District 31 CLCON 2024 Program

One Community - Dream Big Together!

DearCLCON2024Attendees,

I am honored to have been selected to Chair this year’s District 31 Communication and Leadership Conference. I could not have done this alone. My team of volunteers have workedrelentlesslyforthelast6 months

to obtain sponsors, speakers and all of the necessary logistics in ordertoproduceafirstclassconference.Thankyou,Team!

Thank you to our sponsors, speakers, attendees and contestants fortheircontributionsinmakingCLCON2024asuccess!

And thank you to our PQD, Jen Tam, for allowing me this opportunity and working as a trusted partner in the planning of theconference.

Our Education Chairs, Audrey Chretien & Wendy Dalwin, have worked tirelessly to finalize a tremendous lineup of speakers for this year’s event, with a focus on topics that we hope resonate withourmembersandattendees.

As the theme of this year’s Conference calls out, we are “One Community” and I hope you all come together to learn, grow and “DreamBigTogether!”

Enjoy the Conference and let me know if you are in need of anythingduringthisexcitingweekofevents!

JenniferMcGhee,DTM ConferenceChair,CLCON2024

CLCON 2023 IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

District 31 relies on our generous sponsors to support CLCON in order for us to plan the best event possible for our members and guests. We are proud to promote our Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsorsforthisyear’sevent.

ISSU USER GUIDE

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5/4:TheConferenceCenteratWalthamWoods

SCHEDULE: DAY-BY-DAY

4/27 SAT CLCON 2024 KICK-OFF

9:00AM NOON BUSINESSMEETING

NOON 1:00PM BREAK

1:00PM 2:00PM KEYNOTE StefanoMcGhee,DTM,2ndVPToastmastersInternational: WhyAreWeHere?

4/28 SUN —OFF— LEAVE FEEDBACK

4/29 MON

LAUGH OUT LOUD

Our speakers will entertain and educate with laughter

7:00PM 8:00PM StephDalwin&AmmaMarfo:AStandUpGuideforPublic Speaking

8:00PM 9:00PM StephDalwin&AmmaMarfo:Workshop

4/30 TUES

CELEBRATE

Leadership, Awards, and a Special Recognition

7:00PM 8:00PM PatJohnson,DTM,PIP:LeadWithYourHeart

8:00PM 9:00PM District31FabFour:Q3QuarterlyAwards LEAVE FEEDBACK LEAVE FEEDBACK

5/1

Tonight’s sessions will teach you skills that will bring out your

7:00PM 20EssentialBodyLanguage

8:00PM Self-Esteem,Self-ConfidenceandToastmasters

LEAVE FEEDBACK - Anne

LEAVE FEEDBACK - Karen

5/2 THURS

TEXAS NIGHT

CLCON Attendees will hear from not 1, but 2 speakers from Texas during Day 4 of CLCON 2024

7:00PM 8:00PM YitingLiu,DTM,District55PQD:MyToastmastersJourney

8:00PM 9:00PM JohnSchimanskiJr.:PersuasivePresentations

LEAVE FEEDBACK - Yiting

Anofferfrom ImprovAsylum!

LEAVE FEEDBACK - John

5/3 FRI

TALL TALES CONTEST

Grab some food and a drink from onsite restaurant/bar and prepare to be entertained!

7:00PM 9:00PM TallTalesContestwithBeriRecher

SCHEDULE: DAY-BY-DAY

A DAY OF COMING TOGETHER AND MAKING DREAMS A REALITY

8:00AM 9:00AM REGISTRATIONANDBREAKFAST

9:00AM 9:30AM OpeningRemarksandParadeofBanners MessagefromaSpecialGuest

9:30AM 10:30AM KEYNOTEBoBennett,Ph.D: TheLighterSideoftheDarkSideofCommunication

10:30AM 10:45AM BREAK

10:45AM 11:30AM CarlFoster:GoalAchievementPresentation

11:30AM 12:00PM StephDalwin:ManagingPublicSpeaking-LessonsfromStandup Comedy

12:00PM 1:00PM LUNCH

1:00PM 1:45PM HallofFame-AwardsandRecognition ContestBriefing

1:45PM 2:00PM BREAK

2:00PM 4:00PM INTERNATIONALSPEECHCONTEST:DISTRICTFINALS ContestInfoonPage30

4:00PM 4:15PM BREAK

4:15PM 4:45PM AnneCroweKroger,FSMPS,MBA:Power,Panache,PurposeHowPowerfulPublicSpeakingwillAdvanceYourCareer

4:45PM 5:00PM ClosingRemarks

5:00PM 6:00PM Joinusforlightrefreshmentsandmingling

RECORDING & VIDEO NOTICE

Parts of CLCON may be recorded, and pieces of it may be shared on the District website and/or social media, subject to terms of permission from sessionpresenters.

