Thank You for a Great Conference! Recap and Photos Below
Cynthia Ayres
"I consider it an honour and an exhilarating experience to chair this event"
I look forward to having YOU share with me the District 86 Spring 2016 Conference event. I consider it an honour and an exhilarating experience to chair this event. Come share this three day event with me in April at the beautiful Hilton in Mississauga. You will feel the magic of teamwork as our committee members showcase their energy and skills.
Along with regular attendees I encourage first timers and guests to come experience the camaraderie, the networking and the journey of "The Power of Teamwork" that this conference will offer. Our keynote speakers, workshop presenters and dedicated volunteers will give you a weekend that could transform your life like magic.!
Congratulations Jonathan Hood
Communication & Leadership Award Recipient'
The Communication and Leadership Award is by the District to a non-Toastmaster in the community who is an outstanding communicator or leader - and who best exemplifies Toastmasters values. The recipient for the 2016 Spring Conference is Jonathan Hood, former CFL athlete, motivational speaker, youth mentor, and corporate goal coach.
Jonathan began his professional football career with the Edmonton Eskimos in 2009. Later, he went on to play for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2010, and finally the Toronto Argonauts in 2013. He retired in May of 2015 and has since been focused on shifting his on-field experiences to developing and inspiring people off the field.
Jonathan quickly realized his talent and passion for motivational speaking when he and his football teammates began making appearances at public school engagements.
Jonathan’s natural ability to influence people provided him the opportunity to be an effective mentor. In 2011, he founded Ahead of the Game, a youth mentorship program designed to empower youth and promote positive change. Jonathan and his team of athlete facilitators continue to appear at schools all over the GTA (York and Peel Region) and have served over 1000 youth and young adults.
Jonathan has been mentored under the leadership of business professionals such as John Maxwell and CFL Hall-of-Famer Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons. He now uses his skills and expertise to assist in the corporate world speaking at corporate events, conferences, and fundraisers. He also works with businesses to assist employees and leaders with personal development and encourages people to reach their highest potential! He facilitates corporate workshops to discuss topics such as: effective communication, teamwork, and leadership. Jonathan’s clients range from young aspiring football players to leadership team members of major banks. No matter what your goals are Jonathan challenges you to connect with your true self.
He is currently working on his first book titled ‘Level the Playing Field’ which expresses how to effectively communication with the youth of today. To learn more about him visit www.jonathanhood.ca and www.aheadofthegame.ca
Congratulations to Members Making A Difference Award (MMAD) Recipient Amparo Cifuentes DTM
Toastmaster Amparo Cifuentes DTM is the Sprig Conference MMAD recipient. The Madd award goes to members who volunteers their Toastmasters communication and leadership skills to better their communities and lives around them in a significant and notable way outside of their Toastmasters regular duties.
Read more about Amparo Cifuentes DTM on our blog at Members Making A Difference Award M.M.A.D.
2014–2016 International Director, Region 6
Ross Mackay, DTM, AS, ID
Conference Keynote Speaker | Sunday 1:25pm
Ross Mackay of Aurora, Ontario, Canada, is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant. As President of Ross Mackay Associates Ltd., he is an acknowledged international expert in the pump engineering field. He has served four terms on the board of directors of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers. He was also president of the organization’s Toronto chapter and currently serves on the Toronto board of directors.
Mackay earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Stow College of Engineering in Glasgow, Scotland, and studied business administration at Seneca College in Toronto.
A dedicated Toastmaster for 23 years, Mackay is a member of three clubs and has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters. He is the recipient of the prestigious Accredited Speaker award and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization. He says, “Toastmasters is the finest personal development program in the world. Nowhere else can you find a group of people who come together with the express intention of helping each other grow and develop.”
As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Mackay is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop and support the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.
The Power of "I"
Jocelyne Vezina, DTM
District 86 Keynote Speaker | Saturday Morning
At work do you feel engaged? Do you feel you could do so much more than what is asked of you? Do you feel your contribution counts? I will give you tools to make your career a more rewarding one and give you a feeling that you are making a difference in your team. Come learn how your energy can help your team make magic!
Jocelyne started her Toastmasters journey in 2009. She’s never looked back. The more she learns about Toastmasters the more she wants to get involved. She received her DTM in 2012. Since then she has held several positions within the district -recently being the REP Chief Ambassador. She is looking forward to serve the district in that capacity.
