2025 Convention Agenda

吃瓜头条

Agenda

Wednesday, August 20

Please note: All events are listed in .

Session Color Key:

IP = In Person
LS = Livestreamed
OD = On Demand

8 a.m.鈥�7:30 p.m.

Onsite Registration Desk Open

In-person attendees: make this your first stop to pick up badges, convention materials, and your pre-ordered #吃瓜头条2025 Bag.

8鈥�10 a.m.

Board of Directors Briefing

Hear the 吃瓜头条 Board of Directors share updates about recent decisions and the organization鈥檚 vision and strategies for the future.

All members are invited to this session.

10 a.m.鈥�7:30 p.m.

Marketplace

The Marketplace is a one-stop shop where you can meet the international candidates, learn more about 吃瓜头条 leadership roles, engage with the Ralph C. Smedley Memorial Fund庐, network with sponsors, and shop the convention store.

10:30鈥�11:30 a.m.

First-Timers鈥� Gathering

Be a part of this interactive session with a welcome to our first-time attendees of the International Convention by International President Radhi Spear, DTM, and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Rex. Learn how to make the best of your first convention while meeting fellow first timers and making new friends.

12:30鈥�3 p.m.

Smedley Fund History on Wheels Tour

Step aboard a 90-minute historical experience as you tour Philadelphia鈥檚 iconic landmarks combined with a special tribute to the Ralph C. Smedley Memorial Fund庐. This double-decker bus tour offers a unique opportunity to discover both local history and the legacy of the memorial fund. The ticket price includes a donation to the Smedley Fund, round-trip transportation, and a fully guided excursion from the comfort of your seat. Admission to the Smedley Fund History on Wheels Tour is by ticket only. Tickets can be .

Note: 吃瓜头条 does not discriminate on the basis of disability, and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation in compliance with the .

7鈥�9 p.m.

Opening Ceremonies and Keynote Presentation with Anne Bonney

Be there for the highly anticipated convention kickoff, featuring the popular parade of flags, a motivating keynote presentation with the spirited Anne Bonney, and an introduction of the 2024鈥�2025 Board of Directors, as well as the candidates for the 2025鈥�2026 Board of Directors.

9鈥�9:30 p.m.

Meet Keynote Speaker Anne Bonney

Engage live and in person with the lively keynote speaker Anne Bonney in this unique networking opportunity.

9鈥�9:45 p.m.

Global Celebration Reception

Come in your native dress or as you are and celebrate the opening of the 2025 International Convention with 吃瓜头条 and friends from across the globe.

10 p.m.鈥�12 a.m.

Sing-Along

Bring your unique talents to this grassroots attendee favorite that was started by Past International President Ted Corcoran, DTM, in 1992.

Note: This agenda is subject to change.

Thursday, August 21

Please note: All events are listed in .

Session Color Key:

IP = In Person
LS = Livestreamed
OD = On Demand

7 a.m.鈥�7:30 p.m.

Onsite Registration Desk Open

In-person attendees: make this your first stop to pick up badges, convention materials, and your pre-ordered #吃瓜头条2025 Bag.

7鈥�10 a.m.

Candidate Showcase

Learn about this year鈥檚 candidates for international office as they address convention attendees.

All members are invited to this session.

8 a.m.鈥�7:30 p.m.

Marketplace

10:30鈥�11:30 a.m. Concurrent Education Sessions

Choose from one of four dynamic education sessions, all happening concurrently and to be repeated once more later in the day.

Shaping a New Era of Public Speaking: The NET Approach

Join award-winning facilitator Melinda Lee for an interactive and future-focused session where you鈥檒l explore the NET Approach (Notice, Extract, Transform)鈥攁 powerful framework designed to help you speak with impact, clarity, and influence in any setting.

Lights, Camera, Impact: Mastering Video for Brand Building and Success

Join 鈥淔ilmpreneur鈥� Forrest Tuff to dive deep into the art and science of leveraging video to elevate your business and brand.

The Story Finder: Speaking Tips from a World Champion

Join 2000 World Champion of Public Speaking Ed Tate to explore how to create a story in minutes and consistently introduce fresh content.

Futureboards Workshop

Join Executive Coach Sarah Centrella to learn how to immediately apply tangible, actionable steps to manifest your goals.

