Opposites Attract: Headline Debate - Development vs. Preservation

Hosted by The Third Place LLC. Find out more at https://www.thethirdplacellc.com

Opposites Attract is a gathering with a debate format where we value dialogue over division. Where both audience members and experts get a chance to express different viewpoints with a spirit of respect and curiosity. The goal isn’t to win an argument—it’s to explore ideas and discover perspectives and insights you might not have considered. There will be three rounds, moving from light-hearted to deeper topics. Rounds 1 and 2 involve audience participation. Round 3 is the headline debate where prepared experts face off.

Schedule:

5:30PM - Doors Open

5:30 PM - 6:45 PM - Review debate topics and sign up to debate (optional)

6:45 PM - Debate Teams Assigned/Announced

7:00PM - Debating Begins

Headline Debate - Development vs Preservation with Matt Walker, Senior Vice President at Bandes Construction vs. Manny Leto, Executive Director at Preserve the 'Burg

The debate on Development vs. Preservation will explore the tension between progress and protection — weighing the economic growth and modernization that come with new development against the cultural, historical, and environmental value of conserving what already exists.

Each evening unfolds in three unique rounds:

Round 1 – Light-Hearted & Fun

We begin with a playful topic. Audience members form two teams who share quick, lively, perspectives.

It’s an easy way to warm up and enjoy the variety of opinions in the room.

ROUND 1 TOPIC: We debated Cats vs Dogs last time and many suggested a better debate topic would have been whether you should have a pet at all, so our Round 1 debate topic will be Pets vs No Pets

Round 2 – Deeper Conversation

The second round moves into a more thought-provoking subject. Again, two teams of audience volunteers present contrasting views, offering more substance and stories while keeping the format welcoming.

ROUND 2 TOPIC: Zoos and Aquariums: Keep Them vs. Ban Them

Round 3 – Headline Debate

For the finale, two experts debate in a classic one-on-one format.

This round invites careful reasoning and demonstrates how thoughtful disagreement can be both compelling and constructive.

ROUND 3 TOPIC: Development vs. Preservation

How It Works:

Audience members can sign up on-site to speak in Rounds 1 or 2 (no experience needed). Five individuals will be selected for each team that will debate each other.

Each speaker will have 60 seconds to share their perspective, either as new information and/or to respectfully refute the other team's opinions/facts. Each debate round will last approximately 10 minutes.

Round 3 is the headline debate comprised of two prepared debaters. Each will have 3 minutes for opening remarks followed by two 60 second rebuttals, followed by two 30 second speed rounds, and then 60 seconds for closing remarks. The debate will be 14 minutes long.

Audience Engagement: After every debate round, the audience will have 5 minutes to ask questions of each debate team followed by 10 minutes of discussion regarding new perspectives and insights gained.

$5 charge at the door at a 2 for 1 rate.

What is a Third Place?

Home is considered the 1st Place. Work is considered the 2nd Place. Third places are informal gathering spots that foster social connection and community through conversations and interactions with people of various backgrounds.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Julie Rocco and Caryn Nesmith