6:30 - 8:00 PM
Leadership Dinner
Meridian Restaurant, next door to the Brookstown Inn
IATC Board, Past Presidents, and Convention Leadership.
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 2026
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AGENDA & SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
IATC Convention • June 11-14, 2026 • Winston-Salem
Experience the Convention
Your Way
Inspiring presentations • Leadership development • Historic tours • Fellowship with Torch members from across the US and Canada
Ideas Worth Sharing
Leadership & Club Growth
Tours, Fellowship & Celebration
Convention at a Glance
Join Torch members and guests for a vibrant four-day gathering filled with presentations, workshops, fellowship, local exploration, and celebration in Winston-Salem. This agenda is designed to give attendees a flexible, engaging experience with both structured programming and time to discover the city.
Opening panel on Winston-Salem history, culture, and innovation
Concurrent presentations by Torch members
Leadership and club development workshops
Historic tours, gala dinner, and evening entertainment
2026 Convention Agenda
All times listed are local Winston-Salem time.
Wednesday
June 10: Leadership Arrival
Leadership dinner and arrival day
Thursday
June 11: Board Meetings & Convention Opening
Meetings, registration, opening session, and fellowship
7:00 - 9:00 AM
Hot Breakfast Buffet
Brookstown Inn & Hawthorne Inn Breakfast Areas
Breakfast available for guests before the start of the day’s activities.
9:00 - 11:30 AM
IATC Board Meeting
Wake Forest Lifelong Learning Center
Formal board meeting for IATC leadership.
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Board Lunch
Señor Bravo Restaurant (near hotels)
Lunch for board leadership following the morning meeting.
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Convention Registration
Brookstown Inn Convention Center Lobby
Guest check-in, materials pickup, and arrival support.
3:30 - 3:45 PM
Convention Welcome & Opening Remarks
Brookstown Inn Ballroom
Art Bloom, IATC President • Ben Hodge, Winston-Salem Torch Club President
The 2026 Convention is dedicated to David Piner in grateful recognition of his leadership, vision, and lasting contributions to Torch and especially this convention.
3:45 - 5:00 PM
Opening Presentation. Discover Winston-Salem: Moravians, Museums & Modern Vision
Brookstown Inn Ballroom
Mike Wakeford, Executive Director, MUSE Winston-Salem • Allen Joines, Mayor of Winston-Salem
Discover Winston-Salem: Moravians, Museums & Modern Vision
Join Mike Wakeford for an engaging opening panel exploring the rich history, culture, arts, and unique character of Winston-Salem. Mike, Director of the MUSE Winston-Salem, will showcase the city’s remarkable architecture, innovation, and cultural evolution.
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Wine & Cheese Reception
Brookstown Inn Bar & Outdoor Patio
Relax, reconnect, and enjoy conversation with fellow attendees.
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Small-Group Dining in Winston-Salem (On Your Own)
Recommended local restaurants
Enjoy dinner with fellow attendees at recommended fine dining, casual, and international restaurants within walking distance of the hotels.
Friday
June 12: Presentations, Tours & Awards Gala
Concurrent sessions, plenary, trolley tour, gala, and music
7:00 - 9:00 AM
Hot Breakfast Buffet
Brookstown Inn & Hawthorne Inn Breakfast Areas
Breakfast available before the day’s programming begins.
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Convention Registration (All Guests)
Brookstown Inn Convention Center Lobby
Registration and arrival assistance for all attendees.
8:30 - 9:15 AM
Concurrent Presentations (Choose One Session)
Select from two thought-provoking Torch presentations offered at the same time.
Research and the Historical Novel: How Discovery Shapes Character and Character Drives Discovery
Presented by Charlie Lovett, Winston-Salem Torch Club.
Join New York Times Bestselling Author Charlie Lovett for an engaging look at the creative journey behind the historical novel. This session explores how archival research, unexpected discoveries, and lived detail can shape unforgettable characters, and how those characters, in turn, drive the writer toward even deeper discovery.
Brookstown Inn Ballroom
Conversation with a Palliative Care Chaplain: Surprises When Seeking Comfort
Presented by Kate Huddleson-Gillespie, Greensboro Torch Club.
