For the first time in its 88-year history, Toastmasters International will be going offshore for its annual international convention – all the way to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is Malaysia’s premier convention facility and will be the host venue for the Toastmasters’ event to be held in 2014.
The Toastmasters International 82nd Annual International Convention is scheduled from Aug. 20 through Aug. 23, 2014, and is expected to gather more than 2,000 delegates from around the globe. The four-day meeting will feature keynote presentations, skills-building seminars, election of the International Board of Directors, gala dinners and a host of networking opportunities.
Choosing Kuala Lumpur recognizes a demographic shift in Toastmasters International membership and recognition of growing economies overseas.
“More than 30 percent of all Toastmasters now live outside North America, with the greatest area of membership growth in Southeast Asia,” said Daniel Rex, international executive director, Toastmasters. “The city is safe and clean and her people notably friendly. Millions from around the world visit every year as evidenced by the nearly 80 international meetings held there last year.”
Toastmasters International’s decision to hold its 82nd annual International Convention in 2014 in Malaysia also is a reflection of the organization’s confidence in Malaysia’s meetings industry.
“Slowly but surely, our message that Malaysia offers something new for off-shore meetings is getting heard,” said Datuk Peter Brokenshire, general manager, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. “The lower cost of doing business here means meeting organizers do not have to worry about cutting costs or compromise on the delegate experience.”
Brokenshire added that besides a safe and stable political climate, world-class infrastructure and well-established service and hospitality industry, Malaysia is one of the best value-for-money destinations in the global-meetings industry.
