This is not just another theme. It is an ovation of celebration for excellence, courage, and community,
a historic defining moment where voices are amplified, leaders are honored, and every Toastmaster is empowered to continue rising higher, transcending limits, while deepening our collective bonds and confidently moving forward to build an even greater lasting legacy
Fursey Gotuaco will be a defining force at District 103’s final hosted 2026 Toastmasters Annual Hybrid Conference, April 24–25, 2026. Across two powerful days, Fursey brings inspiration, mastery, and celebration to the stage.
He kicks off Friday, April 24, 2026 evening with GO BIG OR GO HOME, igniting confidence and commanding stage presence. Saturday morning. April 25, 2026, Fursey opens the conference with TO BOLDLY GO…, challenging Toastmasters to lead with courage, creativity, and conviction, followed by live coaching during Drop the Mic: Mega Speech Throw Down. The experience culminates Saturday evening with DON’T DROP IT, honoring our newest Distinguished Toastmasters, DTM Ceremony and celebrating District 103’s Legacy of Excellence.
Attendees can elevate their experience with the VIP Inner Circle Experience, an exclusive masterclass and premium conference perks, available for $197.
The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived! The four speakers selected for the Drop the Mic: Mega Speech Throw Down at the 2026 District 103 Toastmasters Annual Hybrid Conference have been chosen. These dynamic speakers will take the stage with our keynote speaker, Fursey Gotuaco, for an unforgettable, high-energy experience.
🔥 What will happen on stage?
Part One:
Each selected speaker will deliver a powerful 6-minute speech and receive live coaching on stage from Fursey.
Part Two:
They will step back into the spotlight to deliver their speech again, applying the coaching in real time and demonstrating true growth, courage, and transformation.
This is more than a speech.
This is a learning experience, a breakthrough moment, and a true drop-the-mic performance. 🎤
👏 Congratulations to our selected speakers:
Andy Pande, TC3
Patrick Kelly, PM2
Gerri Tucker, DTM
Patrick Kays, SR4
We are thrilled to spotlight our 2026 Educational Session Speakers for the District 103 Toastmasters Annual Hybrid Conference!
These amazing leaders and communicators will deliver sessions designed to boost your confidence, sharpen your leadership, and elevate your speaking skills.
All educational sessions will take place under one roof; therefore, you won’t miss a moment. Each speaker will deliver a 30-minute session on stage, giving you the opportunity to hear every speaker, gain new insights, and experience the full learning journey together.
When: April 25, 2026
Where: Chicago Marriott Midway & Virtual
Click the button below to secure your spot.
Dr. Myron Krys, ACB, ALB
Award-Winning Speaker, Licensed Psychotherapist, Professional Singer, and ADHD Relationship Coach
Toastmasters Member
Julian Wiley, DTM
Certified Technical Trainer,
a John Maxwell DISC Trainer and
2026 Northwestern Graduate: Masters in Learning Design
President (2025-2026) of ABA Speakeasies TM Club
Valerie Fuson, DTM
Keynote Speaker, Communication Strategist, and
Certified Speaking & Storytelling Coach
D30 Past District Director
(2022-2023)
Tracy Baker, DTM
Mentor, Writer, Corporate Trainer,
Life Coach, & Educator
D40 District Director
(2025-2026)
This year, District 103 Toastmasters is using the Zeffy platform for not-for-profit organizations,
which our members and guests will not be charge a service fee on top of your admission ticket,
Lunch, Dinner, and Achievers purchases.
Zeffy Checkout Notice:
When you check out, you may see an optional field to make a donation to Zeffy. This is completely optional.
Just select “Other,” and Zeffy will set the amount to $0 for you.
You came to the conference to connect — don’t miss your chance to laugh, network, and share a delicious meal with fellow Toastmasters!
