Rising, Shining, and Thriving: Reflections from TEACON 2026

From May 15 to 17, Kigali — clean, green, and vibrant — became the heart of leadership and inspiration. More than 200 Toastmasters and guests from across East Africa gathered for Toastmasters East Africa Conference (TEACON 2026), anchored by the theme "Rise, Shine, Thrive." What I witnessed was a celebration of resilience and the boundless potential of our community.

As Conference Co-Convener, seeing months of meetings, meticulous planning, and cross border collaboration come to life was exhilarating. The energy hit us from the very first moment as we moved through world-class venues that showcased Rwandan hospitality at its best.

This undertaking was never solo. It was made possible through the leadership of DTM Obed Namahoro, the Conference Convener, with me as Co-Convener, and the invaluable guidance and support of our District Director DTM Demelash Wondimagegn and Program Quality Director DTM Margaret Njoroge. Our core team brought together dedicated leaders from across East Africa:

We also had country representatives who worked closely with our core team: • Uganda: Dorothy Okoboi

A Journey of Connection and Excellence

Our three-day itinerary was built to move us from building bonds to building skills:

Night 1 — Setting the Tone at The Time: We kicked off with a vibrant networking evening at The Time restaurant, hosted by our MCs Elishibah Msingeti and Raymond Cedric. The atmosphere was perfect for breaking the ice, reuniting with old friends, and welcoming new members into our regional fold.

Days 2 & 3 — Deep Dives at Crown Conference Hall: The heart of the event unfolded over two full days of intensive learning with the help and facilitation of our able MCs Derrick Mandela, Félicité Haguma, Ken Agutu and Maria Mabela. From masterclasses on strategic leadership to powerful storytelling sessions, the hall buzzed with the spirit of "Rising and Shining." The stage also hosted fierce competition — the best talent in East Africa left the audience spellbound.

The Grand Finale — Gala Dinner at the Marriott: We wrapped up at Marriott Hotel for a sophisticated Gala Dinner which was hosted by the best MCs, Erick Opon and Santalucy Fungaroh. It was a night of celebration, recognition, and reflection — a fitting end to an incredible gathering of passionate leaders.

TEACON 2026 has officially concluded, but the journey doesn't end here. Real success lies in what we take back to our home clubs.

The theme "Rise, Shine, Thrive" is an ongoing call to action:

My deepest gratitude goes to Obed for leading this effort as Convener, to every member of our core team who poured their hearts into this event, to our country representatives who bridge gaps across borders, and to every delegate who traveled to Kigali. Your dedication made TEACON 2026 a resounding success.

Let's carry Kigali's momentum back into our home clubs. Keep rising, keep shining, and together, let's thrive\!

Steering an event across borders teaches you things no textbook can. Here are my key takeaways:

Cross-Border Collaboration Demands Over-Communication: When the planning team, venues, and attendees span different countries, clarity is non-negotiable. I learned that establishing strong communication channels early and setting rigid timelines prevents misalignment — especially when managing multi-venue logistics across The Time, Crown Hall, and the Marriott.

Agility Over Perfection: No matter how meticulous the planning, live events bring unpredictable variables. True leadership isn't about avoiding hitches; it's about how fast your team can pivot with a smile. Our adaptability behind the scenes kept the experience seamless for guests. (One example: when a vendor delayed setup by 45 minutes, we reshuffled the schedule on the fly and nobody in the audience noticed.)

The Magic is in the Details of the Attendee Journey: A successful conference isn't just about great speeches — it's about the transitions. The deliberate shift from casual networking to intense learning, culminating in an elegant gala, taught me the importance of designing an emotional arc. When the environment matches the purpose of the hour, people engage at a higher level.

Cheers\!