Getting a tournament out...

[Virocon]

I haven't visited this forum in quite a while but I wanted to see if anyone has experience with promoting a start-up tournament and if you can provide tips on gaining more participation, getting the word out, etc.

UCLA (Los Angeles, CA, USA) is holding the Bruin Open Badminton Tournament and would appreciate some help from forums such as these in garnering support and help (i.e. getting the word out).

If it helps any, the tourney is set for Jan 31 - Feb 1, 2004.

http://www.uclabadminton.com/BruinOpen.htm

Thanks.

[shawntn]

I really want to play but....deadline is tomorow! i play in Calstate Long Beach and San Gabriel and i have not heard of a tournement being held in UCLA. You should of post like a bulleton atleast a week ahead in this forum or handout fliers to open gyms in southern California? I dont think i have enough time to mail my check in.

[LazyBuddy]

Hmmm, I think u post up this message a little bit too late, if you are still way short of players, even though, a lot of ppl might tend to sign up at the very last minute to avoid possible schedule conflicts.

If you are still short of players by the deadline, you might consider to do the following:

1. Extend the dealine (maybe to 01/28???) - allow another weekend or so, let players making their decisions. Believe or not, tons of ppl won't know whether he/she will be available or not until the weekend prior.

2. Post flyers around campus and local community (prefer sports (better badminton)club, near by bus/subway station, entrance of gym(s), lockers, etc).

3. If still short of players - accpet last min registration. However, this might take great risk for management.

4. For certain less popular flight / event - merge with the others, or provide more layers of consolation rounds.

5. If still facing problems, try start the "registration session" earlier, especially promotions like this throught internet forum, etc.

[LazyBuddy]

Just noticed one thing: The entire event consists DOUBLE games only (MD, LD, XD).

According to my own experience, it's harder to get 2 ppl to be available at the same weekend, than just individuals. For many times, neither me nor my partner could attend a tourny, simply because if either one of us get caught up for some other activites, the entire pair won't show up.

Therefore, if the entries are way short than expected, consider to switch some players for singles??? I know this might be late, but hmmm...

[Virocon]

The deadline WAS set for Fri, Jan 23 but I am considering extending it. If you still want to play and are worrying about the check coming in on time, don't. Just submit your application (preferabbly on-line) and send the check/money order in asap! I'll deal with the rest.

http://www.uclabadminton.com/BruinOpen.htm

Spread the word! We still have time!

Jason

E-mail me with any conflicts or questions you might have at uclabad@ucla.edu

[shawntn]

Could I come and pay in person?

[Virocon]

I can arrange that for you shawntn...
E-mail me at uclabad@ucla.edu
and give me your full name, contact number, and remind me that you want to pay in person.

Then go ahead and sign up (your partner(s) need to sign up too). Spread the word!

Thanks!
Jason

[evylgrynn]

Hi,

I have run 2 tournaments now, the first one was pretty small, the second one had almost twice as many people, and this year's is promising to be even bigger!
Some things I found were having a deadline to the Wednesday before the tournament gave time for all the last minute stragglers, while still giving us time to set up the draws, also letting people register and then pay on the morning of the tournament when they showed up (this also caused problems as we had some no shows)
Emphasize the prizes, last year our top prizes for mens and womens singles were home DVD players, everyone seemed to be really impressed by the quality of all the prizes. We also found having a really good social event helped, it let everyone meet lots of other people, get to know each other off the court as well as on.
This is probably too late to help, but I thought I'd post anyway, good luck with your tournament!!