In 2023, I went to my first Toastmasters conference in Liverpool for one simple reason – I’d made it to the semi-finals of the Evaluation Contest.
That morning, I’d signed a new coaching client… which paid for the trip. Talk about timing!
Two weeks before, I’d been wild camping in Scotland. My boyfriend stayed there fishing while I jumped on a train south. Slightly chaotic. Slightly unconventional. Completely worth it.
Because when I arrived in Liverpool, I fell in love with the whole experience.
The people.
The energy.
The conversations that actually mean something.
The following year, I headed to Portlaoise, not as a contestant, but as support.
A fellow member from Godiva Speakers had won the Humorous Speech Contest and was feeling understandably nervous about travelling to Ireland. Big trip. Big expense. Big feelings.
So I said, “Let’s do it together!”
We travelled separately, met there… and both had an unforgettable time.
Then came Solihull – practically on my doorstep. That one was a no-brainer. Easy yes.
And now here we are in 2026, heading to Tralee.
This one? Not so simple.
I live with multiple sclerosis, and my mobility isn’t what it used to be. Back in Liverpool, I was on walking sticks. These days, I travel with my bright yellow mobility scooter – Bumblebee – who’s become quite the companion.
So this year, I made a decision:
If I’m going all the way to Ireland… I’m going to see Ireland.
I’m turning the conference into a two-week road trip. Because why not?
Here’s what I’ve realised…
Every year, there’s been a reason to go:
- One year, I was competing
- One year, I was supporting a friend
- One year, it was simply convenient
- This year, I’m attending as an Area Director (with a little help on expenses — thank you very much!)
But underneath all of that… there’s a deeper truth.
Conference isn’t just an event.
It’s growth.
It’s connection.
It’s the kind of environment where you leave thinking bigger than when you arrived.
So if you’ve never been?
Come for a day. Just one.
See what it feels like.
And don’t be surprised if next year… it quietly becomes your annual “yes” too.
Because if a Toastmasters meeting is powerful…
A conference is that — turned all the way up.
Gina Dallison
