Pi Kappa Delta is among the oldest forensics organizations in the United States. John A. Shields and Egbert R. Nichols founded the organization in 1911. Both were debaters, and felt the need to create an organization for colleges across the country to recognize orators and debaters. They created a Constitution and Bylaws with official rules and regulations and the Pi Kappa Delta honorary key soon thereafter. Today, the honor society consists of speech and debate educators, students, and alumni from across the country. Each year, Pi Kappa Delta hosts a comprehensive national tournament that is often among the largest tournaments in the country. In odd-numbered years, the tournament includes a National Convention featuring a Welcome Reception, a Student Mixer, a Coach and Judge Reception, a Past President’s Dinner, a Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, an Order of Attainment Induction Ceremony, an event to welcome new chapters, a series of caucuses and meetings, elections and Alumni and Undergraduate showcases. In even numbered years, the National Comprehensive Tournament (or NCT) is designed to provide a traditional tournament experience featuring elimination rounds in both speech and debate events.