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The things that make a contest great - Service and amenities

parrothead

parrothead

somebody shut me the fark up.

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Services and amenities

Or good at the very least. This is in line with Phil and others trying to "fix" grill kings and a thread I wanted to start anyway.

What are some of the best things you have ran accross at competitions? THose little things that are nice, but are noticed if they are missing. This will be one of at least two threads maybe more so there is a little more continuity.

Suggestions can be based on actual experiences or just a wish list.

Three things that are probably foremost are water, ice, grass.

My experiences with these are. Shannon. This year they delivered water to your sight as needed. We had enough with us so didn't need it, but I am sure that everybody else appreciated it.

Ice. In Peoria last year they delivered ice to you---free---as much as you wanted. That was freaking awesome.

Grass All of my competitions have been on grass except for last year when I visited Phil. Grass is the way to go. period.

One last thing. We don't need to make a list of bad things that have happened. Lets just concentrate on what we are seeing out there that makes a competition good.
 
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I agree we are all guilty of just ranting and raving about the issues. But last night a big bright spot hit I spend over and hour on the phone with the event organizer for Bloomington, IL. I told him some things that really worked at past contests and I think if he does half of that stuff it will be a premier event. I agree about Peoria last year and then the one bad issue I heard from that one was someone complaining about the prize money...hence No Peoria this year. I think we forget sometimes that these event guys have a lot to do. I know that there are references from KCBS about how to have a contest but maybe there should be "crib notes" for the event organizer to work from that has some of the best things from all of the contests. I heard that Shannon was great and I am looking forward to some others around the northern IL area that should be great. I am pretty sure that anyone is our community would love to chat with organizers for any length of time to help them out. Sure they can't give us the world but maybe we can save them being hammered on in threads the day after the contest.
 
voodoobbqIL said:
I agree we are all guilty of just ranting and raving about the issues. But last night a big bright spot hit I spend over and hour on the phone with the event organizer for Bloomington, IL. I told him some things that really worked at past contests and I think if he does half of that stuff it will be a premier event. I agree about Peoria last year and then the one bad issue I heard from that one was someone complaining about the prize money...hence No Peoria this year. I think we forget sometimes that these event guys have a lot to do. I know that there are references from KCBS about how to have a contest but maybe there should be "crib notes" for the event organizer to work from that has some of the best things from all of the contests. I heard that Shannon was great and I am looking forward to some others around the northern IL area that should be great. I am pretty sure that anyone is our community would love to chat with organizers for any length of time to help them out. Sure they can't give us the world but maybe we can save them being hammered on in threads the day after the contest.
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That's good to hear. I plan on doing Bloomington as well.

Here is another thought. I have never been to one that has any kind of shower area, but if a site were found that had one, I'll bet that would be nice to help wake up in the morning as well as maybe after tear down before going home.
 
Heres what I would see.... from a team/competitor/ human being. I wa nt to be comfortable, effective and have fun.

Necessities. Water, Ice, Power, Comfort(Shade/grass).

The things that make a contest 'Team Friendly'.

Goodie bags..

Organizer Sponsored dinner and Breakfast

Things to make if fun for the family too. (craft shows, festivals, etc..) this is NOT to say at the expense of the promoter, but to tie the even INTO something else, a la Guitarbeque tied into a music festival, or Podunk bluegrass festival, Key Largo ties it to a town wide "Key largo day" type thing.. family members who are not cooking or pit help dont want to jsut sit under the tent all day.

In the hot areas...... Outdoor showers... How many of us were dumping water over our heads.. filling hats with cooler water, etc... how easy is it to have those 'pool showers' scattered around the sites?? They are 100 bucks, and to be able to just go stand under that for a minute.. its a simple stupid creature comfort that can be appreciated after an hour in front of a fire box. Venues with bathroom/shower facilities would be even better to clean up at night or after the contest, bU tthe outdoor pool showers at the end of rows would be some quick relief.

this is a great thread.. and it can go places!!
 
Yep, breakfast. Shannon gives us biscuits and gravy, coffee, donuts, juice. It's always nice. On less meal to feed the crew.
 
Ice either free or at cost
Shower facilities (a lot of BBQ contests around here are in campgrounds)
Water readily available (at each site is better or at the least, bring it to us)
Goodie bags at check in
Cooks meetings NOT scheduled at dinner time on Friday night
Have a Kid's Q contest and don't make it right before chicken turn-in time!!!
Free coffee, donuts or biscuits and gravy on Saturday morning
ALWAYS offer electricity, even if paying extra for it!
Bring the official clock around to each camp on Saturday morning to be sure everyone is accurate
Enforce quiet hours
Have a contest organizer there and available 24 hours
Check often to see if we need anything
 
Grass All of my competitions have been on grass except for last year when I visited Phil. Grass is the way to go. period.
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Ever been to a contest when it rains? If Boone County '04 had been on grass, they'd still be trying to get people out of the venue.
 
Regularly services pottys
Outdoor showers
plenty of ash pits
regular trash pick up

The Bloomington event will have something from the conversation last night that we will call a "bbq concierge" this person will be going around all day to check and see if you need something. If you do he will get the proper folks over to you with ice, water, trash whatever...
Also there will be someone there to check you in as soon as you pull up so you don't have to chase anyone down.

service...that's what makes a contest great
 
Having an edible breakfast vs. just having breakfast is good.

Running water to hook up my hose to, so I can control it at my site

Electricity

A nice area. I personally like being able to look around and enjoy what I see... not a problem at any so far, just something I like.

