EDUCATIONALS
KEYNOTE SPEAKER (Friday)
Sheldon Smithens
Sheldon has had a long career in the field of Antiques. He has owned Smithens Antiques since 1992 and has been a member of the Auctioneers Society of Southern Alberta since 1980. He teaches courses in Antiques and design as well as art and auctions for the University of Calgary and has conducted appraisals for numerous museums across the prairies.
With his extensive experience, Sheldon was a natural choice as co-host of Canadian Pickers. Over the show’s 4 seasons, Sheldon’s warm personality has won the hearts of thousands of Canadians. He is sought after for numerous road show events and regularly conducts charity auctions for causes ranging from Ducks Unlimited, The Calgary Opera, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Alberta Theatre Projects, Rotary, and many others.
When not working in Calgary, Sheldon spends his time in the picturesque Porcupine Hills of Southern Alberta
FROM AUCTIONEER TO TV HOST
(DECADES WITH A MICROPHONE )
I will discuss my career as an Auctioneer, and several flirtations with the Media, culminating in the adventures of co-hosting a very successful national show, Canadian Pickers.
When not working in Calgary, Sheldon spends his time in the picturesque Porcupine Hills of Southern Alberta.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER (Saturday)
Irma Goosen, DTM
Irma Goosen, DTM, is a global speaker, TEDx speaker, YouTube Video, author, and coach known for blending insight, storytelling, and sharp wit to deliver messages that stay with audiences long after the applause.
Originally trained as an engineer, Irma worked on major projects across Africa, the UAE, and North America, giving her a unique global perspective on leadership, innovation, and communication across cultures.
After immigrating with just two suitcases, she built a career helping professionals turn their experiences into powerful ideas and messages that influence audiences and organizations. She speaks internationally, coaches speakers preparing for TEDx stages, mentors emerging leaders, and works with youth to help them develop confidence, leadership skills, and powerful voices of their own.
A Toastmaster for more than seven years, Irma has served in leadership roles while supporting the development of speakers and leaders across the organization. She also serves as the official Ambassador and Spokesperson for https://www.ihelpcanadians.org/, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities across Canada.
Irma is increasingly focused on helping individuals and organizations navigate communication, leadership, and influence in an AI-driven world—ensuring that human connection, clarity, and meaningful ideas remain at the center of how we lead and communicate.
CONSTELLATIONS OF IMPACT:
Three Principles to Leave a Legacy in a Noisy World.
At the Toastmasters District 42 Conference, Irma will present her keynote: “Constellations of Impact: Three Principles to Leave a Legacy in a Noisy World.”
In this inspiring talk, she explores how the moments we often overlook — a conversation, a shared idea, or an act of encouragement — can connect over time to create powerful constellations of influence that shape people, organizations, and futures.
Educational Sessions (Saturday)
Resonating for Success: Pathway Program to Achieve Personal and Professional Goals
(Spoken Word Toastmasters Club)
Saturday Morning (Heritage Room 1)
April 25, 2026
Presented by Spoken Word Toastmasters, this engaging and practical session explores how to intentionally use the Toastmasters Pathways program to achieve meaningful personal and professional goals. Whether you’re preparing for job interviews, applying to graduate programs such as an MBA or physiotherapy, building confidence as a newcomer to Canada, or striving for career advancement, this workshop provides clear strategies you can begin using immediately.
Participants will gain actionable tools to build authentic connections with their audience, structure responses with purpose, and communicate effectively within professional and cultural contexts. You’ll also learn why consistent weekly participation is essential for developing confidence and how focusing on what you give your audience elevates both interviews and presentations. In an AI world, your voice is your advantage—come learn how to turn your personal vision into a lasting legacy.
Presenters:
- Zahra Ashena (Presentation Mastery, Lvl 3)
- Mikaela Tapuska (Presentation Mastery, Lvl 2)
- Sorel Tagne (Strategic Relationships, Lvl 2)
- Jason Niu (Team Collaboration, Lvl 2)
Presenting:
- Arobo Ako, DTM
- Christina Kruis, DTM
- Shelley Musfelt, DTM
- Wendie Swirski, DTM
- Molly Hamilton
- Shawn Hamilton.
The MVP Advanced Evaluation Laboratory: From Praise to Performance
(MVP Advanced Toastmasters Club)
Saturday Morning (Heritage Room 2)
April 25, 2026
If evaluations disappeared tomorrow, would speakers actually improve? If not, it’s time to rethink feedback.
Welcome to The MVP Advanced Evaluation Laboratory.
Traditional Toastmasters evaluations are kind and encouraging, but often leave speakers thinking: “That was nice… but it won’t change my next speech.” Most feedback feels good, but rarely makes the next speech better.
In this lab, feedback does both. This isn’t a lecture; it’s a hands-on experience showing how advanced evaluators sharpen delivery, clarity, and impact. Inside the lab, you will:
- See the same speech produce radically different evaluations
- Understand why common feedback often fails to improve performance
- Practice turning vague comments into precise, actionable insights
- Learn how elite evaluators spot small changes that dramatically elevate a speech
You’ll also explore the Observation → Impact → Upgrade model, designed to engineer stronger speakers.
Hosted by MVP Advanced Toastmasters, this workshop reflects a club philosophy focused on:
- In-depth, strategic feedback
- High-level speaking insights
- Precision coaching for advanced communicators
Step into the MVP Advanced Evaluation Lab and transform the way your speeches are evaluated and how you grow as a speaker.
The Magic of Mentorship
(Dynamically Speaking Club)
Saturday Afternoon (Heritage Room 1)
April 25, 2026
In over 100 years, the Toastmaster Legacy is to build people, their Leadership abilities and their Public Speaking skills. You can be part of that Legacy through being a Mentor or Mentee. In this workshop, you will learn about the most powerful way to magically transform yourself, your members and your club.
The gift of unconditional positive regard and of being the trusted advisor to a fellow Toastmaster is magical. How is this vision achieved? Bring your notepad and your magic
wand and be prepared to learn, know and grow!
Presenters:
Freddi Dogterom DTM, Accredited Speaker
She joined Toastmasters to get more tools for her toolbox as a professional speaker. She received all that and more! She is a #72 Accredited Speaker, a passionate Toastmaster, and fully engaged in mentoring and supporting fellow Toastmasters around the world.
Joelle Croteau-Willard
She joined Toastmasters 5 years ago as a successful Regional Director of a Personal Development and Leadership company. For over a decade, she led seminars, conferences and workshops. As a Master Coach, mentorship was a magical part of her International Success.
From Reaction to Response: The Hidden Advantage of Emotional Intelligence
(Aces of the West Toastmasters)
Saturday Afternoon (Heritage Room 2)
April 25, 2026
From Reaction to Response explores how emotional intelligence turns momentary choices into long-term reputation.
By focusing on high-pressure moments that test our vision for how we want to lead, participants practice shifting from automatic reaction to intentional response so their day-to-day interactions consistently reflect the legacy they want to leave.
Through guided reflection and discussion, attendees learn to recognize emotional triggers, regulate reactions, and communicate with greater composure and credibility at work and at home.
Distinguished Toastmasters
Milestone Achievements
Sponsors
