The Earl Wells Virtual Speakeasy 2026

As a moist mist settles over the Northwest, OSU is busy making plans for the Annual Earl Wells Virtual Speakeasy (and AFA-NST District II Qualifier) to be held on the interwebs on Saturday-Sunday, Dec 5-6, 2026.

Schools from inside and outside the region can have their students participate in both IPDA and IEs in one weekend. The goal, in these ever-changing times, is to provide schools with a full-ish-service “speech and debate” tournament in a convenient, stress-free (we hope!), and virtual two-day tournament format.

This year, the tournament will feature:

·      Five preliminary rounds of IPDA debate with two elimination rounds (bronze/silver/gold);

·      Two preliminary and final (entries permitting) rounds of AFA events;

·      A top-notch tab room staff featuring Jennifer Conner from Pacific University and Alex Brehm from Lower Columbia.

·      Top Three Certificates in all IE events and Bronze/Gold/Silver Certificates in IPDA (in handy online file format); and

·      Top Two Sweepstakes Awards in 4- and 2-year categories in both IPDA and IEs (sent to you via the USPS).

This tournament supports the goals of the International Public Debate Association (IPDA), and NFC Code of Ethics. We believe that debate is a public communication event. Our tournament reflects this philosophy. 

We hope you’ll join us via SpeechWire and Yaatly this year. 

Sincerely,

Mark Porrovecchio, Director of Forensics and Titular Tournament Director

mark.porrovecchio@oregonstate.edu

Julia Mitchell, Assistant Director of Forensics, Excellent Human, and Stupendous Critic

mitcjuli@oregonstate.edu