This thoughtful session explores comfort, meaning, and human connection through the perspective of palliative care chaplaincy. Expect a moving conversation filled with insight, compassion, and surprising moments of grace.
Wake Forest Lifelong Learning Center
9:45 - 10:30 AM
Concurrent Presentations (Choose One Session)
Select from two thought-provoking Torch presentations offered at the same time.
A Conversation from Two Career Politicians: About the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Good Old Days of American Politics
Presented by Lyons Gray and Jimmy Broughton, Winston-Salem Torch Club.
Hear a thoughtful and lively exchange between two seasoned public figures as they reflect on environmental policy, political culture, and the realities of public life. This session promises insight, perspective, and a few stories that only experience can bring.
Brookstown Inn Ballroom
Demystifying Planned Giving and Retirement Strategies
Presented by Jonathan Halsey & Doug Punger, Winston-Salem Torch Club.
Gain clear, practical guidance on topics that matter deeply to individuals, families, and organizations. This session breaks down planned giving and retirement strategy in a way that is approachable, useful, and grounded in real-world experience.
Wake Forest Lifelong Learning Center
10:45 - 11:45 AM
Special Plenary Session. The Torch Magazine: From Ideas to Publication
Brookstown Inn Ballroom
Panel Discussion with Michael Washburn, Editor; Joel Stegall, Managing Editor; Cecelia Barbieri, Marketing & Communications Director; Linda Paskey, Creative Director
The Torch Magazine. From Ideas to Publication
A presentation by our editorial, production and design team.
Step inside the making of The Torch and discover how strong ideas become polished, publishable work. This behind-the-scenes session highlights the editorial vision, design thinking, production workflow, and strategic execution that bring each issue to life.
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Special Luncheon Buffet & Presentation
MUSE Winston-Salem, within walking distance of hotel
Torch International attendees will have the special distinction of being the museum’s first organized visiting group to experience this exciting interactive museum celebrating the rich cultural, artistic, industrial, and community history of Winston-Salem. Presentation by Mike Wakeford, Executive Director.
1:45 - 4:00 PM
Highlights of Winston-Salem Trolley Tour
Departing from Brookstown Inn Entrance
A guided tour of the city’s historic neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, and creative districts aboard a festive trolley.
5:00 - 5:45 PM
Wine & Cheese Reception
Brookstown Inn Bar & Outdoor Patio
Gather before the evening gala events.
5:45 - 6:00 PM
Transportation to Forsyth Country Club
Brookstown Inn & Hawthorne Inn Entrances
Transportation provided for the Friday night gala.
6:00 - 7:00 PM
Cocktail Reception (Credit Card Bar)
Forsyth Country Club Ballroom
Begin the gala evening with conversation and refreshments.
7:00 - 9:30 PM
Awards Gala Dinner, Presentations and Musical Entertainment
Forsyth Country Club Ballroom
Presentation of the Paxton Awards, Gold Awards, and additional recognitions honoring outstanding Torch members and clubs. Evening entertainment continues while bars remain open.
9:30 PM
Bus Departure to Hotels
Forsyth Country Club Entrance
Transportation back to the hotels.
Saturday
June 13: Ideas, Leadership & Celebration
Business meeting, workshops, free exploration, dinner, and entertainment
8:00 - 10:00 AM
Hot Breakfast Buffet
Brookstown Inn & Hawthorne Inn Breakfast Areas
Breakfast available before Saturday programming begins.
8:30 - 9:15 AM
Concurrent Presentations (Choose One Session)
Select from three engaging Torch presentations offered at the same time.
“Move over Gabriel, Satchmo is Here!”: The Fascinating Story of Louis Armstrong
Presented by Ben Hodge, Winston-Salem Torch Club.
This lively session brings the world of Louis Armstrong to life through story, personality, and cultural impact. Explore the man behind the music and discover why Satchmo remains one of the most beloved and influential figures in American history.
Brookstown Inn Ballroom
Crusades, Reformation & the Feilitzsch Family
Presented by Berkley von Feilitzsch, Winston Salem Club.
Step into the intrigue of the 16th century Saxon court of Philip the Wise. Discover how the author’s ancestors were immortalized by Lucas Cranach the Elder and connected to the artists, reformers, and rebels who changed history.
