The National Speech and Debate Association, based in West Des Moines, will host the world’s largest academic competition, the 2025 National Speech & Debate Tournament, next week in Des Moines. Students will compete June 15-20.

“We are extremely proud to be hosting nearly 7,200 of the brightest young minds and future leaders in our home state,” J. Scott Wunn, executive director of the National Speech and Debate Association, said in a press release. “This is a historic moment for the NSDA, as we are celebrating 100 years of providing competitive speech and debate opportunities for young people around the world.”

Events will take place at various locations, including the Iowa Events Center and the State Capitol. The tournament is expected to attract more than 10,000 visitors. Catch Des Moines estimates an economic impact of more than $22 million. There will be an interactive timeline of the association’s 100-year history in the IEC/Hilton skywalk throughout the week.

“We’re proud to welcome thousands of passionate, driven students to Greater Des Moines,” Greg Edwards, president and CEO of Catch Des Moines, said in the release. “Their presence brings incredible energy to our city – not just in terms of economic impact, but in the inspiration they provide.”

The association has more than 100,00 student members nationwide and hopes to expand that number to 200,000 during the next five years. NSDA aims to foster soft skills such as critical thinking, effective communication and leadership, and empowering students to be engaged citizens and leaders.