Saturday, November 28, 2026
Two venues, two time zones, one national competition day
The founding year does not run separate eastern and western events followed by a later national final. Toronto is the main venue, Vancouver is a live-linked venue, and both divisions finish, tabulate and receive awards on the same day.
Main venue
Toronto — Eastern Time
Merit College. Opens the day and carries the primary link.
Linked venue
Vancouver — Pacific Time
Runs the same stages, three hours earlier on the clock.
- 01
Check-in & tech check
12:30 PM ET
9:30 AM PT
Check-in, speaker numbers, audio, video and network tests.
- 02
Joint kickoff
1:00 PM ET
10:00 AM PT
Toronto opens the day; both venues link live. Theme, rules, guests and the charitable partnership are introduced.
- 03
Parallel competition
1:20–3:10 PM ET
10:20 AM–12:10 PM PT
Both venues complete both divisions on the same day — Middle School then High School, or in parallel rooms where the venue allows. Judges score live; everything is recorded.
- 04
Local tabulation
3:10–3:25 PM ET
12:10–12:25 PM PT
Each venue tabulates and confirms its Middle School Top 3 and High School Top 3.
- 05
National review & intermission
3:25–4:35 PM ET
12:25–1:35 PM PT
The National Awards Panel reviews shortlisted recordings by division. Audiences get a Youth Voice programming and partnership segment.
- 06
Joint awards ceremony
4:35–5:05 PM ET
1:35–2:05 PM PT
Venues reconnect. Awards and certificates are announced by division, with group photos.
- 07
Media & photos
from 5:05 PM ET
from 2:05 PM PT
Media interviews, family photos, sponsor and partner photos.
For families and guests
What to expect in the room
Arrive for tech check
Competitors check in half an hour before the kickoff to collect speaker numbers and test audio, video and the network link.
A single afternoon
From check-in to the end of the ceremony is roughly four and a half hours, including an intermission during national review.
Everything is recorded
Recording is required for national review. Publication of any student's footage depends on a signed media release.
Results the same day
Local Top 3 lists are confirmed on site, and national awards are announced in the joint ceremony before anyone goes home.
See what there is to win.
Six national placements, four site recognitions, four speech special awards, and a separate leadership award judged on its own rubric.