Reinvention | Speaker Slam: Inspirational Speaking Competition

Step into a night built on renewal, courage, and the choice to begin again. This competition brings ten speakers to the stage to share stories shaped by change, risk, and personal transformation. The winner earns a prize package valued at up to $10,000, including $2,000 cash, and a chance to advance to the 2026 Grand Slam: Inspirational Speaking Finals.

Welcome to a night that honors the strength it takes to reshape your life. This is Reinvention.

Date: September 15th, 2026 from 6 pm to 10 pm EST
Location: Lula Lounge in Toronto, Canada (Livestreaming Available)

Reinvention celebrates the moment someone decides that the old way no longer fits.
Watch speakers share the moments that asked them to release who they once were. The moments that opened the door to something uncertain. The moments that brought them toward a fuller version of themselves.

These stories come from people who stepped forward after endings, loss, or major shifts. People who rebuilt their identity with intention. People who proved that starting over can lead to a life rooted in purpose and alignment.

• Inspiring Speakers: Hear powerful stories from individuals who created change from the inside out and found meaning through transformation.
• The Thrill of Competition: Feel the energy of a live stage as speakers share five minutes filled with honesty, courage, and new beginnings.
• Community and Connection: Meet people who value growth, resilience, and the willingness to evolve.

• You’ll Feel Lifted: Speakers will share the decisions that redirected their lives toward hope and strength.
• You’ll Feel Connected: This event brings together people who understand how hard reinvention can be and how rewarding it becomes.
• You’ll Feel Changed: A single story can spark the courage to release what no longer serves you.
• You’ll Join a Movement: Speaker Slam continues to help speakers grow their impact, reach wider audiences, and build momentum rooted in purpose.

Whether you attend to be inspired, to support someone on stage, or to witness powerful stories of fresh starts and bold choices, Reinvention will stay with you.
Be part of a community that celebrates change, courage, and the freedom to begin again.

• LIVESTREAM tickets are available
• Venue is wheelchair accessible
• If financial barriers prevent you from attending, reach out to [email protected]

Speaker Slam® is a speaker development agency that supports the next generation of changemakers and thought leaders. We host North America’s largest inspirational speaking competition and provide a platform for people to share their stories and influence their communities.

Each competition features ten speakers competing with a five-minute inspirational speech for prizes valued up to $10,000 and the opportunity to advance to the Grand Slam Finals.

Our speakers have gone on to secure paid speaking gigs, TEDx talks, book deals, media coverage, viral moments, documentary features, and major visibility. Many now speak in schools, charities, and organizations, helping create meaningful change.

Do you have a story that can inspire others?
Apply to compete: https://www.speakerslam.org/apply

Follow us on Instagram: @SpeakerSlam
Watch our videos: www.YouTube.com/SpeakerSlam

Please note: Our speakers share real, unfiltered stories that may touch on sensitive themes. Viewer discretion is advised as this event is tailored for a mature audience.

Info: Network, mingle with friends old and new, and enjoy food and drinks. Don’t forget to try our Common Grounds icebreaker card deck for a fun and interactive start to the evening!

Info: Get ready for an inspiring evening as we kick off the competition with high energy and anticipation.

Info: Hear the first half of our incredible lineup share powerful stories of transformation.

Info: Take a moment to stretch, grab refreshments, and reflect on the inspiring stories you’ve just heard.

Info: The final group of speakers takes the stage, bringing their unique perspectives and unforgettable moments of inspiration.

Info: Another quick intermission to recharge and prepare for the closing segments of the evening.

Info: We highlight community leaders, alumni, and industry trailblazers who embody the theme of the night. Be moved by a heartfelt message from them, offering insight and encouragement to inspire your own journey.

Info: Audience members take the spotlight with 1-2 minute stories tied to the evening’s theme. A chance for your voice to shine!

Info: The moment we’ve all been waiting for! Join us in celebrating as we crown the top 3 winners of the competition and honor their incredible journeys and powerful stories.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Get App