The recording will be made in speaker view, except where otherwise indicated. Ifyouliketoavoidthechanceofincidentallyappearinginthe recording,pleaseturnyourcameraoff.

By turning your camera on during recording, you give District 31 Toastmasterspermissiontoincludefootageofyouinvideossharedonthe websiteandsocialmedia.

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

ABOUT STEFANO

StefanoMcGhee,DTM

2ndVPToastmastersInternational

WHYAREWEHERE?

During our 1st Keynote of CLCON 2024, Stefano will talk about leadership and the realization he had about why he continues to be a leader in Toastmasters, and why you should join theranksofToastmastersleadership.

With a career built on both leadership and technical expertise, Stefano McGhee is passionate about empowering individuals and organizations tothrive.

His journey began in the world of information technology, where he currently serves as a Director of DevOps and Infrastructure. But his true passion lies in communication and leadership, a passion ignited by his 18-yearjourneywithToastmastersInternational.

As a Distinguished Toastmaster, two-time District Director, and Past Board member, he has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of effective communication. His experiences in the corporate world, coupled with his military service as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Rhode Island Air National Guard, have further honed his ability to navigate complexsituationsandinspireaction.

Stefano balances his professional pursuits with a love for adventure. Whether it's soaring through the skies, cruising the waterways, or exploring new horizons on two wheels, hebelieves in embracing life's opportunitieswithenthusiasmanddedication.

4/29

OUR SPEAKERS WILL ENTERTAIN AND EDUCATE WITH LAUGHTER

STEPHDALWIN&AMMAMARFO

ASTANDUPGUIDEFORPUBLIC SPEAKING&WORKSHOP

ABOUT STEPH and AMMA

Everyone has probably experienced stage frightatsomepointintheirlife.Itisincredibly daunting to present to an audience, especially in a professional setting in which the stakes can be high. Yet, key to conquering public speaking often lies in managing, rather than eliminating, anxiety. During this interactive session, Amma and Steph will share tips and tricks they’ve learned along the way to make the stage more approachable. They will address

questionslike:

·Howdoyougetmorecomfortableonstage?

·Dothenervesevergoaway?

·Howcanwemakepublicspeakinglessscary?

StephDalwin(she/her)isaBoston-basedstandupcomedian.Shedraws inspiration from her upbringing in a Vietnamese and Jewish household and in everyday situations like shopping while plus size, trips to the grocery store, and her quest for the perfect chicken nugget. Steph regularly performs in the Boston area, and recently performed at the FarFromHereComedyFestivalinToronto.

AfteryearsofwritingaboutcomedyforTheInterrobang,Splitsider,and herownwebsite,Amma(she/her)decidedtotaketothestage–onthe nudgeofadaresetforherbyherpodcastco-hosts.Sixyearslater,she’s appeared at Newport, RI’s Rogue Island Comedy Festival, NYC’s Black WomeninComedyLaffFestandalongsidecomedianslikeMiaJackson, Alingon Mitra, and Leighann Lord. Amma also released her first half hourspecial,"EnjoyYourNachos,"whichisavailableonYouTube.

TUESDAY 4/29

LEADERSHIP, AWARDS AND A SPECIAL RECOGNITION

PATJOHNSON,DTM,PIP

ABOUT PAT

LEADWITHYOURHEART

Acrosstheworldtodaywehearthecryfor leaders in all walks of life. Pat Johnson believes that leaders are developed, not born, and that leadership development comes with practice and awareness. Pat shares experiences and discoveries that have shaped her view of leadership traits andinvitesyoutoconsideryourleadership through these lenses. Let's explore together how this impacts our leadership journey.

Pat Johnson joined Toastmasters International in 1983 in rural northern Manitoba. During her 4 decades of continuous learning and membership in Toastmasters,shehasspokeninalonglistofcountriesaroundtheworldasa keynotespeakerandeducator.

Her professional career was in Adult Education within the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors where she was responsible for providing training needed to support employees being successful within theirroles.

SheisthecurrentSpecialEventsCoordinatorofherhomeclub,Rise&Shine #331,inVictoria,BritishColumbia,Canada.

TUESDAY 4/29

LEADERSHIP, AWARDS AND A SPECIAL RECOGNITION

DISTRICT31FABFOUR

Q3QUARTERLYAWARDS

District 31 Toastmasters is recognizing members and clubs for their exemplary service and leadership each quarter in the followingcategories:

CLUB OF THE QUARTER: a club team that has gone above and beyond in their commitment to the club mission to “provide a supportive and positivelearningexperience.”

