The 2025 - 2026 Toastmasters year was a period of growth, challenge, and transformational leadership. Throughout the year, I had the privilege of serving in several leadership capacities, including immediate past president of Kigali Bilingual Toastmasters Club, Assistant Area C14 Director for Program Quality, and, most notably, Convener of TEACON 2026, District 114’s Annual Conference.
While each role offered valuable learning opportunities, serving as TEACON Convener was undoubtedly the most demanding and rewarding experience. Interestingly, my first-ever TEACON attendance was in Addis Ababa in 2025. A few months later, I was entrusted with leading the planning and execution of the next edition in Kigali, Rwanda. What initially felt like an overwhelming responsibility soon became a mission fueled by purpose, teamwork, and determination.
From the outset, the vision for TEACON 2026 was clear: create a conference that would elevate the District experience and leave a lasting impact on every participant.
Three primary goals guided our planning:
1. Achieving Record Attendance
With attendance growing from approximately 120 delegates in Mombasa (2024) to 150 delegates in Addis Ababa (2025), the target of over 200 participants seemed ambitious. To achieve this, registration targets were assigned across regions based on membership size and travel accessibility. Consistent weekly follow-ups from September through May ensured momentum and accountability.
2. Delivering a High-Impact Program
Every element of the conference—from the theme and keynote speeches to educational sessions and contests—was carefully designed to meet participants’ expectations. The goal was not simply to fill a schedule but to create meaningful learning experiences that attendees could immediately apply in their personal and professional lives.
3. Creating Memorable Experiences Beyond the Conference Hall
Recognizing that TEACON is both a Toastmasters and travel experience, the team introduced activities such as the Kigali Night Tour and National Park Adventures. For many delegates, these experiences became highlights of their visit to Rwanda, strengthening friendships and creating unforgettable memories.
TEACON 2026 will be remembered as a landmark event for District 114.
The conference attracted more than 200 delegates, making it one of the largest TEACON gatherings in the District’s history. More than 50 participants attended TEACON for the first time, reflecting the conference’s expanding reach and influence.
Several countries achieved record participation levels:
Another major success was the conference program itself. Based on participant feedback from previous years, the organizing team introduced more interactive and engaging learning experiences. Traditional panel discussions were replaced with breakout sessions that allowed participants to interact directly with speakers, ask questions, and engage in deeper conversations. The result was a more dynamic and meaningful learning environment.
For Rwanda, the conference delivered an additional historic achievement. For the first time in a decade, Rwanda was represented at the District-level speech contests. Not only did Rwanda field two contestants, but one earned a Silver Trophy in the Evaluation Contest while another captured the Gold Trophy in the International Speech Contest. Hosting TEACON and producing a District Champion in the same year created a milestone that will inspire Rwandan Toastmasters for years to come.
Every major achievement comes with challenges, and TEACON 2026 was no exception.
One of the greatest hurdles was navigating a role that was entirely new. Having never previously served on a TEACON planning team, the scale and complexity of organizing a District Conference initially seemed daunting. Overcoming self-doubt required embracing ownership and trusting both mentors and team members.
"Success is not determined by size or resources alone, but by vision, commitment, teamwork, and execution."
Another challenge was the limited local support available in Rwanda at the time. Many clubs were facing difficulties, making it challenging to build a large on-the-ground organizing team. As a result, much of the conference team was spread across different countries. While this created coordination challenges, it also fostered greater regional collaboration and representation, ultimately strengthening the conference.
Economic realities also posed significant obstacles. Rising travel costs, increasing conference expenses, and broader economic pressures affected potential attendees throughout the region. The team responded by leveraging Rwanda’s central location and encouraging affordable road travel options, which enabled many delegates to participate.
Additionally, regional financial and banking restrictions created logistical complications, particularly regarding international payments and transfers. These experiences reinforced the importance of understanding the operating environment and proactively addressing challenges before they become crises.
Reflecting on the experience, several leadership lessons stand out.
Teamwork is everything.
The success of TEACON 2026 was ultimately the result of an extraordinary team. Great leaders do not succeed alone; they build teams composed of individuals who demonstrate ownership, commitment, initiative, and expertise.
The beginning matters.
One of the most important moments in the entire journey was the very first planning meeting. Decisions regarding conference fees, venue selection, economic realities, and team structure established the foundation upon which every subsequent decision was built. Strong beginnings create strong outcomes.
Never hesitate to ask for support.
Many of the conference’s greatest successes came from reaching out, seeking advice, and requesting assistance from experienced leaders and partners. Leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about knowing when to seek help and leveraging collective wisdom.
Several practices contributed significantly to the success of the conference.
Learning from previous organizers proved invaluable. Rather than reinventing processes, the team built upon lessons, systems, and resources from earlier TEACON editions. The guidance of experienced leaders, including members of previous organizing committees, helped avoid common pitfalls and accelerate progress.
Regular planning and accountability meetings ensured continuous alignment and progress. Bi-weekly meetings in the early stages evolved into weekly sessions as the conference approached, allowing the team to address issues quickly and maintain momentum.
Another surprisingly powerful practice was visualization. Consistently imagining successful outcomes, enthusiastic participants, and world-class contests helped maintain focus and confidence, especially during periods of intense pressure.
The leadership journey continues beyond TEACON.
For the 2026–2027 Toastmasters year, I have accepted a new challenge as the incoming District Public Relations Manager. Having recently achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation, I see this next chapter as an opportunity to demonstrate what is possible through consistent learning, service, and leadership.
One of my priorities is to continue showcasing how Toastmasters skills translate into success beyond the organization. Whether in entrepreneurship, professional careers, or community leadership, the communication and leadership skills developed through Toastmasters create real-world impact.
Perhaps the most meaningful outcome of TEACON 2026 is the message it sent across District 114: everything is possible.
Rwanda successfully hosted one of the District’s largest conferences despite having a relatively small membership base and a community composed largely of students and young professionals. The conference demonstrated that success is not determined by size or resources alone, but by vision, commitment, teamwork, and execution.
Today, TEACON 2026 has ignited renewed enthusiasm within the Toastmasters community in Rwanda and across the District. Its influence will continue to be felt in the years ahead through stronger clubs, more confident leaders, and a new generation of members inspired to aim higher.
If there is one legacy I hope TEACON 2026 leaves behind, it is the belief that with the right people, the right mindset, and unwavering commitment, remarkable achievements are always within reach.
Toastmasters East Africa Conference (TEACON) 2026 Convener