | 10:25 a.m. | International Speech Contest | Alumni Hall | |
10:30 a.m. | Keynote – Melissa McGavick, DTM International Director Region 6 [virtual] | |||
11:05 a.m. | 11:45 a.m. |
Craig Valentine, DTM 1999 World Champion Public Speaking [in-person] Workshop: Present with Impact and Persuade with Ease |
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11:45 a.m. | 11:50 a.m. | Announcements Contest Winners, Awards | ||
11:50 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. | Team Acknowledgments & Close | ||
12:00 p.m. | Adjournment |
Please note: As of February 24, 2022 the Covid-19 policy of Georgian College maintains that masks and proof of vaccination will be required for all in-person attendees. Georgian College will be reviewing the policy on May 1, 2022 and will provide an update to the Conference organizers. Attendees will be emailed updates upon changes to the policy.
Pricing & Registration
Online Pass
- Full Online
- Saturday and Sunday
- All Access Pass
Early Bird Special
- All access Sat to Sun
- 4 Meals
- Workshops
- 2 Contests
- District International & Humorous Speech Contests
- District Director’s Dinner, Communication & Leadership Award Luncheon
- * Note accommodation not included
International Contest Regular in Person
- Watch division champions compete for the chance to go to the World Championship of Public Speaking
Humorous Speech Contest Regular in Person
- Division champions will tickle you funny bone at this contest of humorous speeches.
About the Venue
Georgian College provides excellent amenities for businesses and conferences with great spaces for a variety of functions like conference rooms and workshops, connected technology and accommodations for extended stays.
Located in downtown Barrie, Georgian College is a great place for Toastmasters and guests from across southern and northern Ontario.
District 123 Conference attendees who wish to stay over night can book accommodations for only $80 per night (Friday room rates will also be discounted). Use discount code 21227.
Click the button below to book your room. The discount code and dates have already been selected.
Looking for more information about the event? Download our FAQ page HERE.
Why should you attend the District 123 2022 Conference? Watch this video …
Conference Chair’s Message

Message from the Conference Chair:
Rubi Talavera, DTM
Hello and welcome to our first- ever District 123 Conference.
Our goal is to make this inaugural affair outstanding… one that will go down the annals of history as phenomenal and beyond excellence! “An Affair to Remember” as Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr would say. Highlighting our conference as keynote speakers are three World Champions of Public Speaking: Verity Price, our current champion; Craig Valentine, 1999 champion; and Arabella Bengson, 1986 champion. When you explore our District webpage, you will be thrilled to see our other workshop presenters and our very own Roger Caesar 3WCPS as he delivers a keynote address as well.
You will also be treated to an exciting two hour of fun and laughter as qualified contestants deliver their humorous speeches on Saturday afternoon. And let us take you to a thrilling event on Sunday morning as eight Division winners battle it out to the most coveted International speech contest. The winner, of course, represents our District 123 at the world stage in August at the international convention.
As a new district, this inaugural conference offers you a plethora of opportunities, to shape it so that it becomes uniquely ours. This conference should reflect our community values and collective ideas, and to make it work, we all need to be involved. However minute, we need your energy, your talents, your skills.
We designed and developed a high quality, value-added program. and we now offer YOU this exciting conference! Remember this affair is where each one of you can contribute in your own way, and make our District 123 uniquely OURS!
To Excellence And Beyond!
District 123 Director’s Message

It’s an exciting time in District 123’s first year as we plan our inaugural conference. I know our Conference Chair and team are busy planning for this exciting event with outstanding keynote speakers, educational workshops, networking, and some long-awaited opportunities for connection. The conference’s convenient central location in Barrie is readily accessible by private and public transit, and easily accommodates those of varying physical abilities at Georgian College.
A planned hybrid conference format will accommodate those who are eager to experience the in-person environment again, those who are far away, and those who aren’t yet comfortable or able to join us live. Whether you’re joining us in person or online, I can’t wait to see you as we reach to Excellence and Beyond!