Published format
The Great HR Debate is structured as a two-team, parliamentary-style competition. Teams progress from preliminary rounds to the Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and the Grand Finale on the National HR Conference main stage.
Apply before the deadline
Submit the organization, proposed team name, primary contact and expected team size through the team registration form by 15th September 2026.
Complete secretariat review
The organizing committee confirms eligibility, participation requirements, orientation details and any documentation required from the team.
Attend orientation
The published timeline schedules orientation for 22 September 2026, ahead of the preliminary rounds.
Prepare for assigned motions
Teams should rely on the official communication issued by the secretariat for motions, speaking order, timing, judging criteria and venue instructions.
Competition stages
Preliminary rounds
Teams enter the season and compete for placement in the knockout bracket.
Quarter Finals
Qualifying teams meet in direct head-to-head rounds.
Semi Finals
Quarter Final winners compete for the two Grand Final places.
Grand Finale
The final debate is presented at the National HR Conference 2026.
What to confirm with the secretariat
- Eligibility of the organization and individual team members.
- Final team size, reserve members and speaker substitutions.
- Speaking time, debate sequence and permitted reference material.
- Judging criteria, scoring, tie-break procedures and appeals.
- Dress code, arrival time, accreditation and venue access.
- Photography, recording and live-stream participation requirements.