May 28-31, 2026

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FOLTirana 2026

Speak to Lead, Lead to Inspire

Toastmasters Annual District 109 Conference

Ready To Join Us?

*‘FOL’ is the Albanian word for ‘SPEAK.’ It is a powerful invitation to use your voice.

Why You Should Join Us In Tirana, Albania

Boost Your Learning

Gain insights and inspiration from our outstanding keynote speakers, thought-provoking workshop givers, amazing contest speakers and knowledgeable panellists. Discuss with experienced fellow Toastmasters. Learn from the best and accelerate your growth in a stimulating, supportive and joyous atmosphere.

Contest Excitement

Feel the excitement as the top speakers from across our District compete in the International Speech, Evaluation and Table Topics Contests. After months of work and practice, witness the best give amazing speeches with captivating stage performances that will motivate and inspire you to push forwards in your own public speaking journey.

Beautiful Friendships

Meet, connect and become friends with passionate and inspiring Toastmasters from many countries. Our District is a global melting pot, and Tirana is the perfect opportunity to forge lasting and meaningful friendships with a great variety of wonderful people. Expand your network, and feel yourself grow both personally and professionally.

Incredible Tirana

Many of you will not yet have discovered the jewel that is Tirana. Join us to explore its fascinating history, cultural riches, varied architecture and vibrant night-life. Around Tirana lies a beautiful and stunning landscape of mountains and lakes, the delightful Adriatic coastline and fascinating architectural pearls that go back centuries.

What You Can Expect From Our Conference

Keynote Speakers – 3 World-Class Headliners

Sabyasachi Sengupta is the 2025 World Champion of Public Speaking, Douglas Kruger is a renowned, best-selling author, and Francesco Fedele is currently the Toastmasters International Director for Region 10. Expect powerful stories, invaluable insights, unforgettable inspiration and a wealth of experience from three exceptional communicators.

Workshops – Inspirational Hands-On Learning

Experience stimulating, inspirational workshops led by top talent from across District 109. Each session will blend expert teaching, hands-on exercises, and original thinking, designed to boost your growth, expand your skill set, and deepen your communication and leadership abilities.

Panel Discussions – High-Level Conversations

Witness an exceptional team of expert and thought-provoking panellists as they unpack important contemporary topics through enlightening, insightful discussions that spark reflection, challenge assumptions, and broaden your perspective. Audience participation will form an essential ingredient.

Refreshments – Delicious Local Flavors

Stay fuelled between Conference sessions with delicious drinks and snacks, in a convivial space perfect for mingling. Our lunchtime buffets will offer a fine selection of Albanian and European favourites. All dietary requirements will be catered for with care.

Unforgettable Celebration Dinner and Awards Night

Enjoy a memorable Gala Dinner, with a generous selection of global and traditional dishes, accompanied by fine Albanian wines and soft drinks. All dietary requirements will be catered for with care. After the Awards, there will music, fun and dancing until late.

Social Events & Excursions – Explore Tirana With Us

Before and after the Conference, join us for amazing excursions and social activities. Discover Tirana, its culture and the beautiful surrounding region with passionate, knowledgeable local guides. Explore Tirana easily on foot or with public transport.

Keynote Speakers

Sabyasachi Sengupta is speaking on a stage

Sabyasachi Sengupta

2025 World Championship of Public Speaking

He is also a behavioral change expert, and author of “What’s Your Plan B?” With 17 years of experience in banking, he now helps leaders and teams navigate change and innovation through humor, storytelling, and behavioral science. He turns resistance into readiness, and helps teams to achieve their transformation goals.

He is also a passionate public speaking coach who believes that change begins with one story — and one behavior — at a time.

Douglas Kruger is speaking on the stage

Douglas Kruger

Hall of Fame speaker, and a Certified Speaking Professional

He joined Toastmasters fresh out of high school, and soon found himself representing District 74 at the World Championships of Public Speaking. As a result, he became a full-time professional speaker, and launched a global career. He is now the author of 16 commercially published books, with bestselling titles like ‘Poverty Proof,’ ‘Relentlessly Relevant,’ ‘Own Your Industry,’ and ‘They’re Your Rules, Break Them!’

Today, Douglas speaks for corporate leadership groups on themes of innovation, talent development and productivity. Born in South Africa, he now lives in Jersey, in the English Channel Islands.

Francesco Fedele

Francesco Fedele, DTM

International Director for Region 10

Francesco discovered Toastmasters in 2011 and immediately became an active member of Toastmasters Roma, Italy. He has earned two Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) awards, served in all club officer roles, chartered four clubs and founded an advanced club.

