Debate Club & The Community Collective Presents: Community Exclusivity Vs Inclusivity

We're excited to announce that for our next Debate Club, we've partnered with The Community Collective to tackle a topic that shapes every group we belong to, from friend circles & communities to global corporations:

Community thrives on inclusivity, not exclusivity.

Is openness the key to belonging and collective strength, or does true community require boundaries, standards, and selectivity?

This debate goes to the heart of how we define belonging, identity, and what it truly means to build something meaningful together.

One team will argue that inclusivity is what makes communities strong. That openness builds trust, diversity fuels resilience and innovation, and belonging should never be conditional. From welcoming newcomers to breaking down barriers, they will make the case that inclusivity is not just a nice ideal, but the foundation of any community that wants to grow and last.

The opposing team will challenge this idea, arguing that exclusivity has its place and its purpose. They will explore how shared standards, selective membership, and clear boundaries create identity, trust, and quality, and why communities that try to include everyone often end up standing for nothing. Is the pursuit of openness diluting the very thing that makes a community worth belonging to?

Expect sharp arguments around identity, belonging, gatekeeping, diversity, elitism, trust, and the difference between openness and standards.

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 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 ideas shaping media, business, and culture, while connecting with a diverse network of professionals, this event is for you.

As part of our evolution, we’re now running our events independently, allowing us to explore a broader range of topics and host debates more frequently for our community.

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

Agenda

18:00 – 18:30 Arrival, meet & greet
18:30 – 18:40 Opening
18:40 – 19:40 Structured debate
19:40 onwards Social drinks & snacks

Building Access

Access to Solve by Talent 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.