What does it take to run an off season?

[Wayne C.]

there is a little basic stuff in the RINOS Manual for Mentors at www.firstrinos.org

Probably the biggest challenge you will have is getting enough teams to come to it to make the event worthwhile.

WC

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Wayne C.

there is a little basic stuff in the RINOS Manual for Mentors at www.firstrinos.org

Probably the biggest challenge you will have is getting enough teams to come to it to make the event worthwhile.

WC

I'd just like to take a moment here to thank Wayne publicly. A few years ago, I realized that we need some off-seasons in Texas - or out-this-away, in general. I didn't have a clue as to how to go about it so I started traveling. I contacted the folks at IRI and asked about it and they said, 'come on up here and see for yourself!' I contacted Arefin Bari at Mission Mayhem in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and he said, 'come on over here and see for yourself!' I contacted Mr. C at Brunswick Eruption out in New Jersey, and he said, 'come on out here and help us make Evil Sundaes... mwahahahaha.' Ok, I'm exaggerating a little bit, he only said, 'mwahahaha.'

On top of that, Wayne talked to me via private messages and gave me an overview for a one day event and shared some of the information regarding lay-out, side events like the Evil Sundae competition, fees, volunteers, the technical aspects and the field stuff - things like that. That was after BE6, I think, and I attended BE7 this past fall. It was wonderful.

The IRI guys, Chris Fultz and Andy Baker, were very helpful as well, and they also directed me to the information they have posted and continue to update here in Chief Delphi. Mission Mayhem is another wonderful event and is one of the off-seasons in Florida that showcases the power and talent in the Floridian teams.

All of these event planners have been outstanding in offering support and in sharing wisdom and experience in this area. Mr. C, however, is the only mentor who offered to let me just dig in up to my elbows in goo. It was great.

Texas is, indeed, planning an off-season this summer and NI is hosting it during NI Week here in Austin. I'm happy about it and am available to help in any way I can. I wouldn't feel this confidence in offering help and support if I had not traveled and learned from the best. I'm not finished yet, I plan to travel to many more off-seasons and learn more, experience more, and have a blast.
Jane

[DonRotolo]

One lesson learned from pascack Panda-monium last year is this: Have a LOT of people who are dedicated to making sure their small part of the event is planned, set up and run properly. The event core team was able to focus on the dozens of small problems that came up, since all of the major areas were being handled well.

Planning takes about a year, but this can be compressed into 6 months.

If you want teams to return, make the event easy for them - easy weekend (no SAT or other major event that day!), easy load in, plenty of power in the pits, easy for spectators to get in out, good parking, a score display, experienced volunteers (get with the local regional planning committee about that) especially announcers, fun for those attending... In short, imagine what the 'perfect' event would be for a team, and try to do that.

Jane's advice on visiting other off-season events is essential. You'll find people are happy to share.

Oh, yes - you'll need a place that can handle a full field plus pits. A full field is about the size of a basketball court, plus you need room at the edges for equipment, judges, etc.

Don