A district leader for six years, he was the first District Director of District 109 (2018–2019), leading it to Smedley Distinguished status. He later served two years as Regional Advisor for Region 10 (2021–2023), supporting all European districts, and is currently the International Director for Region 10 on the Toastmasters International Board of Directors.

Professionally, Francesco is a trainer, company manager and coordinator of EU-funded research projects. He lives in Rome, Italy.

Agenda Preview

Thursday – Friday 28-29 May

  • Excursions
  • Social Activities

Saturday 30 May

  • Keynote Speeches
  • Workshops
  • District Contests (International Speech, Evaluation, Table Topics)
  • Gala Dinner
  • Awards
  • Music, Dancing and Fun

Sunday 31 May

  • Keynote Speech
  • Workshops
  • Panel discussion
  • Afternoon Excursion

Call For Volunteers

For Tirana 2026 to run smoothly we need many volunteers, before, during and after the event. There are numerous different roles for volunteers, both in the general running of the Conference and during the Contests. Without volunteers there would be no District Conference.

Volunteering will give you a better understanding of how a big conference works, a chance to learn new skills, and allow you to work with amazing Toastmasters from across the District. Please give us your time, energy and expertise!

If you would like to be part of the incredible team making this Conference happen, then please sign up for one or more volunteering roles when you register (while purchasing your Conference Pass). Thank you.

Volunteer When You Purchase Your Conference Pass

Sponsor Tirana 2026!

Would you be interested to connect with 200-300 professionals from all over Europe right here in Tirana, many of whom are highly placed in their companies and institutions?

The Tirana 2026 Toastmasters District 109 Conference could be the perfect place to showcase your business! District 109 embraces 16 countries with an amazing variety of industries and services.

Whether you’re a soft-skills coach, part of the growing tech sector, a conference supplier, or part of Albania’s thriving tourism industry, this is your chance be showcased in front of an engaged, international audience, by partnering with us as a sponsor!

Contact Our Team

Ready To Join Us in Tirana?

Join hundreds of Toastmasters leaders for FOUR days of growth, connection, inspiration, and fun.

Go to Pricing and Purchase

Early Bird GOLD

€80

first 95 passes

Early Bird SILVER

€100

next 85 passes

Gala Dinner

€60

sold separately

Standard Pass

€120

after silver pass

Go to Pricing and Purchase

Frequently Asked Questions

Conference in General

The conference is open to everyone, not just members of Toastmasters. The diverse mix of attendees creates a unique atmosphere where non-members and newcomers can learn from and be inspired by experienced communicators and leaders. Don’t be shy about talking to your fellow Toastmasters, because we are all here to support and learn from each other.

The official language of the Conference is English, and all keynotes, workshops, panel discussions and contest speeches will be in English.

The venue for the Conference will be the Tirana International Hotel, located in the center of Tirana.

The main Conference will take place on Saturday and Sunday, 30-31 May, with social activities on Thursday and Friday, 28-29 May and the afternoon of Sunday May31. A detailed schedule will be published on this website closer to the event.

Smart casual is recommended for the Conference, but there is no dress code. The Gala Dinner is a festive event, so smart or semi-formal attire is encouraged but not obligatory.

Yes, DTMs will be invited to a special event on Friday, May 29. Details will be announced on this site closer to the start of the Conference.

Essential Tirana

Tirana is a vibrant, friendly and welcoming city, considered to be one of the safest capitals in Europe. The central area where the hotels and principal attractions are located, including the Conference venue, remains active throughout the day and evening, creating a comfortable, safe environment for all visitors, including solo women.

All areas in Tirana are safe, especially those frequented by tourists (including Airbnb areas). No special precautions are required, beyond the normal travel awareness needed for any European capital.

Transport is straightforward, with reliable licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps where everyone can feel safe.

Accommodation & Food

No, accommodation is not included. Attendees are responsible for finding their own place to stay. The center of Tirana has many hotels and apartments for rent within easy walking distance of the Conference venue, the Tirana International Hotel, and many of these are very reasonably priced.

Yes, we can cater for all your requirements (wheelchair user, special mobility needs, visually impaired, hard of hearing). When you register, while purchasing your Conference Pass, please let us know about any special needs you may have, so we can make sure that the Conference is as inclusive and enjoyable as possible for all attendees.

Refreshments and lunch are included in the price of the Conference Pass, but the Gala Dinner requires an additional ticket.

Yes, the Gala Dinner is not included in the price of the Conference Pass. The Gala Dinner will be a luxury buffet with a great variety of options including meat, poultry, fish, vegetarian and vegan dishes. To attend, you need to purchase an additional ticket for the Gala while purchasing your Conference Pass.

Yes we can. When you register, while purchasing your Conference Pass, there is a dedicated section concerned with food preferences and special dietary requirements, where you can specify all your needs.