CLUB MEMBER OF THE QUARTER:anonclubofficerwhogoesaboveand beyond — participating in meetings, mentoring others, contributing to clubexcellence,etc.

CLUB OFFICER OF THE QUARTER:aclubleaderwhoempowersmembers to become more effective communicators and leaders, while exemplifyingthecoreToastmastersvalues.

MENTOR OF THE QUARTER: a member who is actively mentoring one or moreToastmastersandwhosementorshiphasmadeapositiveimpacton theirprotégé(s).

AREA DIRECTOR OF THE QUARTER: an area director who has exceeded the responsibilities of their role toward achieving the district mission to buildnewclubsandsupportallclubsinachievingexcellence.

DIVISION DIRECTOR OF THE QUARTER: a division director who has exceeded the responsibilities of their role toward achieving the district missiontobuildnewclubsandsupportallclubsinachievingexcellence.

WEDNESDAY 5/1 ・ ONLINE - AUTHENTICITY

Tonight’s sessions will teach you skills that will bring out your authentic self

ANNECROWEKROGER,FSMPS,MBA

ABOUT ANNE

20ESSENTIAL

BODYLANGUAGETACTICS:

HOWTOUSETHEMANDHOWTOREADIN OTHERS

Successful communication goes beyond words. It includes Body Language, such as facial expressions, posture, gestures, eye movement and touch, which convey meaning and intent. This session will cover the 20 essential tactics that attendees must know to master body languageskills.

Anneistheconsummaterelationshipbuilder.Ifshedoesn’tknowyouyet, shewill!

As President of Kroger Grant Consultants, she works with firms, organizations,andindividualstoimprovetheircommunicationsskills.She provides customizable keynotes, half- and full-day coaching and training for all levels to become more effective communicators and public speakers.

As an attendee at a recent coaching session said, “Anne is clearly an expert in her field. I love how she dove right in and launched a very engaging and interactive presentation that all levels of staff could participatewith.”

WEDNESDAY 5/1

Tonight’s sessions will teach you skills that will bring out your authentic self

KARENMALONEY

Self-Esteem,Self-Confidenceand Toastmasters

The mind-body connection is a two-way relationship where the mind influences the body,andthebodyinfluencesthemind.The mind-body connection is interlinked and has a direct affect on our overall mental and physical well-being. One way we can enhance our mind-bodyconnectioniswithToastmasters.The work we do in Toastmasters helps increase our confidenceandbolsterourself-esteem.

KarenholdsaSocialWorkDegree(BSW)andaLifeCoachCertification(LCC).

Employed 23 years in the field of social work, she is recently retired and currentlycreatinganonlinecoachingbusiness.Karenhasbeenamemberof SmithsFallsToastmastersfor7yearsandisastrongadvocateformentaland physical health and well being. She resides in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada with her husband Jeff and their four fur babies, Marty, Harry Potter, Bear andCharlotteTheCat.

THURSDAY 5/2

- TEXAS NIGHT

CLCON Attendees will hear from not 1, but 2 speakers from Texas

YITINGLIU,DTM,District55PQD

MYTOASTMASTERSJOURNEY

ABOUT YITING

I have been a Toastmaster for 10 years, achieved DTM in 2020, and am currently serving as Program Quality Director within District 55.Throughout my journey, I have grown tremendously through continuous learning and practice with support from fellow Toastmasters. I want to contribute back to the Toastmasters community that has created me as a leader.Join me as I share more about my Toastmasters journey and how I got to where I amtoday.

Yiting is an IT professional with 25 years of experience. She has been a Toastmasters member for 10 years, and earned her Distinguished ToastmastersAwardin2020.

Yitinghasheldavarietyofleadershiproleswithinherdistrictincluding:

● ProgramQualityDirector

● ClubGrowthDirector

● DivisionDirector

● AreaDirector

● ClubOfficersforDistrict55

The communication and leadership skills that she has gained through ToastmastershavemadeherabettercommunicatorandaleaderintheIT industry.

THURSDAY 5/2

CLCON Attendees will hear from not 1, but 2 speakers from Texas

JOHNSCHIMANSKIJR.

PERSUASIVEPRESENTATIONS

Spending time doing presentations, can both be frustrating and rewarding. Makingitthelatterandnottheformeris importantinordertomakesurethatyou connect with your audience. Presentations shouldconnect, inspire, or create some value to your customers or youraudience.

