Dear Colleagues,

The John R. Park Debate Society (the University of Utah forensics team) and the Department of Communication cordially invite your team to attend the 15th annual Beehive Bonanza, October 3rd and 4th, 2025, on the University of Utah Main Campus in Salt Lake City, Utah. The tournament will feature StudentCongress, all three styles of NSDA debate (policy, Lincoln- Douglas, and public forum), and eight IE events

(dramatic interp, humorous interp, duo interp, programmed oral interp, extemp, oratory, info, and impromptu). We will offer both novice and varsity divisions in all events (provided adequate entries). The Beehive Bonanza will also offer three $1000 partial scholarships to top varsity finishers in the tournament in Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum (top speaker on the winning team receives a scholarship), and Policy

Debate (the top speaker on the winning team receives a scholarship) when (and if) they attend the University of Utah and join the John R. Park Debate Society.

NOVICE CLINICS: On Friday afternoon during rounds 1 and 2, we will host a free-of-charge novice clinic in PF, CX, and LD debate events. Students will receive basic instruction, starter evidence/cases, and more. NOVICE COMPETITION BEGINS ON FRIDAY NIGHT.

University of Kentucky TOC Speech and NIETOC Bid Tournament: Once again, the Beehive Bonanza will be a bid tournament for the Tournament of Champions (Speech TOC) and NIETOC. Bids will be awarded per the rules of each respective organization.

JUDGE TRAINING: Judge training and assistance will be available throughout the tournament. All judges are expected to complete accreditation through the UDCA website, available here:

https://utahdebatecoaches.org/debate-judges-corner/

Each year, we work to make the Beehive Bonanza a little better than last year’s tournament. Please read the invitation carefully to ensure that you are aware of both the particularities of the tournament and the amenities we have added to provide an exceptional tournament experience. Additionally, feel free to contact us with your feedback.

We look forward to seeing you at our coaches’ meeting on Friday, October 3. If you have any additional questions about the tournament, feel free to email (forensics@utah.edu) with any questions or comments. From our team to yours, we wish you the best for the competitive season.

NOTE ON EVENT CAPS AND WAITLIST

In order to accommodate all interested schools while supporting equally healthy novice and open competition, we have instituted event caps and limited available space. If you happen to be waitlisted, please be patient. You will likely be removed from the waitlist. We will make every effort to facilitate competition for all interested students!

Congress Docket, Novice evidence, Maps, & Parking Information Available on Our Website

https://debate.utah.edu/high_school_outreach/beehive_bonanza.php

Friday Food:

The Hive Market, located in the basement of the Student Union, has approved extended hours on Friday to accommodate this year's Bonanza to ensure teams have access to food! Be sure to stop by for dinner, lunch, snack, and drink needs! The Hive is self-serve, which should help avoid issues with check-out lines.

They will be open the following times: Until 7 pm (Friday only)

Saturday Food (NEW FOR BONANZA 2025):

We are pleased to have the Cafe Mamai food truck on campus! The food truck will be available for lunch and dinner. Chef Abu has also graciously offered to prepare meals for teams ahead of time so that students do not need to wait in line. Coaches, if you would like to organize this catering, please email avockel@gmail.com and we will send you Chef Abu's phone number. His food is delicious!

Best Wishes,

Dr. Duncan Stewart

Director of Forensics

Averie Vockel

Assistant Director of Forensics

Public Outreach Manager