Des Moines to Host National Speech and Debate in 2028
Catch Des Moines announced the week-long tournament will return to the metro in 2028 and 2031.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Remote Work
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Catch Des Moines announced that the National Speech and Debate Tournament will return to Des Moines in 2028 and 2031. The week-long event brings 10,000 students, coaches, and families to the metro area.
Why it matters
The tournament is projected to generate a $10 million economic boost for central Iowa. It also introduces students to the community, some of whom could later become future employees, residents, or students in the metro.
The projection of a $10 million economic boost for central Iowa is based on an expected attendance of 10,000 students, coaches, and families over one week. The extraction does not describe how the estimate was calculated or whether it accounts for visitors from outside the region.
The players
Catch Des Moines
Catch Des Moines is the regional organization that promotes Des Moines to visitors and event planners and secured the tournament's return.
National Speech and Debate Tournament
The National Speech and Debate Tournament is a national competition for high school students in speech and debate events, headquartered in West Des Moines.
The details
Catch Des Moines made the announcement on Thursday that the National Speech and Debate Tournament will return to Des Moines in 2028 and 2031. The tournament is headquartered in West Des Moines and last visited the Des Moines area in 2025.
Timeline
2025: The tournament last visited the Des Moines area.
Thursday (November 12, 2026): Catch Des Moines announced the tournament's return.
2028: The tournament returns to Des Moines.
2031: The tournament returns to Des Moines.
Market Landscape
The announcement extends the tournament's 2025 visit to Des Moines by securing two future returns in 2028 and 2031. It fits a pattern in which cities compete to host repeat national events that bring visitors and spending to their convention and hotel sectors.
Families and local residents may see increased hotel demand and restaurant traffic in the metro during the tournament weeks in 2028 and 2031. The extraction does not indicate any direct change to pricing or local services for residents.
The takeaway
Hosting repeat national events can bring a steady flow of visitors to a city's businesses, and the Des Moines metro has already been selected for two future tournament weeks. Residents can watch for event details as the 2028 date approaches.
Further reading
For related coverage, see Remote Work in Des Moines.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KCCI.
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