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®: $2,000 cash prize & Invitation to the Grand Slam
- Martin Lesperance: The Inspire Elite — "From speaker... to professional keynote." 4 x One-Hour 1:1 Mentorship Sessions, Signature Keynote Feedback Session, AMA access, and ongoing direct access for real-time guidance. (Value: $5,000+)
- Amira de Vera: The Authority Blueprint — 3-session strategic brand deep dive including brand audit, narrative refinement, positioning strategy, and customized growth roadmap. (Value: $3,000)
- Robb Gilbear: The Turn Strangers Into Clients Package — 1 x 60-minute strategic deep dive on messaging, offer, and enrollment, plus personalized LinkedIn profile audit and mini-course. (Value: $2,500)
- Samantha Moonsammy: The Published Speaker Package — 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." 2 x One-Hour 1:1 Coaching Sessions, AMA access, and Keynote Direction Framework focused on booking and positioning. (Value: $3,500)
- Amira de Vera: The Positioning Package — 2-session messaging and positioning strategy experience including signature talk refinement and customized action plan. (Value: $2,000)
- **Robb Gilbear:**The Content That Creates Clients Package — 1 x 30-minute strategic messaging session, plus personalized LinkedIn profile audit and mini-course. (Value: $1,500)
- Samantha Moonsammy: The Book Strategy Package — 1 x clarity call with founder for book strategy, plus a $2,500 USD credit towards a book deal. (Value: $5,000)
Third Place
- Speaker Slam®: Entry to Wildcard Race
- Martin Lesperance: The Inspire Start — "Build the right foundation early." 1 x One-Hour 1:1 Coaching Session plus AMA access for foundational clarity and direction. (Value: $1,250)
- Amira de Vera: The Clarity Session — 1 x 60-minute strategy session including brand feedback, narrative refinement, and clear next steps. (Value: $1,000)
- Robb Gilbear: The LinkedIn Growth Package — Personalized LinkedIn profile audit and mini-course. (Value: $500)
- Samantha Moonsammy: The Book Blueprint Session — 1 x VIP session to map out your business, book outline, and business plan. (Value: $2,100)