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Hey everyone,

Long time reader of dakka, first time posting. I've looked through some of the recent threads about new tournies, running 'ard boyz for the first time, et cetera, and although they helped me resolve some issues I have some general questions I'm looking to have answered. In June 2011 our local gaming group is planning to put on a GT in Omaha for both 40k and fantasy. I already have the format in mind (5 rounds, no soft scores, advanced swiss pairings, separate prizes for painting, etc.) so that is a non issue. I've also got local groups ready to help with tables and terrain, which is nice. Here's the questions I have:

My main area of interest is about prizes and awards. Our local guy who is a former outrider/outlander (forget which), said each person getting an award should get a trophy, GW merchandise, and a cash prize (he was saying $200-300 for 1st place). This seems like a bit much to me, but again I've/we've only ever done RTTs so I'm checking with you all.

Also, what kind of support does GW give if you get on their tournament circuit? We contacted them and are filling out their information now, but as we do our very early estimate of cost I'm trying to figure out if they do anything besides promote the tournament by adding it to the circuit list.

Those are my questions for now, thanks!

I don't know of any tournaments giving away a cash prize.

1 - I think you're going to need the cash to cover expenses.
2- Its just going to draw every TFG to your tournament.

GW can, and does, provide prize support. The catch-22 is that they like working with established shows. There are a lot of other companies out there - try talking with them about prize support also.

TimmyMWD wrote:Hey everyone,
My main area of interest is about prizes and awards. Our local guy who is a former outrider/outlander (forget which), said each person getting an award should get a trophy, GW merchandise, and a cash prize (he was saying $200-300 for 1st place). This seems like a bit much to me, but again I've/we've only ever done RTTs so I'm checking with you all.

Also, what kind of support does GW give if you get on their tournament circuit? We contacted them and are filling out their information now, but as we do our very early estimate of cost I'm trying to figure out if they do anything besides promote the tournament by adding it to the circuit list.

Those are my questions for now, thanks!

Do not do a cash prize. Very, very few tournaments do that, and for good reasons. I'll happily go into them some other date, but trust me, it's bad for several reasons.

The current GW circuit goes until June 1 of 2011. They will be considering adding new events to the circuit that runs through 2011-2012, but if you don't hear back for a long time, I wouldn't worry too much. The people in charge of promotions are currently busy with several large changes, namely the revamping of GW stores and the move to Memphis. They have the next year and a half in place, and will want to take some time to evaluate the current circuit before adding more events, and are extreemly busy with things they have to get done in the next couple of months.

So fill out paperwork, but don't sweat it if you don't hear from them. IFF you get on the circuit, they do provide for a nice prize package, and some scenery pieces.

Trophies are good, but not mandatory. 200-300 for the top prize is about right, but obviously dependent on whether you have 30, 40 or 100 people, and what you are charging for the event. The break points are 50 people, and 100 people. So shooting for at least 50 people at the GT is a must to get on the Circuit.

Feel free to PM me if you have questions about anything.