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Date to be announced · San Francisco

SFDEBATESHOWCASE

Live debates. Real skills. San Francisco's most electrifying evening of ideas.

100% Free · All skill levels · An evening you won't forget

The Invitation

Come see what happens when a room full of San Franciscans decides to argue, the right way

Tired of hot takes and people shouting past each other? The San Francisco Debate Showcase is the antidote: live debate at its most exciting, an open invitation rather than an elite competition. Three exhibition matches, a hands-on workshop, and an evening you won't stop talking about.

For the Curious

Never debated? Perfect. Come watch the fireworks, learn the techniques, and leave thinking differently.

For Professionals

Level up the skills you already use, in meetings, negotiations, pitches, and everyday life.

For Educators & Students

See debate in action. Bring your classroom, your study group, or your most opinionated friends.

For Community Builders

Help launch a new kind of civic entertainment in San Francisco. Sponsor, volunteer, or just show up.

Evening Format

One evening of workshop, debates, and conversation

Interactive Workshop

45 minutes

Learn the fundamentals of winning arguments. Build a case, handle objections, and structure your reasoning. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned speaker, you'll walk away with tools you can use immediately.

Exhibition Debates

2-3 matches

2v2 team debates on topics relevant to San Francisco, AI ethics, venture capital, housing, tech regulation, and more.

Flagship Debate

40 minutes

The main event: skilled debaters tackle a High-profile Bay Area issue. Extended format with audience Q&A. The audience participates too, this isn't passive entertainment.

The Lineup

Eight debaters. Four teams. One stage.

Lineup announced soon

Applications are open now. Eight San Francisco debaters will be selected for the exhibition and flagship debates, and the audience votes the winners.

Apply to Debate

Evening Schedule

Premier San Francisco Innovation Space

5:30 PM

Doors Open

Check-in, light refreshments, networking

6:00 PM

Workshop: "How to Win Any Argument"

Interactive session on argument structure and persuasion techniques (45 min)

6:45 PM

Exhibition Debate 1

Topic: Bay Area tech/policy issue • Format: 2v2, 25 minutes • Audience votes the winner

7:10 PM

Intermission

Refreshments, sponsor activations, networking

7:25 PM

Exhibition Debate 2

Topic: Audience-selected from options • Format: 2v2, 25 minutes • Audience votes the winner

8:00 PM

Flagship Debate

Topic: High-profile Bay Area issue • Format: 2v2 extended, 40 minutes • Audience votes the winner

8:45 PM

Awards & Closing

Best Debater, Best Argument, Audience Favorite

9:00 PM

Networking Reception

Connect with debaters, sponsors, and fellow attendees

9:30 PM

Event Concludes

Thank you for joining us!

Be Part of It

Every seat filled is a vote for better discourse

Grab Your Seat

FREE · OPEN TO ALL

  • Full evening access
  • Workshop participation
  • Watch all 3 debates
  • Networking reception
  • Light refreshments
  • Vote for the winners
RSVP Now

No ticket needed, just you. Every person in the room makes this movement stronger.

Step Into the Ring

BY APPLICATION

  • Compete in exhibition debates
  • Reserved front-row seating
  • Recognition as featured debater
  • Professional coaching tips
  • 8 spots available (4 teams)
  • Some debate experience preferred

We review every application within a week, we want to hear from you

Volunteer Judge

SHAPE THE OUTCOME

  • Help evaluate debates
  • Shape the conversation
  • No experience required, we train you
  • Free admission included
  • 2-3 spots available

30-minute orientation provided before the event

This event is completely free thanks to our sponsors. RSVP helps us plan the evening. Can't make it? Let us know so someone else can join.

Become a Sponsor

Help bring this community together

The San Francisco Debate Showcase is 100% free for attendees because of people like you. Your support keeps the doors open for anyone who wants to walk in, learn something, and be part of something new.

This isn't just branding, it's community building. Your name stands alongside an event that's bringing real conversation back to San Francisco.

Most popular

Gold

$2,500

  • Logo on all event materials
  • Logo on livestream
  • 10 reserved tickets
  • 2-minute speaking slot
  • Premium booth space
  • Social media spotlight
  • Newsletter feature

Silver

$1,250

  • Logo on event materials
  • Logo on livestream
  • 5 reserved tickets
  • Standard booth space
  • Social media mention

Bronze

$500

  • Logo on event materials
  • 2 reserved tickets
  • Social media mention

Community

In-kind

  • Venue partnership
  • Catering partnership
  • A/V equipment
  • Media coverage
  • Custom arrangement

Contact John Connor at john@superdebate.org

The Venue

A premier San Francisco innovation space

Premier San Francisco Innovation Space

VENUE ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON

We're finalizing partnership with one of San Francisco's most exciting innovation venues. Expect a modern space designed for events, networking, and collaboration, perfectly suited for live debate events.

San Francisco, CA · Exact location TBA
150+ Capacity
Theater-style seating
Full A/V
Professional sound & lighting
Parking
On-site or nearby
Transit Access
BART/Muni accessible

RSVP now to receive venue details as soon as they're announced.

Common questions

Who is this event for?
Everyone. Students, professionals, educators, retirees, anyone who thinks better public discourse matters. You don't need debate experience, just curiosity.
Is it really free?
Yes! The San Francisco Debate Showcase is sponsored, so admission is completely free. You just need to RSVP to reserve your spot since capacity is limited.
Do I need debate experience to attend?
Not at all! This event is designed for curious spectators. The workshop will teach you the basics, and the debates are entertaining regardless of your background. Think of it like watching a sport, you don't need to play to enjoy.
Can I volunteer or help?
Yes! We need volunteer judges (no experience required, we train you), and we welcome help with setup, check-in, and event coordination. Contact john@superdebate.org.
What topics will be debated?
Topics will be relevant to San Francisco and the issues that matter to its residents, things like civic policy, technology, education, and more. Specific motions will be announced 2 weeks before the event.
What's the dress code?
Smart casual. This is a welcoming community event, not a formal gala. Come as you are.
Will food and drinks be provided?
Light refreshments and drinks will be available during check-in, intermission, and the networking reception. This is not a full dinner event, so we recommend eating beforehand.
Can I bring colleagues or friends?
Absolutely! Just make sure everyone RSVPs individually. Group registrations are not available, but you can coordinate arrival times.
Can I volunteer to debate?
Yes! We're accepting applications for 8 debater spots (4 teams of 2). Some debate experience is preferred but not required. Apply through the registration page.
What if I can't make it after RSVPing?
Please cancel your RSVP as soon as you know so someone else can take your spot. We'll send reminder emails with a cancellation link.
Is parking available?
The venue will have nearby parking options. We'll share specific details once the venue is confirmed. The location will also be BART/Muni accessible.
Who do I contact with questions?
For all inquiries, contact John Connor (Founder, SuperDebate) at john@superdebate.org. We typically respond within 24 hours.

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