Debate Club & Mercer Wine Partnership Launch: Wine Contributes to Culture and Society Like No Other Beverage

We are so excited to announce our partnership with Mercer Wines, a boutique NSW-based winemaker known for their minimal-intervention approach and exceptional small-batch blends. At Debate Club, we are passionate about working with local suppliers and we believe that great conversation is made even better with good food and even better wine. This partnership marks the beginning of something special, and we cannot wait to raise a glass with you at our next event.

To celebrate, in November we decided to debate about wine:
Has wine contributed more positively to culture and society than any other beverage?

One team will argue that wine has shaped art, religion, diplomacy, and community throughout history. From ancient rituals to modern celebrations, wine is more than just a drink — it is a cultural icon.
The other side will challenge that view, defending coffee, tea, spirits, beer, and even soft drinks as equally powerful cultural forces. They will ask: Is wine truly special, or just romanticised?

Expect fiery arguments about class, taste, history, tradition, wellness, economics, and identity. A judging panel will crown a winner, but the final vote belongs to the audience.

Debate Club – A Space for Bold Ideas & Thought Leadership

Supported by the IAB, Debate Club is a fun, social event where people come together to practice presentation skills, debate hot topics, and engage in meaningful conversations—all in a safe and welcoming space. Our mission is to spark discussions that drive thought leadership, innovation, and professional growth.

If you're interested in exploring some of the biggest topics shaping our world while connecting with a diverse network of professionals, this event is for you!

As part of our evolution, we’ve started running our own events independently of sponsorship allowing us to dive into a broader range of topics and host debates more frequently for our passionate community.

Debate Club is a not-for-profit initiative, and we believe great conversations are even better with good food and drinks. To help cover event costs, we ask for a small contribution ensuring each gathering remains engaging, inclusive, and accessible.

Agenda:

• 18:00 - 18:30 Arrival, meet & greet

• 18:30 - 18:40 Opening

• 18:40 - 19:40 Structured debate

• 19:40 - Social drinks & snacks

Building Access

Access to Talent International is via The Galleries, with entrances from Park Street or Pitt Street. Our team will be in the foyer to welcome guests and assist with the lifts.

Please arrive on time, as we won’t have anyone downstairs after the event starts at 18:30.