CEF DEBATES

CEF Debates offer a vibrant forum for critical thinking and Continuous Professional Development (CPD), where industry leaders, academics, students, and practitioners come together to explore the most pressing issues shaping the events and festivals sector. These lively gatherings blend rigorous discussion with a relaxed social atmosphere—complete with ample time for socialising and networking.

HOW DOES A CEF DEBATE WORK?

  • Modelled on the Cambridge University and Oxford University debating method, each debate begins with a simple yet provocative ‘Motion’, with speakers split into two sides: the Proposition (for) and the Opposition (against).

  • The Proposition and Opposition starts with a 2 minute ‘Opening Statement’ then followed by the ‘Opposition’.

  • Audience questions (approx 5-10) are then posed to those debating who respond to the question and to each other’s position.

  • A ‘Closing Statement’ of 2 minutes follows by both Proposition and Opposition, to conclude the debate.

  • The ‘House’—comprising both the physical and virtual audience—then votes for either side, or chooses to abstain.

  • After the event, the debate transcript, alongside data gathered from a post-event audience survey, is developed into a CEF White Paper. This document conveys the debate’s nuanced arguments in an accessible format and presents stakeholder recommendations for future actions.

  • Socialising and networking opportunities during our in-person events feature both before the debate starts and afterwards.

DEBATE PROGRAMME

DO LARGE SCALE CULTURAL FESTIVALS DELIVER MORE SOCIAL VALUE THAN MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS?

5 August, 2025 (15:00 - 17:00pm UK) via RiversideFM studio (online). Download the program.

Following CEF’s soft launch on the 1 May 2025, on the 5th August 2025, CEF will be hard launching with a short talk and the first debate, supported by the University of Edinburgh and sponsored by Cogniziant Communication.

WATCH THE DEBATE 👇

HAVE PRIVATE EVENTS TAKEN OVER TOO MUCH PUBLIC SPACE?

15 October, 2025 (16:30-19:00 UK) at Riverside East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London (UK).

Are private events taking over too much public space? From music festivals to fan zones, our parks, streets, and squares are increasingly used for ticketed experiences — but how many events is too many? Are we enriching cultural life or eroding everyday access to shared spaces? This debate explores how cities can balance economic opportunity with public rights, and how we might better harmonise event ambitions with the needs and values of local communities and residents. Who gets to decide what happens in our public spaces, and who benefits most from their use? Join the debate and have your say!

DO MAJOR EVENTS PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE PLATFORM TO TACKLE HUMAN TRAFFICKING?

23 January, 2026 (10:00 - 12:00pm EST) in person in Orlando, Florida (USA) and online via YouTube live stream - tickets are free.

Join a thought-provoking panel exploring how major events can be harnessed as powerful platforms to raise awareness and combat human trafficking in real time. Organised by the Centre for Events & Festivals (CEF) and UCF’s Rosen College and Centre for Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery, this discussion brings together global experts to examine how major events can play a positive role in the fight against human trafficking. Gain diverse insights from law enforcement, survivors, researchers, and industry leaders on how technology and cross-sector collaboration can drive meaningful change.