DISTRICT 56 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

fri24apr(apr 24)6:00 pmsat25(apr 25)11:00 pmDISTRICT 56 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Event Details

District 56 Annual Conference

Join Toastmasters from across District 56 for our premier annual event — a weekend filled with inspiration, learning, and fellowship!

WHEN: Friday, April 24, 2026, thru Saturday, April 25, 2026
TIME: To Be Determined
DESCRIPTION: The District 56 Annual Conference brings together members, leaders, and guests for an unforgettable experience designed to help you grow as a communicator and leader. Expand your horizons with dynamic education sessions led by world-class speakers and District leaders. Connect, collaborate, and celebrate with fellow Toastmasters! Experience the excitement of the District-level Speech Contests, where the best speakers from across District 56 compete for top honors. Cap off the conference with an elegant celebration recognizing clubs and members who have achieved excellence throughout the year.
LOCATION: The Westin Houston – Memorial City, 945 Gessner Road, Houston, Texas 77024

Time

April 24, 2026 6:00 pm - April 25, 2026 11:00 pm(GMT-05:00)

Location

The Westin Houston - Memorial City, 945 Gessner Road, Houston, TX 77024

Other Events
CHRIS LIPPv2

Chris Lipp

FEATURED SPEAKER

Lecturer in Communication, Rice University

Chris Lipp trains thousands of individuals through his corporate workshops at companies, including Google and Microsoft, and he regularly coaches entrepreneurs worldwide. Chris is the author of two books, The Startup Pitch and Magnetic: How Great Leaders Persuade and Inspire. He has helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars in venture capital for entrepreneurs. Chris spent the last fifteen years studying power and persuasion. He currently lectures at Rice University. A long-time Toastmaster, Chris was President of the Stanford club in 2010. In 2011, he won the District evaluation contest and scored second in the District humorous speech contest. In 2012, he served as an Area Director.

MIKE CARRv2

Mike Carr

FEATURED SPEAKER

World Champion of Public Speaking 2020

Mike Carr and his wife Julie live in Austin and have 8 kids and many stories. Mike is an active member of Toastmasters in Austin, Texas, and when not being a dad, he is a partner in a financial firm and runs his own business. He frequently speaks internationally to large organizations like Merrill Lynch, UBS, and Hewlett Packard and innumerable small ones about the stories we tell others, the stories we tell ourselves, and the stories we choose to listen to. Mike is the 2020 World Champion of Public Speaking and is known in the financial world as the “Economic Storyteller.”

Farzana Chohan, DTM

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Region 5 International Director

Click here to learn more about Farzan Chohan!

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Elizabeth Ruiz, DTM

Immediate Past District Director

"I've witnessed profound transformations in our members' communication skills and personal growth, igniting a passion for leadership that resonates in every corner of our diverse community. Serving alongside dedicated individuals committed to excellence has been an honor beyond words—a journey where every challenge conquered has led to unprecedented triumphs!"

CarolineJeterv2

Caroline Jeter, PM5

Administration Manager

Caroline Jeter has been an active member of Toastmasters since 2021, serving in a variety of leadership roles including VP Education, Treasurer, club sponsor, club mentor, and Area Director. For the 2025-2026 Toastmaster year, Caroline is proud to serve as Administration Manager. Passionate about helping others, Caroline finds joy in supporting members as they grow in confidence, achieve their goals, and reach new milestones. She looks forward to contributing to a successful year of service, leadership, and organizational excellence.

DeanRobertson

Dean Robertson, DTM

Public Relations Manager

Distinguished Toastmaster Dean Robertson, Public Relations Manager for District 56 Toastmasters! With a robust background in leadership and dedicated service, Dean has consistently uplifted members through various officer roles at both the club and district levels. Believing that clear communication is the cornerstone of all success, Dean's primary goal this year is to significantly enhance the flow of information to ensure every District 56 member is well-informed and connected to the pulse of our vibrant community.

BeckyNoe

Becky Noe, DTM

Finance Manager

Becky Noe is a CPA with over 27 years of accounting experience working in both operations accounting, internal audit and internal controls. Currently, Becky is building an internal audit function for a soon to be publicly traded organization. Becky joined Toastmasters in 2015. She has served in a variety of club officer roles. This is her third time serving as Finance Manager for District 56.