Conference Passes, Registration & Disclaimers

It’s incredibly easy to purchase your Conference Pass. Just go to the section of the home page concerned with purchasing your pass, and click on the appropriate button

While Conference Passes and Tickets are non-refundable, they can easily be transferred. You will find details about how to do this in the confirmation email you will receive after you purchase your Conference Pass.

The deadline for in-person registration is Monday, May 25, 2026. There is no deadline for online registration.

Yes you can. There will be a live feed from the main Conference Hall that will allow you to experience all of the Keynote speeches and the three Contests, as well as one of the workshops and a panel discussion. Sadly, there will be no live feeds from the two workshop rooms, but there will be extra, specially conceived online webinars provided for all those with an Online Conference Pass or Conference Pass. The Online Conference Pass will cost just €20 and will be available for purchase from April 2026.

If you have any questions, comments or special requests, please contact our Registration Manager, Petra Salmutter, at registration@district109.org. We are happy to help!

When you register you will be asked to agree to a liability disclaimer that states that Toastmasters District 109 is not responsible for the theft, damage, or loss of your personal property at the venue.

Yes. When you register you will be asked for your consent for photos and videos taken during the Conference that will be used for non-commercial Toastmasters-related purposes.

Get Involved

Yes, if you register early (before December 1, 2025) and submit a detailed proposal through this link. For more details, please contact our Education Chair, Franceska Davidhi, at education@district109.org.

Yes! Volunteers are essential for the success of Tirana 2026, and without volunteers there would be no District Conference.

You can sign up for one or more roles during registration.

The following roles help to ensure the smooth running of the Conference:

  • General Help: Help set up and maintain the main hall and workshop rooms.
  • Technical Help: Support video recording, sound checks, and microphone setup, assisting our Technical Manager (you must have experience).
  • PR & Website Help: Help with promotional material and articles for the website + social media content, assisting our Conference PR Manager (you must have experience).
  • Workshop Help: Act as a moderator or facilitator for the workshop leaders (only applicable if you register before March 31, 2026).
  • Stage Help: Assist with setting up the stage for keynote and contest speakers.
  • Registration Desk Help: Welcome attendees, check them in and distribute conference packs.
  • Info Desk Help: Provide information and guidance to attendees during the event.
  • Merchandising Help: Help sell Toastmasters merchandise at the venue.
  • Social Activities Help: Support the team organizing excursions and social events on Thursday-Friday, May 28- 29, & the afternoon of Sunday, May 31.

For further information, please contact our Volunteers Manager Godela Bittcher, at volunteer@district109.org.

Yes! Contests are a crucial part of every District Conference. You can sign up for one or more roles during registration.

These roles support the three official contests: International Speech, Evaluation and Table Topics.

  • Judge: You must be qualified according to Toastmasters guidelines (Form 1170). You will be asked for the level of your judging experience.
  • Contest Timer: Ensures that speeches stay within the official time limits.
  • Ballot Counter: Collects and counts Judges’ ballots confidentially.
  • Sergeant at Arms (SAA): Accompanies Evaluation and Table Topics contestants, helps with contestant flow, prevents entry while contestants are speaking, helps with contest logistics etc.

For further information, please contact our Volunteers Manager Godela Bittcher, at volunteer@district109.org.

About the Contests

The contests being held during the 2026 District Conference in Tirana are:

  • International Speech Contest
  • Evaluation Contest
  • Table Topics Contest

The winner of the International Speech Contest will advance as District 109 Champion to the Region 10 finals, as part of the World Championship of Public Speaking.

The winners of the Evaluation and Table Topics Contests will be District 109 Champions, but there will be no higher-level contests.

Over 30,000 contestants from nearly 150 countries take part in the Club contests for International Speech, but there can be only one World Champion, and we have the great pleasure to welcome Sabby Sengupta, the 2025 World Champion of Public Speaking, to address us in Tirana.

All contests are guided by the official rules and regulations of Toastmasters International. These are intended to make sure that all the contests are as fair as possible for all participants, and that all contestants have a positive experience. We have a team of experienced and dedicated judges for all the contests who must ensure that all speeches are judged fairly, with no intentional or unintentional biases. Both the identity of the judges and their scores remain confidential. We also have official Contest Timers who make sure that all speeches fall within the officially designated time limits. We invite you to judge which was the best speech with the best presentation, the best Evaluation and the best Table Topics speech and compare your impressions with other Toastmasters. This will help you to become better listeners and more skilled observers.

We also have detailed official regulations for the practical set up of all the contests, concerned with the stage, the lighting and how the contestants are filmed. The Winning Speech from the International Speech Contest is submitted to the Region 10 final as a video, so it is imperative that we have optimal image and sound quality.

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