Frequent delivery of ice. If they charge, I'd like to prepay for an amount so I don't have to fumble for dollar bills in the middle of everything else.

showers
 
My family went looking to by some of those misters that you see at amusment parks to set up. Came up empty handed.

But how about a slop sink area where you could REALLY wash your dirty pots and cutting boards. The 3 bin set-up is OK, but it's not real effective to bigger items.

I agree with the water, ice, and grass. Definite necessities. Goodie bags would be nice. i've heard of them at other contests, but don't expect them.

And just an open line of communication. That to me is very important. Good news or bad news, we all need to know.

I think as far as a meal goes, Willie always makes clams casino, I make a pot of chili, Phil had the linguine and clam sauce. If we all bring something, it can be a pot luck dinner. For breakfast on comp day, how about big overfilled fritattas, some bagels, juice, and joe.

All the best, Al.

}}}}---------------------------------------------->
 
Jeff_in_KC said:
Ice either free or at cost
Shower facilities (a lot of BBQ contests around here are in campgrounds)
Water readily available (at each site is better or at the least, bring it to us)
Goodie bags at check in
Cooks meetings NOT scheduled at dinner time on Friday night
Have a Kid's Q contest and don't make it right before chicken turn-in time!!!
Free coffee, donuts or biscuits and gravy on Saturday morning
ALWAYS offer electricity, even if paying extra for it!
Bring the official clock around to each camp on Saturday morning to be sure everyone is accurate
Enforce quiet hours
Have a contest organizer there and available 24 hours
Check often to see if we need anything
Click to expand...

Jeff, I can send you a listof contests that have shower facilities if you need it so you van plan accordingly!

Free coffe on saturday morning would be nice.

Another great contest is Osage city, KS--free ice, friendly people and they are constantly around asking if you need anything. I actually don't mind walking to get water there becasue they treat you so well.

As for quiet hours, I can only think of one contest this year where that was a problem (Lawrence) and the reps put those guys down!:wink::twisted:
 
On breakfast, I've been to a comp where it was pretty good, and another where you it was cold sausage gravy and hard biscuits... if it's the former, it's really nice, if it's the latter, it's more a nuisance than anything... a waste of my time and energy to get the food.
 
Service starts with planning and information PRIOR to the event.

I just received our packet for Ft Rucker.
Must weigh a half pound :lol:

Schedules, locations, and maps for everything in detail.
Detailed instructions about security on Military Base.
Listing of what would happen at check-in and what we would receive there. Stuff like the rest of passes and arm bands will be handled there.
Strict "no pets" (dogs) in cooking area. Certainly hope a couple of teams catch that because MP's "under orders" will do their jobs.
Even explained that winner's checks will be sent from a payment center in TX. They will FedEX results and payment center has commited to 24 hour turnaround. Direct deposit even available.
1099's required, so they sent them ahead so the teams could have them ready and not stumble around or be surprised.

I could go on and on--but, basically, no question left unanswered as far as I can tell.
And, they admit they will make mistakes as a first year event and have two "command centers" on site that will be manned 24/7 to work out any kinks :lol:

This sets a whole new "bar" for the prep phase!
I'm spoiled, for sure.
Now, if we can just cook our "A Game" :redface:
Tons of cash on the line.

TIM
 
I agree Tim... and it sounds like they have everything in order. I also appreciate it when a comp sends a list of teams and a space assignment map out ahead of time.

These are excellent threads, by the way! Thanks Greg!
 
Jeff_in_KC said:
I agree Tim... and it sounds like they have everything in order. I also appreciate it when a comp sends a list of teams and a space assignment map out ahead of time.

These are excellent threads, by the way! Thanks Greg!
Click to expand...

Why would actual sites or team names be of any use before the event?
When I say that- I realize that Grill Kings is a "one of a kind" deal and "special" cause it is in New Yawk :lol:

The organizer probably does not have all of that set till the last minute and I can not think of any useful need for it.
If there is some team I need to coordinate with, I would know that they were coming anyway and use email or the phone to do the coordination.

Drive up and get the assignment (or "park where you want to") seems to work just fine.

Besides, I really do not want to know who is coming. I sleep better in my blissful ignorance :redface:

TIM
 
I dunno Tim. I just like to know who the competition is in advance if possible. guess a few comps spoiled me with maps and team lists prior to the event.
 
another note on Osage - ties to things Tim, Bob, others have mentioned.... but the organizers have to care about the teams. So at Osage... we had an issue missing an RV part we needed.... one of the volunteers on a golf cart, overheard our conversation..... and actually went to the hardware store and grabbed one - and brought it over to us. Imagine our suprise - Talk about life saver!!! WAY above and beyond - but shows the mindset of the contest. Many are so big these days, that they are not about the teams anymore. I'm on a quest for contests that are there for the teams. Good people, trying to bring in good people to thier town, and show hospitality, and want folks to enjoy thier event.

All the lists have most of things I look for covered already.
 
Jeff_in_KC said:
I dunno Tim. I just like to know who the competition is in advance if possible. guess a few comps spoiled me with maps and team lists prior to the event.
Click to expand...


I don't have a map, but a couple of days ago I got a team roster for the comp that I am doing a week and a half from now. It was much appreciated and good info.
 
Great Thread this will be a big help to us!

Just keeping and eye on this thread so we can make the neccessary changes for next year, keep writing so we can keep taking notes.

Best in BBQ,
Dean
 
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