We are excited to bring you a special event in collaboration with Debate Club, where we will be tackling a topic that sits at the heart of modern communities, brands, and culture:

Exclusivity vs Inclusivity

Where do we draw the line between protecting a community and opening the doors wider? And is exclusivity always about wealth and status, or can it also be about shared values?

In a world that celebrates openness, diversity, and accessibility, inclusivity has become a powerful force for progress. Diverse voices drive better ideas, richer conversations, and more innovative outcomes. Many of today’s most vibrant communities are built on the belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table.

But what happens when a community becomes too open? When people come together around shared values, trust, and culture, one misaligned member can disrupt what others have spent years building. Is thoughtful vetting a form of healthy curation, or does it cross the line into exclusion?

One team will argue that inclusivity is essential for growth, creativity, and fairness. They will make the case that opening doors to different perspectives strengthens communities, fuels innovation, and creates more meaningful impact. They will question whether exclusivity often becomes a proxy for privilege, reinforcing barriers tied to wealth, status, or social capital, from luxury fashion to private jets to members-only spaces.

The opposing team will explore the value of exclusivity when it is rooted in shared values rather than status. They will argue that strong, close-knit communities require boundaries, and that thoughtful curation can protect culture, trust, and quality. Not all exclusivity is about money. Sometimes it is about alignment, contribution, and mutual respect.

Expect sharp arguments, fresh perspectives, and plenty of banter around community design, status, access, diversity, belonging, and the tension between openness and preservation.

A judging panel will crown a winner, but the final vote belongs to the audience.

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About the event

This special edition of Debate Club is hosted by Lawson Flats, a members' club built around connection, creativity, and community. While membership is curated, Lawson Flats aims to remain accessible, with events that bring a wide range of people together under one roof, making it the perfect setting to explore the balance between inclusivity and exclusivity.

Debate Club is a not-for-profit initiative that creates fun, social spaces where people can practice presentation skills, debate bold ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations.

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Team Exclusivity

Spiro El Khoury , Charlie Gunningham , and Laura Vulling 

Team Inclusivity

Mike Drysdale , Maya Kavanagh and Gen Hohnen 

Judges 

Tim Turner, Kat Dunn, Lisa O'Malley and Jason Tuna