A Word from our Conference Chair

Greetings from the Conference Chairman of the District 72 Toastmasters Conference 2024.  We are looking forward to seeing you here in a little over a month.  Yes. That’s close! 

I joined Toastmasters over 16 years ago and have attended many Toastmasters conferences all over New Zealand.  Going back to an in-person conference in Lower Hutt last year was the trigger for me.  I knew post covid, it was essential to get everyone back together in the same room and keep that momentum.  I have been lucky enough to contribute as a contestant, contest chair, judge, MC, test speaker, educational speaker and serve on a conference committee for a District Conference. Taking on the reins for our conference seemed like the next step.  I know however, you can only be successful with good people around you.  That is exactly what we have.  We have a great team, young and old who said yes when I asked them.  They have put in a huge effort to make this a success for you.  

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to have a look at the conference information and register and we will see you here.  

About the Conference Venue

The beautiful heritage city of Ōtepoti Dunedin is set on the scenic Otago Harbour surrounded by 25 beaches, cycle trails, and walks that offer a dramatic landscape for discovering the outdoors and local wildlife.

The many well-preserved historic buildings we enjoy in Dunedin today reflect a time past when gold and commerce led to growth and prosperity and the establishment of New Zealand’s first university, first medical and dental schools, first daily newspaper, and first public art gallery. 

Where better to base our conference then, than at Tūhura Otago Museum which is itself part of Dunedin’s history having opened in 1868? The Museum takes us on a journey through time with its eight galleries enticing us to millennia past in its natural history and geology collections, through to cultures of New Zealand and the world, and contemporary science and research.

Tūhura Otago Museum
419 Great King Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016

Friday 3 May – Sunday 5 May 2024

Standard registrations open now!

What's on?

Friday and Saturday Night Social Events

The conference social events will be a great opportunity to meet new D72 members, catch up with old friends and have some fun! Get hands on with a science and space-themed evening on Friday and get loose with the classic Toastmasters Dine and Dance on Saturday! More information below.

Educational Sessions

Learn valuable leadership and communication skills that you can take back to toastmasters, professional or personal life. More information regarding educational sessions and speakers can be found on the ‘speakers’ page of this website.

District Contests

Be entertained by our four District Contests – Humorous Speech, Table Topics, Evaluation and International Speech. Remember that the winner of the International contest has the potential to go overseas!

Keynote Speakers

Be inspired and motivated by our keynote speakers. Dr. Ian Griffin is one of our confirmed keynote speakers! Find out more about Ian on the ‘speakers’ page of this website.

Conference Social Events

Friday Night Social Event

Catch up with your fellow District 72 Toastmasters at our science-filled social event. You could start with the especially designed quiz based scavenger hunt which takes you through the interactive Otago Museum’s Science Centre. Wanting a break of something less hands on? We also have a mesmerizing planetarium show presented by one of the Museum’s enthusiastic science communicators. Be enticed to grab a beverage at the cash bar or help yourself to some of the delectable platters catered by Dunedin’s favourite, Precint Cafe.

Saturday Dine and Dance

Held in the the Museum’s iconic Atrium and catered by Precinct café, will be the infamous Toastmaster’s Dine and Dance! You can dance the night away to Charma (imaged), a band that is a special occasion favourite and one of the most energetic, entertaining and successful private function bands in the South Island. You won’t want to miss out on the fun!

Contact

Have a question? Email us at conference.d72@toastmasters.org.nz

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