District 31 Prison Clubs

District 31 Prison Clubs offer an opportunity forToastmaster members to volunteer behind the wall and help inmates improve their speaking, writing, communications, leadership, self-esteem, and social skills. Training is provided by District 31 and the correctional institution.

If you would like to learn more contact: Dr. Sherri Raftery, DTM4 PDG, D31 Prison Club Chair - sherri.raftery01@gmail.com

DISTRICT 31 TOASTMASTERS THANKS OUR SPONSOR

As a premier client-centered, multi-service commercial real estate brokerage-consulting firm in Eastern Massachusetts, Jay Nuss Realty Group, LLC brings more than 35 years of experience in the selling, leasing, and evaluation of industrial,office,retail,mixed-used,landandnon-profitownedproperties.

In-Person:The Cambridge Room at the Westin Waltham Hotel

TALL TALES CONTEST

BALLOT LINK

Followalongasthecontestprogresses toseehowyourateasaJudge

CONTESTANTS

Division A - Cecily Szadry

Division B - Jagdish Bakshi

Division C - Gina Salcedo Lannin

Division D - Daniel Strick

Division E - Peter Swan

Division F - Maryann Murphy

Division G - Todd Adams

Division H - Eva Strauss

ContestChair/Master-BeriRecher

ChiefJudge-CarolynMelbye

One Community - Dream Big Together

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

BoBennett,Ph.D.

THELIGHTERSIDEOFTHEDARKSIDEOF COMMUNICATION

Our Keynote presentation explores the dual nature of communication: its power to inspire, connect, and resolve conflicts, as well as its potential for manipulation and spreading disinformation. In this presentation, we dissect common misconceptions about persuasion, highlightingtheimportanceoffosteringgenuine desire over coercion. Through a blend of historicalanecdotesandmodernexamples,

we'lluncoverthestrategiesbehindthewordsinalight-heartedmannerthat promises both enlightenment and entertainment. Get ready to engage, laugh, and learn how to navigate the intricate landscape of communication withvigilanceandapositivespirit.

ABOUT BO

Bo joined Toastmasters in 2003, after a painfully embarrassing speech given to a room full of his contractors. In 2004, Bo created the FreeToastHost website hosting platform for all Toastmasters clubs. Today, FreeToastHost hosts over 15,000 clubs around the world. In 2008, Bo started the Toastmasters Podcast, which began as a district podcast, then in 2010 transferred ownership to Toastmasters International, to become the organization'sfirstofficialpodcast.AlthoughBonolongerhoststhepodcast, thepodcastisstillgoingstrongandservesasthevoicetooveraquarterofa millionmembersworldwide.

Today,Bospendsmostofhistimeworkingwithweb-basedplatformsforthe book publishing industry, writing, and speaking on issues related to critical thinking, logic, reason, psychology, and science. Bo has a PhD in social psychology.

One Community - Dream Big Together

CarlFoster

FormerTrainerwithTonyRobbins

Goal Achievement Presentation

We’re all aware of the value and importance of goals. Having them is essential to success; achieving them is essential to happiness and fulfillment in life. Every decision we make is affected by our goals—whether they are explicitly known or not. But setting goals is not enough; it is necessary to achieve them. And that is why this informationissoimportant.Goalsareastrategyto improvesomethinginyourlife,

something which isn’t perfect yet. To achieve them, it is important to know how to specify them correctly to ensure the greatest possibility of achievement, and to develop Action Plans that will serve as your road map to success.InthissessionwewilldoaGoalAchievementProcessfromwhichyou willlearnthegoalsthatareexplicitlyrightforyou.

ABOUT CARL

In 1991, Carl Foster read Tony Robbins first book, Unlimited Power, and was so impressed with his ideas that he attended his weekend event. Carl returned the following year as a volunteer and then underwent a year-long period to become a Trainer. Additionally, he studied Neurolinguistic Programming, the basis for Tony’s interventions, with Richard Bandler, co-founder of NLP and completed qualifications for the advanced level. Carl haspresentedthismaterialnumeroustimesincludinganearlierversionatthe Fall2006District31Conference.

Carl’s various career positions include engineering, in which he holds several degrees and professional licenses, a U.S. Patent for the nuclear power industry,andpublicationsintechnicaljournals.

One Community - Dream Big Together

ABOUTSTEPH

StephDalwin

MANAGINGPUBLICSPEAKING-LESSONS FROMSTANDUPCOMEDY

Steph Dalwin (she/her) is a Boston-based standup comedian. She draws inspiration from her upbringing in a Vietnamese and Jewish household and in everyday situations like shopping while plus size, trips to the grocery store, and her quest for the perfect chicken nugget. Steph regularlyperformsintheBostonarea,andrecentlyperformedattheFar FromHereComedyFestivalinToronto.