Wake Forest Lifelong Learning Center
The History of Tarzan
Presented by James Thomas, Winston-Salem Club.
Swing into the remarkable story behind one of popular culture’s most iconic characters. This presentation traces Tarzan’s literary origins, lasting appeal, and surprising place in the broader history of storytelling and entertainment.
Wake Forest Lifelong Learning Center
9:30 - 10:15 AM
State of the Association: Torch International In Its Second Century (IATC Business Meeting and Presentation)
Brookstown Inn Ballroom
This important session will provide an overview of the current state of the association, future opportunities and priorities, key business matters, and a review of the proposed budget. Delegates must be registered to participate in voting. Guests are welcome to attend.
The State of The Association: Torch International In Its Second Century
Presented by Art Bloom.
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Concurrent Leadership & Club Growth Workshops (choice of topics for club officers, members and guests)
Growing Torch: Recruitment, Retention & Club Success
For Torch Members & Guests. Join this interactive workshop exploring best practices from thriving Torch clubs across North America. Share ideas, discover practical strategies for recruiting and engaging members, and learn how to build a vibrant, sustainable club for the future.
Panel includes: Rod Gerwe (Durham), Gerald Stulc (Saratoga), Jonathan Schneider (Palm Beach) and Kate Huddleson-Gillespie (Greensboro)
Brookstown Inn Ballroom
Running A Successful Torch Club: Operations, Leadership & Best Practices
Facilitated by IATC President-Elect, Rich Davis. For Current & Prospective Club Officers. Discover the keys to effective Torch club leadership in this practical and informative workshop. Learn best practices for club operations, roster management, dues and reporting deadlines, officer responsibilities, and how to make the most of the growing resources available on torch.org. Perfect for both experienced leaders and members considering future club leadership roles.
Wake Forest Lifelong Learning Center
Demystifying Planned Giving and Retirement Strategies
A repeat session from Friday. For Interested Members and Guests. Gain clear, practical guidance on topics that matter deeply to individuals, families, and organizations. This session breaks down planned giving and retirement strategy in a way that is approachable, useful, and grounded in real-world experience.
Wake Forest Lifelong Learning Center
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Boxed Lunch
Pick up at Brookstown Inn Conference Registration Lobby & Outdoor Patio
Lunch available for attendees before the afternoon options begin.
Torch Foundation Business Meeting
Brookstown Inn Ballroom
Bring your lunch and join us for the Annual Meeting of the Torch Foundation. Guests are welcome to attend and learn more about how the Foundation supports the mission and future of Torch. Foundation members will have voting privileges during the meeting.
12:45 - 4:00 PM
Explore Winston-Salem Your Way
Various local destinations
Enjoy the afternoon discovering one of North Carolina’s most charming historic cities. Options include:
- Old Salem Museums and Gardens
- North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA)
- Reynolda House Gallery, Reynolda Village and Gardens
- Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA)
- Wake Forest University
- Local shopping, arts district browsing and recreation
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Wine & Cheese Reception
Brookstown Inn Bar & Outdoor Patio
Reconnect with friends and fellow members before dinner.
6:00 - 8:30 PM
Southern-Style Celebration Dinner Buffet & The Amazing Andy
Brookstown Inn Ballroom
Featuring regional favorites and fellowship with Torch members.
The Amazing Andy: A Magic Show That Will Blow Your Mind
Presented by Andy Schneider, Winston-Salem Torch Club
Prepare for surprise, laughter, and genuine wonder in a session that adds a burst of fun to the convention lineup. The Amazing Andy delivers a memorable performance designed to delight and keep audiences guessing.
Sunday
June 14: Closing & Departure
Final breakfast, board meeting, check-out, and departures
8:00 - 10:00 AM
Hot Breakfast Buffet
Brookstown Inn & Hawthorne Inn Breakfast Areas
Final breakfast before departure.
9:00 - 9:30 AM
2026-2027 IATC Board Meeting
Brookstown Inn Board Room
Incoming board gathers for the next year’s planning and transition.
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Hotel Check-Out and Departures
Brookstown Inn & Hawthorne Inn
Safe travels until we meet again at the next Torch gathering.