New guy with a question

[LindaM]

I found that if you put a deadline for applications with an extended date surcharge the majority of your teams will sign up early. Give the teams the option of larger spaces, at addtional charges, that will give you a better idea of what is needed. Don't EVER measure exactly 20 X 20. Go at least 22 X 20 in case someone doesn't quite make it into the spot it does not make eveyone else wrong. PLENTY of Porta Potties....... Lessons well learned......

 

[Babyboomerboy]

I found that if you put a deadline for applications with an extended date surcharge the majority of your teams will sign up early. Give the teams the option of larger spaces, at addtional charges, that will give you a better idea of what is needed. Don't EVER measure exactly 20 X 20. Go at least 22 X 20 in case someone doesn't quite make it into the spot it does not make eveyone else wrong. PLENTY of Porta Potties....... Lessons well learned......

Linda,
Thank you for the great information. We have a whole football stadium with a 1/4 mile track around it to use so hopefully space won't be a problem. But the heads up to add a little to each one is something that we will certainly do. I am going to start a new thread on what is the average prize amount for a first year cookoff. We are all batting our heads against the wall trying to figure out how much to give away since we have no idea how many will sign up. Thanks again for the great suggestions.

 

[lunchlady]

Prize money is something that is totally up to the organizer, which would be you.

In the NorthEast, many organizers try to give back all entry fees to the prize pool, if at all possible. If you have sponsors, even betterer.

BE aware of your football stadium... find out what the stadium people expect as far as wear and tear on their field.
Then, I would be very vocal, even putting it in your cook's packet, about what you expect from teams as far as clean up goes. I know of some events that have taken a clean-up deposit, $50 or so per team, and not returned it until they have 'checked you out'. There ARE going to be scorched areas in the grass, along with MAJOR tamping down of it as well, due to foot traffic - within teams sites.
One other thing, there were some issues at another event that was held in an oval, with teams getting in and out if the outer sites were already full up.

GET AS MANY VOLUNTEERS AS YOU CAN TO HELP YOU AND PRACTICE DELEGATING!

Babyboomerboy, I would be happy to help you with anything I can, my husband and I run a small-ish event and I like to think I have an organizer's perspective, as well as a cook's and a KCBS CBJ's. If you take your time, find out as much as you can, and basically attempt to do right by everyone, teams and judges will come. There are going to be speedbumps, and everyone expects them at a first year event.

Regardless... listen and learn from others, be available, and communicate to everyone involved and it will be successful...

Feel free to PM me anytime...

 

[STX Cue]

Here is a website I found sometime back about running a KCBS event...hope it helps.

http://www.thebbqshack.com/cookoff.htm