DES MOINES, Iowa (November 12, 2026) — Greater Des Moines will once again take center stage for the nation’s largest academic competition, as the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) has selected the region to host its National Tournament in 2028 and 2031. The announcement builds on a longstanding partnership following the successful, back-to-back hosting of the 2024 and 2025 National Speech & Debate Tournament.
More than just a return, the multi-year commitment reflects a shared vision for the future, with both organizations committed to continued collaboration and exploring additional hosting opportunities beyond 2031. Greater Des Moines has firmly established itself as a national home for speech and debate.
“With our national office headquartered right here in West Des Moines, there’s a natural connection, but what truly sets this region apart is its ability to deliver an exceptional experience year after year,” said J. Scott Wunn, NSDA Executive Director. “From the scale of the facilities to the hospitality across the entire community, Greater Des Moines has proven it can host an event of this magnitude at the highest level.”
The National Speech & Debate Tournament brings more than 10,000 attendees from across the globe for a weeklong competition that spans more than a dozen venues throughout the region. While anchored in downtown Des Moines, the event activates schools, hotels, restaurants, and attractions across multiple communities, creating a metro-wide experience and economic impact.
“This is a huge win for our entire community,” said Trina Flack, president and CEO of Catch Des Moines. “As one of the largest academic competitions in the country, it brings thousands of amazing students, coaches, and families from all over the country. The opportunity to host this tournament on an ongoing basis will have a major impact on our city and is a testament to the strong partnership we’ve built with the NSDA.”
The economic impact of the National Tournament is significant, generating nearly $40 million in combined economic impact in 2024 and 2025, and filling hotel rooms across the region during a key summer travel window. Beyond the numbers, the weeklong event offers attendees a chance to experience Greater Des Moines at its best: affordable accommodations, convenient travel, walkable neighborhoods, bustling attractions, and a bevy of things to do and explore.
Beyond its economic impact, bringing the National Tournament to Greater Des Moines supports a larger goal: expanding speech and debate opportunities for students nationwide. The NSDA is launching a new initiative to increase participation in speech and debate at 4,000 new schools over the next five years.
“Speech and debate is a critical activity that underpins all educational goals,” said Wunn. “The future education of our young people requires that students with different viewpoints be allowed to debate as freely as possible, in a setting where everyone is learning. We want all students to access the benefits of speech and debate so they can flourish academically.”
Those interested in launching a new speech and debate program can find comprehensive resources from the National Speech & Debate Association. From step-by-step startup guides, curriculum support, and competition opportunities to a nationwide network of coaches and students, the NSDA provides the tools needed to build a sustainable team. To learn more about how to bring speech and debate to your school, visit speechanddebate.org or email info@speechanddebate.org to get started.
About Catch Des Moines
Catch Des Moines is the official destination marketing organization promoting and representing Greater Des Moines to leisure travelers and meeting/sports planners. Our focus is to increase visitors to the metro and elevate the visitor experience to drive economic success and enhance the quality of life in the 14 local Greater Des Moines communities we represent. For more information, visit catchdesmoines.com.