✔️ No waiting in long lines
✔️ No missing out on networking
✔️ No searching for food outside
Pick your favorite:
🥪 Turkey Wrap | 🥗 Chicken Salad | 🥪 Caprese Sandwich (Veg)
All Boxed Sandwiches includes chips, fruit, cookie & water
All Boxed Salads includes whole fresh fruit, chocolate chip cookie & bottle water
🔥 Pan-Seared Salmon — $55
🔥 Chicken Marsala — $45
🔥 Grill Portobello Caps (Veg) — $40
Eat well. Laugh often. Connect more.
The 2025 D103 Toastmasters Annual Hybrid Conference is an unparalleled event, and this year, it’s being held at the Chicago Marriott Midway, April 24-25, 2026! Located minutes from downtown Chicago, this premier venue offers top-notch amenities, such as free parking/free airport shuttle and a comfortable atmosphere. There is a room discount: $149.00. The room blocked ends on March 23, 2026, however, you can reserve your hotel stay, by contacting the hotel directly: 708-594-5500 or visit the Chicago Marriott Midway website: link
Location: 6520 S. Cicero Ave; Chicago, IL 60638
Room Block is called: “2026 District 103 Toastmasters Annual Conference”
As the applause from the Achievers Ceremony echoes, the spotlight remains center stage for the 2026 District 103 Evaluation Speech Contest—the final contest of the conference and one of its most anticipated moments.
Watch District 103’s top evaluators rise to the challenge, turning listening into leadership and feedback into impact. With one speech, one opportunity, and the pressure on, contestants deliver bold insight, sharp analysis, and powerful encouragement that defines Toastmasters excellence.
This is where mastery is revealed, champions are crowned, and the conference reaches its crescendo.
Who will command the mic, set the standard, and earn the final bow?
Join us Friday, April 24, 2026, in person or online, and witness District 103 close the conference Bigger, Bolder, and Beyond.
🎤✨ The final mic drop. Be there for the moment.
The most anticipated competition of the year is here! The International Speech Contest is the highlight of the 2026 D103 Toastmasters Annual Hybrid Conference, where top speakers compete for the opportunity to advance to the World Championship of Public Speaking.
Contestants will deliver inspiring and impactful 5–7-minute speeches, showcasing excellence in communication, leadership, and storytelling. Each speech promises to move, motivate, and leave a lasting impression.
Join us on Saturday, April 25, 2026, to experience world-class speeches, powerful stories, and unforgettable moments as contestants compete for the top spot.
Don’t miss this premier event, register today to attend the conference and be part of the excitement!
Celebrate your club’s achievements and showcase your spirit at the 2026 District 103 Toastmasters Annual Hybrid Conference! With colorful banners adorned with vibrant ribbons highlighting each club’s milestones, the Club Banner Parade on April 24, 2026, is a must-see event.
Join us as we “Mic Drop, Take a Bow! Going Bigger, Bolder & Beyond,” and experience the unity, inspiration, and pride that fills the room. Don’t miss your chance to honor your club and shine with fellow Toastmasters before District 103’s historic merge with District 30.
Deadline: 3/31/2026
Sign up today and be part of the parade!
Showcase your brand to an engaged audience by securing ad space in our conference program booklet or
reserving a vendor table to connect directly with attendees.
🔗 Explore Opportunities Here (Click HERE)
To review the sponsorship packages, to gain brand exposure and develop a long-term partnership with
District 103 Toastmasters click on this link.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
If you have questions about sponsoring the 2026 District 103 Toastmasters Annual Hybrid Conference and future events, reach out to:
📧 Valerie Smith, DTM, District Director
✉️ districtdirector@d103toastmasters.org
Let’s work together to inspire and empower leaders through the power of communication!
Are you open to a vast, vibrant view?
Get fresh perspectives on communication, confidence, and excellence surrounded by a skyline where industry meets ecology in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Dates: August 19–22, 2026
Conference Chair: Charisse Arrington
conferencechair@d103toastmasters.org
Program Quality Director: Dr. AlyceAnn Williams, DTM5
pqd@d103toastmasters.org
Spread the word about D103 Annual Toastmasters Conference using
#d103toastmasters and #103DistrictTM