Your Leadership Legacy
Ross Mackay, DTM, AS, ID
Plenary Workshop | Sunday 8:00 am
Do you have what it takes to be an effective leader? Participate in this interactive workshop to explore the power and responsibilities of leadership, not only in Toastmasters, but also beyond. In this educational but entertaining session with a three-time club president, you’ll discover the qualities of an effective leader that you may already possess. We’ll also explore the various leadership styles to find the one(s) that will work for you, as you establish your Leadership
Workshops Session #1: Friday April 22 - 5pm
How to Keep Your Audience Engaged
So Who's Really in Control
Today’s Executive faces more challenges than ever before to deliver success. Faster changing environments, financial pressures, and where Managers are expected to be Leaders of teams which for the first time in history, may include team members from up to 5 generations. With leadership development typically focussed on skills development, Wayne will infuse new insights into Leadership & Business Development that will place you on the road to increased profits and professional and personal success.
The Welcoming Club: Creating Inclusive Clubs
Picture your first meeting as a member. Were you nervous, confused, shy? What if you were nervous but couldn't read the agenda, or hear the speeches? What if some of the elements of the meeting and the atmosphere were too loud, or too bright, or scents made it difficult for you to concentrate? In this workshop, Jennifer will introduce strategies that will make any member feel welcome and confident.
How to Program Your Mind to Achieve Anything You Want
Do you have a Dream ? Is your Dream bigger than you ? Does it scare you or excite you? Do you have the FEAR to work towards your Goal ? If you answered YES, then, this Workshop is for you.
Workshops Session #2: Saturday April 23, 9:00 am
Prepare a Speech in 15 Minutes
No matter how prepared you normally are, there will be occasions in which you will need to deliver a speech at the last moment. This interactive workshop will teach you how to deliver a 5-7 minute speech with 15 minutes of preparation.
Learn More About Yourself with 4 Simple Colours
Who AM I? Using the colour methodology you will find practical and usefulness in both your professional and personal lives. Understanding the similarities and differences of all people leads to improved communication skills, a greater appreciation for the uniqueness of self and others. This workshop will introduce everyone to an easy and highly effective personality and communication tool. Come and experience this energizing workshop and it will change your life. Sounds to good to be true? It's not!
Learn How to Build a Successful Team Quickly!
It can be intimidating trying to lead a team for the first time. As a new leader, it’s your job to motivate. How do you do that when you’re not quite sure what it takes? In this workshop, you’ll be learning tools to help you connect quickly and effectively.
Impact of Cultural Differences on Leadership and Communication
Our cultural environment can have a profound influence on us. To succeed in today's international and multicultural work environment, it is essential to develop cross-cultural competency, no more so than at Toastmasters. This workshop takes a fun and practical approach to exlore the impact of cultural differences on communication and leadership.
Workshops Session #3: Saturday April 23, 10:15 am
5 Part Proven Formula to Create Compelling, Connecting Content!
Do you want to raise the bar of your speaking and consequently, be a highly esteemed speaker? Discover a 5 part proven formula that you must include in your speeches. Knowing and using the PARTS formula will separate you from the average speaker since your content will be compelling, engaging, and memorable.
Exploring High Performance Teams Through Play
Good-bye humdrum meeting introductions. Hello jumping, shouting, drawing and creating. Join us as we use games to investigate various aspects of what makes some teams…magical. Take these ideas back to your workplace to invigorate meetings, stimulate deeper connections and strengthen teamwork amongst your colleagues.
Growing Your Club Using Social Media
Is Social Media confusing to you, not sure how it can help you? This exciting workshop will help you to develop social media strategy and action plan to grow Toastmasters clubs, optimize your club website for search engine and social media to attract more target audience, provide you with effective ways to promote your club on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Meet up, etc.
Inspiring Leadership Using Emotional Intelligence
When was the last time you felt inspired, lifted, excited? Using emotional intelligence, great leaders create and nurture vibrant relationships based on mindfulness, hope, compassion, and playfulness. Join this workshop if you wish to learn and experience positive emotional attractors that are essential to establishing inspiring leadership.
Friday Night
Theme: Celebrating our Cultural Diversity
Different dancers coming in that are Bollywood, Brazilian, Caribbean, and more, along will be a very special DJ. Dress in your cultural attire.
Saturday Night
Theme: Dancing With the Divisions
Each division will have a dance team dressed in their team colours. This will be judged and the winning division will have bragging rights as the best dancers in District 86.
