Skip to main content
Toastmaster Magazine November 2024
Toastmaster Magazine November 2024

November 2024
View PDF

International Convention Through the Years

Discover fun facts and photos from past decades.

By Shannon Dewey


Black and white photo of women and children looking at the Gemini and Mercury space vehicles

Man in black suit holding a red baseball cap with international flags behind him
Man bending down to pick up suit jacket from the stage

2013

82nd annual convention in Cincinnati, Ohio

  • George Yen, DTM, became the first International President from Taiwan.
  • Introvert expert Susan Cain was the 2013 Golden Gavel recipient.
  • Presiyan Vasilev made history as the first Bulgarian native to win the World Championship of Public Speaking® with his speech, “Changed By a Tire.”

Woman in white jacket speaking at lectern
Man smiling while holding ventriloquist dummy

2003

72nd annual convention in Atlanta, Georgia

  • Debbi Fields Rose, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies, was the Golden Gavel recipient for 2003.
  • Ted Corcoran, DTM, was installed as the new International President—the first from Ireland.
  • A ventriloquist entertained attendees during a Toastmasters toga party.

Man presenting trophy to contest winner onstage
Man and woman dressed in costume smiling and waving

1993

62nd annual convention in Toronto, Canada

  • Otis Williams Jr. won first place in the World Championship. (Pictured receiving trophy from International President Neil Wilkinson, DTM.)
  • Members dressed up for themed events, including the Planet Toastmasters costume party.
  • Speeches from convention were made available for purchase on audio and video cassette.

Black and white photo of man speaking onstage
Black and white photo of group of people wearing leis with hands in air

1983

52nd annual convention in San Diego, California

  • Roy Fenstermaker, 70 years old at the time, won the 1983 World Championship with his speech, “Retirement—Never!”
  • Members took an excursion to San Diego theme park Sea World to see a show with Shamu the Killer Whale.

Black and white photo of people walking onto the S.S. Admiral in Missouri
Black and white photo of women and children looking at the Gemini and Mercury space vehicles

1963

32nd annual convention in St. Louis, Missouri

  • Toastmasters founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley was one of the main convention speakers.
  • Over 800 Toastmasters and their families cruised down the river on the S.S. Admiral.
  • The Gemini and Mercury space vehicles were placed in the hotel lobby as a tribute to four Toastmasters astronauts.


“Hand

Share this article
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share with email

Related Articles

Man speaking to crowd of people

A Century of Toastmasters

Looking Back: 60 Years Ago

Man receiving key

News from Toastmasters International

Step Into the Past and Visit the 1962 Convention!

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the award-winning publication.

About Magazine

Discover more about the award-winning publication.

Magazine FAQ

Answers to your common magazine questions.

Submissions

How to submit an article query, photo, or story idea.

Staff

Meet the editorial team.