11:45 a.m.鈥�12:45 p.m.

吃瓜头条 Lunches 1

Mingle with convention attendees while enjoying lunch. This event is by ticket only, .

1鈥�3 p.m. Concurrent International Speech Contest Semifinals

Cheer on contestants as they compete for a chance to advance to the World Championship of Public Speaking庐. Each contestant will present an original five- to seven-minute speech and be judged by a panel of experienced 吃瓜头条.鈥�Learn more鈥痑bout the International Speech Contest.

Semifinal 1

Semifinal 2

Semifinal 3

Semifinal 4

3:15鈥�4:15 p.m. Concurrent Education Sessions

Choose from one of four dynamic education sessions, all happening concurrently and to be repeated once more later in the day.

Shaping a New Era of Public Speaking: The NET Approach

Lights, Camera, Impact: Mastering Video for Brand Building and Success

Join 鈥淔ilmpreneur鈥� Forrest Tuff to dive deep into the art and science of leveraging video to elevate your business and brand.

The Story Finder: Speaking Tips from a World Champion

Join 2000 World Champion of Public Speaking Ed Tate to explore how to create a story in minutes and consistently introduce fresh content.

Futureboards Workshop

Join Executive Coach Sarah Centrella to learn how to immediately apply tangible, actionable steps to manifest your goals.

4:30鈥�5:30 p.m.

Road to Leadership

Join moderators, Matt Kinsey, DTM, Past International President, and Morag Mathieson, DTM, Immediate Past International President, as they lead an enlightening panel conversation that will explore the importance of leadership roles. Panelists will include: 2024-2025 Second Vice President Gauri Seshadri, 2023-2025 International Director Dana Richard, and 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 Region Advisor Aminata Keita.

7鈥�9 p.m.

Hall of Fame

This event is sure to get you on your feet! Celebrate Distinguished District successes and individual members鈥� accomplishments.

All members are invited to this session.

10 p.m.鈥�12 a.m.

Sing-Along

Bring your unique talents to this grassroots attendee favorite that was started by Past International President Ted Corcoran, DTM, in 1992.

Note: This agenda is subject to change.

Friday, August 22

Please note: All events are listed in .

Session Color Key:

IP = In Person
LS = Livestreamed
OD = On Demand

7:30 a.m.鈥�4:30 p.m.

Onsite Registration Desk Open

In-person attendees: make this your first stop to pick up badges, convention materials, and your pre-ordered #吃瓜头条2025 Bag.

8 a.m.鈥�3:30 p.m.

Marketplace

The Marketplace is a one-stop shop where you can meet the international candidates, learn more about 吃瓜头条 leadership roles, engage with the Ralph C. Smedley Memorial Fund庐, and shop the convention store.

8鈥�9 a.m.

Golden Gavel Award and Distinguished District Recognition

This event will begin with the procession of the Distinguished Districts. Then, be inspired by Matt Abrahams, the 2025 recipient of 吃瓜头条鈥� most prestigious award, the Golden Gavel. Watch as our honoree accepts the award and gives his talk, From Silence to Brilliance: How to Craft Compelling, Clear Communication. Learn more about the Golden Gavel Award and the historical list of distinguished honorees.

9鈥�9:30 a.m.

Meet 2025 Golden Gavel Honoree Matt Abrahams

Engage live and in person with the 2025 Golden Gavel Recipient Matt Abrahams in this unique networking opportunity.

9:30鈥�10:15 a.m.

Accredited Speaker Program

Watch as this year's candidate, Mss Francois, gives her final presentation before the judges for the prestigious Accredited Speaker designation.

11:30 a.m.鈥�12:30 p.m.

吃瓜头条 Lunches 2

Mingle with convention attendees while enjoying lunch. This event is by ticket only, purchased during the registration process.

12:45鈥�1:45 p.m. 吃瓜头条 Journey Workshops

Sharpen your skills as a 吃瓜头条吃瓜头条 member and enhance your 吃瓜头条 experience! Each of the four workshops feature three dynamic speakers delivering growth-minded insights and strategies

Corporate 吃瓜头条 Clinic

Is your company a good fit for a 吃瓜头条吃瓜头条? Want to promote the idea to your work or another professional environment? Learn or refresh the skills needed to sponsor a corporate 吃瓜头条, adjust for a corporate environment, and pitch the benefits to Human Resources and employees.

