September Debate Club & Vinisha Rathod Presents: How You Sell Matters More Than What You Sell

Does the way we sell have more influence than the product itself? In this Debate Club showdown, two teams will go head-to-head on whether storytelling, brand identity, and emotional resonance now matter more than features, functionality, or price. One side will argue that in a crowded market, connection is everything. The other will push back, claiming that no amount of branding can mask a mediocre product.

Expect fiery arguments on brand loyalty, emotional triggers, influencer culture, and whether substance still beats style. A judging panel will crown the winner, but the audience gets the final say on which side made the strongest case. Get ready for a punchy, provocative clash of perspectives on the future of sales and storytelling.

This special edition of Debate Club also celebrates the launch of Vinisha Rathod’s new book, The Briefcase Effect—a powerful guide to building your brand in a bold, authentic way. Don’t miss this inspiring night of insight, debate, and connection.

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 industry 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.