May 1 & 2 2026 at Pilgrim Heights
District Conference is a time to meet and reconnect with Toastmasters across the state for contests, education, food and fun! Although we will certainly still find ways to get together across district lines, this will be our last official conference as District 19. See link for a map of our new district boundaries
Check in as early as 2 pm Friday, May 1 to enjoy walking the trails, paddling around the lake, or resting in the scenic surroundings. We’ll enjoy a simple meal, hear from our International Director, Srinivas Saineni, then participate in or watch some fun entertainment. As usual, the hospitality room will be open both nights.
On Saturday, after breakfast, we’ll start with the Humorous Speech Contest. During the day, we’ll have educational sessions, lunch and another session with Director Saineni. Highlights will be the International Speech Contest and celebration banquet.
On Sunday, you are free to enjoy the grounds all morning, say goodbyes and depart by noon. We’ll have “leftovers” for breakfast and an optional worship service so you don’t have to rush home.
Pricing will be $95*, with bonus raffle tickets for early registration in January. On April 1, prices will go up, so don’t be a fool and pay more.
*We don't want you to miss this event because of cost! Financial assistance will be available when registration opens.
The Venue: Pilgrim Heights
Nestled in the heart of Central Iowa, Pilgrim Heights offers a serene and picturesque setting. The sprawling grounds boast lush greenery, tranquil walking paths, and breathtaking views, providing the perfect backdrop for our gathering!
Free Activities: Grab a kayak, canoe, or paddle boat and navigate the serene waters of the lake. For fishing enthusiasts, our catch-and-release fishing spots offer the perfect opportunity to cast your line and reel in the excitement of the moment.
For those seeking casual fun or friendly competition, frisbee golf, volleyball and horseshoes are available. If you’re a health enthusiast or simply appreciate the rejuvenating power of nature, the walking trails will captivate your senses.
Lodging
Lodging is available on site in one of the cozy cabins, the lodge or, for the really adventurous, a dry bunkhouse. There will be a Cabinmate request section in registration that you will want to complete if you have specific people you’d like to be in a cabin with. No cabinmate request? No problem! You are not alone and we are excited for you to connect with your assigned cabinmates as well as the many other Toastmasters who will be in attendance on this special weekend!
No TVs in cabins. There is wifi, but we encourage you to unplug and focus on personal connections. Rooms are climate controlled, but please be mindful of the weather when packing. Bedding is provided; you will need to bring a towel and all toiletries.
On site lodging will be priced at $95 per person, one price includes both nights. We expect triple occupancy in most rooms.
For those looking for upgraded amenities, Meskwaki Casino Hotel is across the highway, standard double room is expected to be $169 per night
Agenda
Friday, May 1
2:00pm: Check-in opens, enjoy cabins, lake, trails
5:30pm: Dinner served
6:15pm: Welcome, announcements
6:20pm: Keynote w/ International Director
8:00pm: Fun Night
9:00pm: S’mores break
9:30pm: Hospitality (drinks, snacks, fun, conversations)
Saturday, May 2
7:30am: Breakfast
8:00am: Contestant’s & Functionaries briefing
8:30am: Humorous Speech Contest
10:00am: Workshop w/ International Director
11:30am: Education session
12:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm: Education session
2:30pm: Education session
3:30pm: Contestants and Functionaries briefing
3:30pm: Member meet up
4:00pm: International speech contest
5:30pm: Break
6:30pm: Banquet
8:30pm: After Party
Sunday, May 3
7:30-9:00am: Breakfast available
8:00 or 9:15am: Optional worship online
12:30pm: Leave Pilgrim Heights
Keynote Speaker
Srinivas Saineni, DTM
International Director, Region 4
Director Saineni of Algonquin, Illinois, is the principal member of technical staff for AT&T, and he has worked in the telecommunications industry for over 22 years. In his role, he leads strategic initiatives and cross-functional teams to successfully deliver high-impact solutions for customers across the globe.
Saineni earned a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Illinois in Chicago. He is also a Project Management Professional (PMP). Saineni enjoys volunteering his time for non-profit organizations, and has served on the Project Management Institute Chicagoland board, as a board member of the Oxygen Chicago Chapter (a non-profit AT&T employee resource group), and he has served as a Young Professionals Ambassador at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. During Saineni’s tenure as president and past president of the Project Management Institute’s Chicagoland chapter, the chapter was awarded the 2022 Global Chapter of the Year Award.
A Toastmaster since 2006, Saineni is a member of his home club, Toastmasters on Purpose, in Palatine. He has held several high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.
Saineni credits Toastmasters with reinforcing his belief that growth as a leader comes from committing to a lifelong learning mindset. He says, “I have learnt that good ideas can come from anywhere and anyone, the key is to be open and ready for them. Toastmasters has given me the self-confidence to lead large teams effectively.”
As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Saineni is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.
Raffle Baskets
The tradition continues! Clubs are encouraged to put together an enticing basket for our annual raffle. Bring cash for tickets (or register during the early bird special to get FREE tickets).
The club with the most tickets entered for its basket will permanently go home with the much coveted trophy!
Free Table
Who likes free stuff? Who likes getting unneeded stuff out of your house?
Do you have books or tapes on communication, leadership, storytelling or other topics your fellow Toastmasters would enjoy?
How about Toastmasters logo mugs you never use or clothing that you never wear?
Bring good condition Toastmasters items to the conference “free table” to give them a second life!
Parking and Arrival
Parking Information
- Grounds open at 2 pm Friday and we ask everyone to depart by noon on Sunday.
- We encourage everyone to stay onsite for the best experience!
- The Camp office/store is the first building you will pass. There is plenty of parking in this area. We have a golf cart to help shuttle you between your cabins, the event location and the parking areas.
- Registration will be at the event center. You may park there temporarily to get your cabin assignment. Please leave this parking area open for drop off, registration and those with mobility issues.
- Feel free to park next to your cabin, but not in the roadway. If parking space around your cabin is full, return your vehicle to the large parking areas (call for a ride, if you like.)
- If you are commuting, please use the parking areas by the Camp Office, including the grass lot.
What to bring
- A friend! Car pooling is a fun way to get extra time with your Toastmaster buddies! Have them register by March 31 for the lowest price.
- Cash for raffle tickets.
- Raffle basket donation from your club. (If your club has the traveling trophy or basket trophy, bring that as well.)
- Free table items-TM logo merchandise, communication or leadership books or DVDs that you no longer use.
- Comfortable, weather appropriate clothing. (All buildings are climate controlled, but layers are always a good choice.)
- Comfortable shoes for walking the trails, if you like.
- Some people love to dress up for the banquet on Saturday night (there will be a break to change clothes), but if you prefer camp-chic, go for it!
- Toiletries, including shampoo! Bedding & towels provided.