Value-Added Membership!

Are you maximizing the 吃瓜头条 experience? Your career and personal growth goals are calling! Be inspired to be a volunteer leader; learn how to better market your 吃瓜头条 skills at work and on your resume; discover how to best utilize LinkedIn; get unique networking strategies, and more!

吃瓜头条 Growth on a Budget

You don鈥檛 need a lot of money to advance your 吃瓜头条, but you do need inspiration! Discover unique angles and hear turnaround stories of how others grew their 吃瓜头条s frugally. Get tips involving social media, open houses, 吃瓜头条 meeting locations, and World Headquarters resources, to name a few.

Becoming Distinguished

Got Distinguished 吃瓜头条 goals? We鈥檝e got ideas! Let the experts take you through the best practices to set and track goals, collaborate with 吃瓜头条 officers, and engage Districts to better help 吃瓜头条s become distinguished. You鈥檒l also find out some fun advantages and hear about a few great 吃瓜头条 experiences.

2鈥�3 p.m. 吃瓜头条 Journey Workshops (Repeat)

Corporate 吃瓜头条 Clinic

Value-Added Membership!

吃瓜头条 Growth on a Budget

Becoming Distinguished

4鈥�9 p.m.

Annual Business Meeting

Your vote counts! Elect 2025鈥�2026 International Officers and Directors and vote on important issues that guide the future of the 吃瓜头条 organization.

All members are invited to this session.

10 p.m.鈥�12 a.m.

Sing-Along

Bring your unique talents to this grassroots attendee favorite that was started by Past International President Ted Corcoran, DTM, in 1992.

Note: This agenda is subject to change.

Saturday, August 23

Please note: All events are listed in .

Session Color Key:

IP = In Person
LS = Livestreamed
OD = On Demand

6鈥�7 a.m.

Smedley Fund Sunrise Serenity Stretch

Wake up to the peaceful and rejuvenating experience of you and your peers being led through gentle stretches and mindful breathing to set a positive tone for the rest of the day! This group session is designed to awaken the body and mind of all fitness levels. The first 100 attendees to sign up will receive a commemorative t-shirt and yoga mat, with 100% of donations going to the Ralph C. Smedley Memorial Fund^庐. The Smedley Fund Sunrise Serenity Stretch .

Note: 吃瓜头条 does not discriminate on the basis of disability, and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation in compliance with the .

8 a.m.鈥�12 p.m.

Marketplace

8 a.m.鈥�1:30 p.m.

Onsite Registration Desk Open

In-person attendees: make this your first stop to pick up badges, convention materials, and your pre-ordered #吃瓜头条2025 Bag.

8鈥�9:30 a.m.

Region Gatherings

Mingle with attendees from your region and celebrate the results of the Annual Business Meeting.

10鈥�11 a.m.

Dismantling Burnout

Join Emotional Intelligence Expert Cait Donovan to learn how to break down the shared responsibilities of leaders and team members in creating a work culture that fights burnout from all angles.

11鈥�11:30 a.m.

Meet Speaker Cait Donovan

Engage live and in person with Cait Donovan to get your session questions answered and/or to learn more about reducing a burnout culture.

11:15 a.m.鈥�12:45 p.m.

吃瓜头条 Lunches 3

Mingle with convention attendees while enjoying lunch. This event is by ticket only, .

1鈥�3:30 p.m.

World Championship of Public Speaking

Experience the thrill as eight finalists compete for the top honor in the 2025 World Championship of Public Speaking庐.

4鈥�4:30 p.m.

World Championship of Public Speaking: Winner鈥檚 Showcase

Take the opportunity to congratulate the first, second, and third place winners of the 2025 World Championship of Public Speaking庐.

6:30鈥�7:30 p.m.

President鈥檚 Inauguration

Watch as newly elected International Officers and Directors are officially installed into office and welcome the incoming International President.

All members are invited to this session.

7:45 p.m.鈥�12 a.m.

President鈥檚 Celebration

Join in the festivities of this celebratory event, which includes a formal dinner and dancing. Admission to the President鈥檚 Celebration is by ticket only. Tickets can be.

Note: This agenda is subject to change.