Speaker Slam®, North America's largest inspirational speaking competition, returns on March 31st, 2026 with Breakthrough, an electrifying night dedicated to the moments that change everything.
Join us at the iconic Lula Lounge in Toronto for an unforgettable evening where bold voices step forward to share the stories that shaped them. Breakthrough is about the turning points, the decisions, realizations, and defining experiences that shattered limitations and sparked transformation.
This event celebrates the courage it takes to outgrow old identities, challenge comfort zones, and rise into something greater. Each speaker will take the stage with a powerful message that proves breakthroughs don't happen by accident, they happen when preparation meets courage, and when someone decides they're ready for more.
Meet Your Judges for "Breakthrough"
We're proud to introduce our esteemed panel of judges, leaders in storytelling, media, entrepreneurship, and influence, who will listen for authenticity, impact, and the voices that truly embody what it means to Breakthrough.
Martin Lesperance
Inspirational Speaker | Author | TEDx Speaker | Speaker of the Year
Martin is an educator turned engagement specialist on a mission to INSPIRE people to LOVE THEIR JOB, and their organizations can create positive change. High energy keynote speaker on engagement, Martin delivers over 80 events per year. His presentations are known for being 37% humor, 36% energy, and 37% emotion. He has inspired professionals from more than 20 countries across America, Europe, and Asia. In 2023, Martin won the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year at Speaker Slam, and recently delivered a TEDx talk at TEDxLakefield College School with over 80,000 views.
Amira de Vera
Entertainment Publicist and Owner of Project Four Public Relations
Amira de Vera is a Toronto-based publicist, entrepreneur, and founder of Project Four Public Relations, a boutique agency specializing in film, television, and culture-driven storytelling. She works closely with actors, directors, producers, and festivals to build strategic media campaigns that elevate visibility and create long-term industry impact. Amira has led publicity for projects premiering at major festivals, including TIFF, and regularly secures national broadcast, digital, and print coverage. Known for her sharp narrative instincts and relationship-driven approach, she is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices and helping talent build careers that extend beyond a single moment into lasting cultural relevance.
Robb Gilbear
Business Mentor, Author, and Founder of Growth Habit
Robb toured from coast to coast as DJ + music producer in his 20s. Spent much of his 30s as head of People & Culture in award-winning tech companies. And has helped 450+ people in 17 different countries since launching Growth Habit 2019. He's the author of the book "Die Before They Do", a proud papa to two teenagers, and has an addiction to funky socks.
Samantha Moonsammy
Co-Founder of Lucky Book Publishing, Speaker, Entrepreneur
Samantha Moonsammy Gordon is a book publisher, author, media personality, and keynote speaker who helps thought leaders transform their stories into bestselling books that build businesses and spark movements. As Co-Founder and CEO of Lucky Book Publishing, she brings 25+ years of experience in communications and DEI leadership, blending strategy, visibility, and soulful storytelling. She is co-author of the #1 bestseller Write the Book That Changes Everything: How to Publish a #1 Bestseller and Impact Millions.
The Prize Package
Our judges have generously contributed to a game-changing prize package designed to propel our winners to the next level of their speaking careers:
First Place
- Speaker Slam®: $2000 cash prize & Invitation to the Grand Slam.
- Martin Lesperance: The Inspire Elite - "From speaker... to professional keynote." This is the inner circle experience. Includes: 4 x One-Hour 1:1 Mentorship Sessions, Deep, no-BS coaching on: Keynote structure & emotional arc, Stage presence, confidence & authority, Positioning as a paid professional speaker, Shortening the learning curve by YEARS. AMA - Ask Me Anything - Nothing off limits: Fees, bureaus, contracts, Pitching, branding, mistakes to avoid, What I'd do today if I were starting over. Signature Feedback Session: Live or recorded keynote feedback, What to keep, what to kill, what to elevate. And forever... TEXT me "Martin... what would you do?" moments (Value: $5,000+)
- Amira de Vera: A comprehensive, high-level strategic deep dive designed to refine the winner's personal brand positioning and long-term visibility strategy. Includes a full brand audit, narrative refinement, audience clarity work, positioning strategy, and a customized growth roadmap outlining strategic next steps across speaking, media, and partnerships. This is a private, multi-session experience focused on building lasting authority (Value: $3,000)
- Robb Gilbear: The Turn Strangers Into Clients Package - With a 60 minute strategic deep dive with Robb on your messaging, offer, and enrollment process so you can consistently turn Strangers Into Clients. A personalized LinkedIn profile audit. And the "Get Coaching Clients on LinkedIn" mini-course (Value: $2,500)
- Samantha Moonsammy: Turn the winning speech into a published workbook (Value: $7,900)
Second Place
- Speaker Slam®: Invitation to the Grand Slam.
- Martin Lesperance: The Inspire Pro™ "Turn potential into paid impact." Includes: 2 x One-Hour 1:1 Coaching Sessions Focused on: Message clarity & memorability, Stage confidence & authenticity, Accelerating speaker business development. AMA: Ask Me Anything - Straight talk on: Getting booked, Standing out in a crowded market, Common traps new speakers fall into. Keynote Direction Framework: What decision-makers ACTUALLY buy, How to speak to organizers, not just audiences (Value: $3,500)
- Amira de Vera: A focused strategy experience to help the winner clarify their core message and elevate their market positioning. Includes messaging refinement, signature talk positioning, audience alignment, and a customized strategic action plan to expand speaking opportunities and strengthen brand presence. Designed to turn momentum into measurable next moves (Value: $2,000)
- Robb Gilbear: The Content That Creates Clients Package: With a 30 minute strategic session with Robb to review your messaging so you can start Creating Clients with Your Content. A personalized LinkedIn profile audit. And the "Get Coaching Clients on LinkedIn" mini-course (Value: $1,500)
- Samantha Moonsammy: Clarity call with founder for book strategy and a $2500USD credit towards a book deal (Value: $5,500)
Third Place
- Speaker Slam®: Entry to Wildcard Race.
- Martin Lesperance: The Inspire Start "Build the right foundation early." Includes: One-hour 1:1 Coaching Session Perfect for: Clarifying your message, Identifying your unique edge, Choosing the right next step (not all of them). AMA - Ask me anything: Real questions. Real answers. Real talk about the speaking world (Value: $1,250)
- Amira de Vera: A 60-minute high-impact strategy session focused on sharpening the winner's positioning and identifying immediate growth opportunities. Includes brand feedback, narrative tightening, and 3 to 5 clear action steps to elevate visibility and authority. A powerful clarity and direction session to level up fast (Value: $1,000)
- Robb Gilbear: The LinkedIn Growth Package: Personalized LinkedIn profile audit and "Get Coaching Clients on LinkedIn" mini-course (Value: $500)
- Samantha Moonsammy: VIP session to map out business and book outline and business plan (Value: $2,000)