by Kelly Pelky DTM Conference Chair
Vision. Inspiration. Passion. That’s what the 2025 D25 Conference was all about! From start to finish, this event was packed with unforgettable moments, incredible leadership, and a community that truly embodies the Toastmasters spirit.
VIP Leadership in Action
We celebrated our Distinguished Toastmasters—the leaders who inspire by example—and welcomed a new wave of leadership ready to serve with purpose. Leadership in Toastmasters isn’t about titles; it’s about lifting others, sharing knowledge, and creating a legacy.
Talk about a powerhouse keynote—we had the Immediate Past International President, Morag Mathieson, DTM, on Saturday night! Her message about Hidden Leaders struck a chord with everyone in the room. Let’s be real—the biggest surprise – she referred to me in her speech! It was truly an honor and a moment I’ll cherish forever.
Fun, Flavor, and Fire
The Dance Jam: Epic. I want to give a huge thanks to Jon Stricklen and Mark and Jamie English for bringing the energy and turning the dance floor into a celebration of connection.
WOW, those speakers! Whether they made us laugh, reflect, or rethink our approach, they brought the gold with versatile topics and insights that had attendees raving.
VIP Volunteers = Conference Rockstars
This event wasn’t just successful—it was seamless, thanks to an unstoppable team of volunteers, too many to thank individually. I appreciate you all and all your hard work. This is servant leadership at its finest—the true heartbeat of Toastmasters.
Now, for the greatest trick I ever pulled. Somehow, I fooled everyone into thinking patience is my superpower. Really, leading a conference is about staying calm, pivoting fast, and trusting the people around you. With a team like this, it wasn’t just easy—it was an absolute privilege.
Here’s to another amazing year ahead!