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Samantha Traylor, DTM

Club Growth Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Samantha brings more than a decade of committed service to Toastmasters at the club and district levels. She has served in all officer roles, mentored and coached clubs, secured corporate donations, and supported her Division in achieving Select Distinguished status in the 2023-2024 yr. Passionate about member and club experience, she is dedicated to helping District 56 grow, thrive, and reach Distinguished status.

DonnaFossmeyer

Donna Fossmeyer, DTM

Program Quality Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Donna has more than 30 years of Toastmasters experience servicing at the club and District levels. She is committed to helping the members and District 56 reach Distinguished status.

JWilliams

Jocelyn V. Williams, DTM

District 56 Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Jocelyn V. Williams has been a member of Toastmasters since 2003, serving at every level within District 56—from Club Officer to Area and Division Director, and most recently as Club Growth Director and Program Quality Director. Now serving as the 2025–2026 District Director, Jocelyn is honored and energized to lead with purpose and passion. With over two decades of service, Jocelyn remains inspired by the transformative power of Toastmasters and the joy of helping others grow. Her leadership is anchored in the belief that together, we can achieve excellence, deepen our connections, and empower every member. Let's make this a year of lasting impact—together!

IrwanKwik_r

Irwan Kwik, DL5

Division R Director

Irwan joined Katy Toastmasters in April 2017 to improve his public speaking skills. He set a goal to complete ten speeches within eight months. Katy has been in his first city in the USA for eleven years. He likes to challenge himself mentally and physically, such as hiking with his family and friends. His slogan is "There is No Such Thing as a Perfect Time." His goal for 2025 in Toastmasters is to achieve the DTM award. During his 8-year tenure in Toastmasters, he has served as Club President, Club VPPR, Club VPE, and Area Director.

Tosin Esho, DL5

Division Q Director

Tosin Esho will serve as the D56 Division Q Director for the 2025/2026 term. He has held various officer roles and is dedicated to helping Toastmasters and clubs achieve their goals.

EllenWieczorek

Ellen Wieczorek, DTM

Division P Director

I have had the honor of serving in various leadership capacities within Toastmasters, including President, Vice President Education, Vice President Membership, Vice President Public Relations, Secretary, Treasurer, and Area Director. These experiences have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of club and district operations. As Division Director, I am committed to supporting our clubs, developing future leaders, and advancing the mission of Toastmasters International with integrity and excellence.

PattiBlue

Patricia Clarkson, DTM

Division O Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Patricia Clarkson has been a proud member of Toastmasters since 2023, bringing energy, heart, and vision to every role she’s held. From Club President, VPE, VPM, and secretary, to Area Director and Club Coach Chair, Patricia now steps into the role of Division Director with deep commitment and a servant leader’s mindset. She believes in the life-changing power of clear communication and confident leadership. Patricia is passionate about encouraging others to step into their purpose, and she sees Toastmasters as a powerful space for growth, connection, and transformation. Her goal this year is to support, strengthen, and inspire every club she serves—one meeting, one member, one moment at a time.

Linda Goldberg, DTM

Division N Director

I joined Toastmasters in 1994 because my boss told me to join. I have stayed because of the confidence I have gained, the wonderful people I have met, and what I continue to learn from our diverse group at every meeting. I enjoy the sharing of stories in Toastmasters and find that we have more in common with others than we have differences.

Kyle

Kyle Ray, IP4

Division M Director

Kyle Ray serves as Division M Director for District 56, where he’s committed to helping clubs thrive through connection, encouragement, and clear goals. Having joined Toastmasters in 2012, Kyle now engages members with a steady hand and his heart for growth to every Toastmasters journey—believing that great leaders are built one speech, one meeting, and one relationship at a time.

MarkVine

Mark Vine, EH5

Division L Director

Mark has been in Toastmasters since 2021 and during this time he has had the privilege to have held several leadership roles within his Home Club Deerwood Toastmasters, including VPE & President. This was followed by becoming an Area Director for Division L 41 during the 2024-25, which he thoroughly enjoyed, and is very excited to be continuing his Toastmaster Journey, as Director of Division L in District 56 in 2025-26!!! Mark firmly believes that “We Rise by Lifting Others” and greatly values the networking, leadership and educational opportunities Toastmasters has provided; particularly the friendships he has developed over the past few years.

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