A dynamic forum to meet, collaborate, and debate the big issues.
CEF Debates are a critical thinking and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) space where you can meet professors, practitioners, and experts to discuss pressing issues impacting the events and festivals industry…with ample social time for wine, drinks and nibbles!
Exclusively available to the CEF Community
- sign up for free.
What to expect at a CEF debate?
Robust and spirited debates centered around a simple and provocative ‘Motion’, e.g. This house believes that large-scale cultural festivals deliver more social value than major sporting events.
Two sides: the ‘Proposition’ (for) and ‘Opposition’ (against), each side with 2-3 speakers.
Professors, practitioners, and experts teaming up with each other to connect industrial and academic expertise.
Official debate ‘Chair(s)’ who manage time, enforce rules, and facilitate audience engagement.
The audience (the ‘House’) - both in-person and online - have their say and votes to determine the winning side.
After each debate, CEF takes the arguments presented, audience vote and survey, to develop a White Paper to provide data-driven recommendations.
A unique opportunity for critical thinking and Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
Social time to meet with old and new faces and expand your network over wine, soft drinks and nibbles.
Forthcoming debates
CEF’s Launch Event and CEF Debate 1
Exclusive to all CEF’s Community — join us for the launch of CEF, the first of our debates - whether or not the house believes large-scale cultural festivals deliver more social value than major sports events - and an afternoon of meeting old and new faces over wine, soft drinks and nibbles during the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Hosted by: University of Edinburgh (UK).
CEF Debate 2
Join us just days before the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix where we will be debating whether or nor racing events like Formula 1 benefit local communities and leave a positive legacy.
