-Ran
Smash Master
Let's try and learn from this debacle. Please, let's try and further our community out of the ruins of the event series.
1) Do not let your venue fee barely pay for the venue. Always project 10~20% more of the actual expense. If there is excess after paying for your venue, roll it into the pot.
2) Do not expect Smashers to change their habits for your event. Players are going to do whatever they can do avoid added cost to their trips to an event. If you're allowed free-refills if you buy a cup, three players will split their drink. If they have to rent a hotel room, they'll shove ten to fifteen people in it.
3) Due to the above, do not make contractual obligations that would put yourself at risk. If you MUST make a contract, then it's time to make yourself a Limited Liability Company [LLC] to handle your tournaments. This will prevent the debts of the company from becoming your personal debts.
4) Do not agree to sliding-scale agreements. Get a per head cost agreement. We cannot accurately judge how large tournaments are going to be. Since there are deviations, these agreements are going to negatively impact your finances.
5) Attach yourself to other large events, such as an Anime Convention. This will allow you to have a significantly better deal, more thru-traffic to the event, and less overall individual burden. [Whobo.]
I really find that the most important aspect I can think of would be the formation of an LLC. In doing so, you pretty much keep yourself from personal liability, outside of the few things the LLC would own, which would amount to a TV, perhaps a Wii, and a few other things. Now, I'm not saying the goal is going to default on your debts with your LLC and let it collapse. Rather, you can use it as protection IN CASE this happens.
1) Do not let your venue fee barely pay for the venue. Always project 10~20% more of the actual expense. If there is excess after paying for your venue, roll it into the pot.
2) Do not expect Smashers to change their habits for your event. Players are going to do whatever they can do avoid added cost to their trips to an event. If you're allowed free-refills if you buy a cup, three players will split their drink. If they have to rent a hotel room, they'll shove ten to fifteen people in it.
3) Due to the above, do not make contractual obligations that would put yourself at risk. If you MUST make a contract, then it's time to make yourself a Limited Liability Company [LLC] to handle your tournaments. This will prevent the debts of the company from becoming your personal debts.
4) Do not agree to sliding-scale agreements. Get a per head cost agreement. We cannot accurately judge how large tournaments are going to be. Since there are deviations, these agreements are going to negatively impact your finances.
5) Attach yourself to other large events, such as an Anime Convention. This will allow you to have a significantly better deal, more thru-traffic to the event, and less overall individual burden. [Whobo.]
I really find that the most important aspect I can think of would be the formation of an LLC. In doing so, you pretty much keep yourself from personal liability, outside of the few things the LLC would own, which would amount to a TV, perhaps a Wii, and a few other things. Now, I'm not saying the goal is going to default on your debts with your LLC and let it collapse. Rather, you can use it as protection IN CASE this happens.
