District Conference
May 17, 18, 19, 2024
Corpus Christi, Texas
The District Conference celebrates everything that's great about District 55 - the members! We'll be meeting old friends and making new ones, we'll be learning new things and teaching others the things we know, we'll be getting inspired and inspiring others and we'll be celebrating the achievements of the past year and making decisions to pave the way for the next one.
A conference is like a Toastmasters meeting for a whole weekend - with added food and drinks! What's more, it opens doors beyond your club that broaden your Toastmasters perspective, and that Pandora's box can never be closed again. Stepping beyond old boundaries allows for the personal growth and learning of new skills we were looking for when we joined Toastmasters. Why would you not want to come to the conference?
Conference Hotel
Information
Corpus Christi Arpt & Conf Ctr
5549 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78408 United States
Phone: 1-361-289-5100
Room rate is $169 per night. Be sure to mention Toastmasters when you call to get this rate.
Note that the conference registration fee does not include hotel booking. Hotel booking must be done separately (in addition to the in-person conference registration).
Tickets ON SALE NOW
Purchase Tickets Here
We have in-person and virtual event tickets available. In-person tickets include meals. Be sure to make your selection when you register.
The Small Print
In-person tickets will give access to any online or hybrid events.
Tickets to the conference do include meals, but not your hotel stay.
District Contest
See the best speakers in District 55 compete for International and Table Topics Contests! District 55 has a history of International Winners - don't miss seeing them before they're famous!
If you're not attending in person, you can see both contests by purchasing a virtual ticket for $50 AND have access to all the educational sessions and keynotes.
Purchase Tickets Here
Advertising Opportunities
Reach all the District 55 Toastmasters with information about YOUR business or Club!
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$10 - shout out to your Club or a Toastmaster you love!
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$25 business card sized ad
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$100 half page advertisement
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$150 full page advertisement
Email your ad copy and images to District Conference Chair by 22 April
Contribute To The Silent Auction
Lark Doley
Cerebrate: verb.
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think deeply about something; ponder.
"I feel as though I have to scribble lines off to you so fast that I don't even have a chance to cerebrate"
A member of Toastmasters since 1990, Distinguished Toastmaster Lark Doley served as the 2018-19 Toastmasters International President. In her professional life, Lark has owned a successful manufacturing business, worked as a Marketing Manager at Texas Instruments, and before her retirement in 2021, worked as a Training Manager for Maximus. Lark lives in a lighthouse home outside of Austin, Texas, USA overlooking Lake Travis. The home was built by her late husband Roger in honor of her late father-in-law Arthur. Both men were born in England and both men loved the sea. At Toastmaster events Lark often wears golden outfits to symbolize the value of membership in Toastmasters.
Lark will be speaking on Saturday night and Sunday morning. On Saturday night, she'll also be inducting our new officers.
David Bell
David Bell has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry specializing in sales development, leadership, training, and coaching.
He started his journey in Toastmasters over 30 years ago in Austin, TX as a member of the Metropolitan Executive Toastmasters club. Recently, his focus has been in serving in various leadership roles including Club Retention Chair responsible for recruiting and supporting Club Coaches. David obtained the Distinguished Toastmaster Award in 2019-2020.
He has served on the Board of Directors and as Past President for the Association of Talent Development (ATD) Houston Chapter. David is a current member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Houston Chapter and serves on the Board of Directors for the Texas Coaches Coalition. Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with family, hiking, reading, journaling, and volunteering.
David will be giving the Friday night keynote on Member Retention education session entitled: Better Conversations Start with Listening.
Photos from the 2023 Spring Conference
The District Council will meet during the conference. The council consists of all District Executive Committee Members, all Club Presidents and all Club Vice Presidents of Education. The purpose of the council meeting is:
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to gain essential information for planning your club’s season
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be aware of district training and support opportunities
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participate in decisions and be able to explain them to your members:
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Adopt the district budget
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Confirm District Officers Appointments
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Contest types and number of contestants for this season
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Other initiatives
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address one or more subjects important to you
It's every club's chance to contribute to steer the District. The District's mission is to support all clubs - and this is your chance to make sure that the District is doing what your club needs in order for you to be best supported. If you've ever complained about what "those people" at headquarters are doing, you should be at the council meeting to find out what's going on, and how you can contribute to changing the way "those people" do it!