International Convention Through the Years

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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