Hall of Fame

CarlyCox,DDandJenTam,PQD

DTM Recipients

❖ Sara C.Adair, DTM

❖ David Lintz, DTM

❖ MichaelMateo,DTM

Pathfinder Recipients

❖ Barb Millett, DTM

❖ Bethany Hashway, DTM

❖ David Lintz, DTM

❖ EdwardAlexander, EC3

❖ Emily Hao, PM5

❖ JonathanA. Shapiro, MS4

❖ JosephAntao,TC5

❖ Madhu Natarajan, MS4

❖ Marina K. Lam, DTM

❖ Mary Ellen Pataro, EH5

❖ Melissa B. Oliver, DTM

❖ Michael Choquette, EH1

❖ Michael Mateo, DTM

❖ NaomiruthA. Quinlan, DTM

❖ Ramakrishna Ventrapragada, LD5

❖ Sara C.Adair, DTM

❖ Sherri Raftery, DTM

❖ Vijaya L. Jayaraman, DTM

❖ Virginia Layton-Leal, DTM

SPECIAL THANKS TO

OUR CLCON VOLUNTEERS

Conference Master

Conference Program

Decorations

Education

Facilities

Parade of Banners

Promotions

Registration On-Site

Sponsorship

Technology

Webmaster

Zoom Logistics

Trevor Crippen, DTM

Jennifer McGhee, DTM

Jennifer McGhee, DTM

Dr. Sherri Raftery, DTM

Audrey Chretien, DTM, Wendy Dalwin andAngela Nuss, DTM

Dr. Sherri Raftery, DTM

Jennifer McGhee, DTM

Jane Shan, DTM

ChristianAustin, DTM

Bethany Hashway, DTM

Gina Salcedo Lannin, DTM, Dan Wallace, DTM and Michele Chamberlain

Michele Chamberlain, Bruce Pyne, DTM, Katie Kelly and Evelyn Pierre-Mike

Sean DaSilva, DTM

JenTam, DTM

Anita Wos

Dan Wallace, DTM

5/4

INTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST

WHO WILL REPRESENT D31 AT REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS?

CONTESTANTS

Division A - Fay LaCasse

BALLOT LINK

Followalongasthecontestprogresses toseehowyourateasaJudge

Division B - Dave McCarthy

Division C - Liz Gerrish

Division D - Sutikshna Veeravalli

Division E - Sara Gladu

Division F - Dan Kupferman

In-Person: The Auditorium at the Waltham Woods Conference Center KEY In-person

Division G - Stephen McGrath

Division H - Kunal Vaishnav

ContestChair/Master-BeriRecher

ChiefJudge-CarolynMelbye

ABOUT ANNE

One Community - Dream Big Together

ANNECROWEKROGER,FSMPS,MBA

POWER,PANACHE,PURPOSE-HOW POWERFULPUBLICSPEAKINGWILL ADVANCEYOURCAREER

So often we see individuals and teams held back in their careers because of poor communication skills. Without sufficient public speaking expertise, you will struggle to achieve your full potential. This session will teach soft skills, aka PowerSkills–PowerPose,PowerOpener,Power Listening and the Power of Being a Good Presenter.

Anne is the consummate relationship builder. If she doesn’t know you yet,shewill!

As President of Kroger Grant Consultants, she works with firms, organizations, and individuals to improve their communications skills. She provides customizable keynotes, half- and full-day coaching and training for all levels to become more effective communicators and publicspeakers.

As an attendee at a recent coaching session said, “Anne is clearly an expert in her field. I love how she dove right in and launched a very engaging and interactive presentation that all levels of staff could participatewith.” SATURDAY

Call for Volunteers - CLCON 2025

It’s never too early to start thinking about our District’s next Conference. CLCON2025planningwillstartinthefallof2024.

It takes a volunteer team of many to produce a conference with opportunities from soliciting sponsorships to interviewing potential speakers and producing our program. Interested in getting involved? ReachoutnowtolearnmoreandjointheteamastheyprepareforCLCON 2025! ContactConferenceChair@District31.orgformoreinfo.

OUR CLCON VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Contest Chair

Advertising and PR Committee

Conference Program Chair

Decorations Chair

Education Committee

Facilities Chair

Parade of Banners Chair

Registration On-Site Committee

Sponsorship Committee

Technology Chair

Webmaster

Zoom Logistics

100 yrAnniversary Convention

Dates: August 14-17, 2024

Don’t miss it: Take a trip to where it all began! Toastmasters members worldwide will gather in centennial celebration Be a part of a most memorable, magical, milestone event.