Toastmasters Choose Kuala Lumpur for 2014 Convention

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre For the first time in its 88-year history, Toastmasters International, a world leader in communication and leadership development, will be going offshore for its annual international convention…all the way to the heart of Southeast Asia - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre), Malaysia’s premier convention facility, will be the host venue for the prestigious event to be held in 2014. The Toastmasters International 82nd Annual International Convention will take place from 20 – 23 August 2014 and is expected to gather more than 2,000 delegates from across 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. Toastmasters International Executive Director, Daniel Rex in a statement released on 25 June 2012 said, Kuala Lumpur’s selection reflects the global nature of the organisation, as well as its evolving membership. “More than 30 percent of all Toastmasters now live outside North America, with the greatest area of membership growth in Southeast Asia.” Comparing Kuala Lumpur with the organisation, Mr Rex said that like Toastmasters International, Kuala Lumpur celebrates diversity and is a melting pot of races and religions. “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 (2011).” Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Speaking on behalf of the Centre, General Manager Datuk Peter Brokenshire said Toastmasters International’s decision to hold its 82th Annual International Convention in 2014 in Malaysia “is an honour for the country, Kuala Lumpur city and the Centre and is a reflection of the organisation’s confidence in Malaysia’s meetings industry. It also shows that slowly but surely, our message that Malaysia offers something new for off-shore meetings that have done the more established destinations is getting heard.”