Article by Erin McDonald, Public Relations Manager

For Lorraine Wheatley, DTM, leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about growth, confidence, and community. A member since April 2007, Lorraine has spent nearly two decades inspiring others through her dedication to Toastmasters. She earned her Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation in 2017 under the traditional program and is now pursuing the Dynamic Leadership Pathway.

Her home club, TNT Toastmasters in Edmonton, has been her anchor through the years, though she’s also spent time with Power Speakers and other clubs across the District. “I keep coming back because of the people and the program,” Lorraine says. “Toastmasters gave me confidence—not just to speak, but to lead.”

That confidence has translated beyond the club environment. In 2013, Lorraine ran for school trustee, knocking on more than 1,000 doors during her campaign. “It was Table Topics that prepared me,” she laughs. “When someone asked a question I didn’t expect, I knew exactly how to think on my feet.”

Now, Lorraine is preparing for one of her biggest leadership challenges yet: serving as Chair of the 2026 District 99 Conference, which will mark the final District 99 conference before the upcoming reformation.

A Vision of Class, Connection, and Celebration

When asked why she stepped up to lead the conference, Lorraine credits Program Quality Director Cheryl Persson, DTM, for planting the seed a few years ago—and the strong support of this year’s District Trio for making it possible. She’s also turning the experience into her High Performance Leadership project, blending mentorship, project management, and teamwork.

Her vision? To deliver a conference that feels both classy and community-driven. It’s about celebrating what Toastmasters means to each of us—confidence, poise, leadership, and connection,” she explains. “We want this event to have something for everyone—a touch of fun, a touch of glamour, and a whole lot of inspiration.”

While plans are still coming together, several key elements are already confirmed. The conference will return to its stunning top-floor venue overlooking Edmonton, the same location that wowed attendees in 2024. Carol Blair will again chair the Communication & Leadership (C&L) Award Committee, and the team is already exploring keynote options that promise to deliver that “classy yet powerful” energy Lorraine envisions.

Building the Team

Lorraine is quick to emphasize that a great conference takes great people. “We need members to step into leadership roles early—it’s how you truly make the conference your own,” she says. “You don’t have to be experienced; you just need curiosity and willingness to learn.”

Current volunteer opportunities include:

  • Volunteer Coordinator

  • Contest Coordinator

  • Education Coordinator

  • Technology Coordinator

  • Sponsorship and Registration Committees

  • Decorating Committee

  • Sergeant-at-Arms Team

Each role offers valuable learning experiences—and many qualify as High Performance Leadership projects or Pathways Level 4/5 electives. Want to know the benefits of volunteering? Read more about how service through Toastmasters not only helps your club, but improves your own wellbeing.

See the Magic in Action
Thinking about volunteering or attending? Hear directly from Toastmasters around the world about what makes District conferences unforgettable.

Why This Conference Matters

More than anything, Lorraine wants members to see the conference as a gateway to the bigger Toastmasters world. “When I joined, I thought Toastmasters was just about my club,” she admits. “Then I attended training—and everything changed. I realized there’s so much more to discover.”

She encourages every member to attend the District conference: “You’ll meet new people, gain new perspectives, and see that Toastmasters is a worldwide community of leaders in the making. This final District 99 conference will be a celebration of everything we’ve built together.”

The 2026 District 99 Conference officially launches November 8, 2025, at the Celebrate the Spirit of D99—complete with theme reveal, registration details, and volunteer sign-ups.

Lorraine’s final message?

“Toastmasters is where you learn by doing—and leading this conference is my next big ‘do.’ I hope others will join me in making it unforgettable.”