UP NEXT: Joe Manchin, Andrew Yang, & Justin Amash
Rethink the future of America’s two-party system with a trio of voices disrupting the red-versus-blue paradigm.
EXPLORE THE 2025 – 2026 SEASON
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Ted Koppel with Amna Nawaz
40 Years: Moments That Mattered
November 22, 2025 -
PM Sanna Marin
Europe’s Next Generation
January 17, 2026 -
Joe Manchin, Andrew Yang, & Justin Amash
The Two-Party Problem
February 21, 2026 -
Tracee Ellis Ross
On Identity, Impact, & Joy
March 21, 2026 -
John Green
Perpetually Curious
April 18, 2026
Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative
In 2018 — recognizing the absence of speech & debate programs or inadequate funding in most of the region’s public schools — The Richmond Forum launched an initiative to implement, grow, and support these essential programs.
The goal of the Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative is for every public middle and high school in the region to have competitive speech & debate programs by 2025, the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s speech, delivered right here in Richmond.
2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament
The National Speech & Debate Association has selected the Richmond region as the host of its 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament, an event that is expected to attract 10,000 student contestants and visitors to the area. To be held June 14-19, 2026, this competition is one of the largest academic events in the country.
Who has spoken at The Forum?
More than 240 distinguished speakers have participated in The Forum since its inception in 1987. Our list of alumni includes past U.S. presidents, sitting heads of state, and leaders from the sciences, arts, business, and more.
THANK you to this season’s lead patrons
Join us Next season
Subscriptions are no longer available for the 2025 – 2026 season. Join our mailing list to be among the first to hear our 2026 – 2027 season lineup announcement on April 18.