District 116 Toastmasters Annual Conference 2025 Concludes in Resounding Success!

rki.news

After months of meticulous planning and anticipation, DTAC 2025—District 116’s flagship Toastmasters convention—unfolded on Friday, 23rd May, and Saturday, 24th May 2025 at the Holiday Inn, Old Airport Road, Doha. Themed “Amplify Your Voice”, the two-day event marked a historic milestone with a record-breaking attendance of more than 500 participants—the highest in the history of DTAC in Qatar. The event was officially opened by the District Director Sabeena M K, DTM, welcome address given by DTAC Chair Hamad Mohsen Al Yafei, and DTAC Co Chair Manzoor Moideen, DTM.

This year’s event was a showcase of diversity, unity, and excellence. Toastmasters from across Qatar, along with global dignitaries, participated in thought-provoking keynote sessions, riveting speech contests, interactive training workshops, and meaningful recognitions of leadership and service. Every moment reflected the heart of Toastmasters—communication that empowers and leadership that uplifts. A powerful keynote titled “Leadership: Reality or Myth?” by Past International President Mohamad Murad, DTM captivated the audience on the first day. Renowned World Champion of Public Speaking Ramona J Smith (WCPS 2018) inspired attendees with two impactful sessions—“Lead with Voice, Inspire with Presence” and “Power Beyond the Podium: Influence That Lasts.” A series of parallel training workshops further enriched the learning experience. Topics included visionary leadership, communication etiquette, and the journey from speaker to entrepreneur—delivered by celebrated trainers such as Joseph Shabu Stanley, Rajesh VC, Christopher Almeda, Liaqat Amin Satti, and Martin Thomas Arakkal.

The District 116 Speech Contests were a major highlight of DTAC 2025, showcasing exceptional talent and competitive spirit. The Evaluation Speech Contest saw Abhishek Chattopadhyay, Nisha Shivram, and Cinderella Williams placing first, second, and third respectively; the Humorous Speech Contest winners were Sheik Abdul Kader (1st), Jithin Joseph (2nd), and Milton Swaminathan (3rd); in the Table Topics Contest, Roshan Sukheja secured first place followed by Nisha Shivram and Abhishek Chattopadhyay; and the International Speech Contest concluded with Nisha Shivram taking the top honor, while Mohamed Thousif and Tariro Dorcas Matibiri placed second and third respectively.

The event also recognized exceptional service through district awards and leadership honors for 2023–24 and the newly inducted officers for 2025–26. Felicitations were extended to clubs, leaders, and volunteers who upheld the values of Toastmasters throughout the year. The entertainment night and Gala Dinner hosted at Crowne Plaza lit up the evening with cultural performances, music, and unforgettable fellowship. The success of DTAC 2025 was the result of the extraordinary efforts of the Organizing Committee, including Hamad Mohsen Al Yafei (DTAC Chair), Manzoor Moideen, DTM (Co-Chair), Sabeena M K, DTM (District Director), Alar Mel Mangai, DTM (Program Quality Director), Sherwin Olimpo, DTM (Club Growth Director), Shyam Sundar (Program Manager), Pavitra Philip (Contest Manager), Nasser Mohd Alfuhaid (Sponsorship Chair), Nirmala Raghuraman, DTM (Sponsorship Co-Chair), Sivakumar Raju, DTM (Finance Manager), Rauf Shahzad, DTM (Education Chair), Salman Hilmi, DTM (Judges Engagement), Shihab Shareef (Registration), Shehariyas Kandy (IT), Lornalyn T., DTM (Hospitality), Subair Pandavath (Food & Beverage), Sruthy Mammen (Souvenir), Babu M Isac (Logistics), Asha Shiju, DTM (Awards), Amina Khanum (PR& Marketing), Shalini Lal (Webmaster & Program Co-Chair), Beena Manzoor (Gala Dinner), Thirumoorthy A (Banner Parade), Pradip Sadiye (Sergeant at Arms), Tara Ashish (Secretary) and Nishad K. Kodakkat (Venue Coordinator). Their dedication and teamwork transformed vision into reality and ensured the seamless delivery of this large-scale event.

As DTAC 2025 drew to a close with the emotional sign-off, “Amplify Your Voice,” the air was thick with inspiration and camaraderie. The event reaffirmed Toastmasters’ mission of building confident speakers and empowered leaders, leaving attendees with memories and momentum to carry forward. District 116 proudly continues its legacy as a community where voices matter, leadership thrives, and impact is made—one speech at a time.