2013 Nationals Bid Report

[kiwinurse]

Still think Vegas is the best venue ever.Especially for overseas players.

[Eric Strange]

I agree with Jan...

[kiwinurse]

It would be wonderful to get a bid for Vegas.Im sure you"d have a lot more participation with people using it for their holiday time.So much to do there and see.And cost of rooms and food very reasonable.
If it was in vegas,id probably consider it for next year,as Jim wants to come over and show me his route 66 trip.

[kiwinurse]

I understand John.I think attendance would drop wherever you hold it. What has the attendance been at other venues?

[Eric Strange]

So, the drop in attendance has to do with checkers as a whole, and not with the venue.

[Mac Banks]

Hi John,

There are many hotels in Las Vegas cheaper than the hotel used at the 2012 District nine tourney. For example, Rio which is a classy casnio and hotel offers $30 a day rates during the week. There are some on the strip during the week for $25.

The numbers are dwindling for checkers no matter where you hold it.
Usually, Tennesse and Kentucky draw a pretty good attendance as it is close enough to drive for a lot of players where Las Vegas requires players to mostly have to fly.

John, yes promotion does make a difference. Mr. Boland from Texas used to host checker tournies in Tupelo, Mississippi and we had a good attendance and the hotel chipped in with a lot of goodies for the players. It takes hard work to promote and a lot of foot work and good negotiating to get the best deal for the players.

Personally, I think you have all the talent necessary to get the best deal possible in your proposal to host a tourney. Good luck to you in your endeavor and to anyone else that might venture into this process.

[Chexhero]

Every year our numbers are decreasing. That tells me it has much more to do with other factors, and not so much the venues. Some older players have passed away and others are retiring. At the same time, there are many who just decided to leave the ACF. I think we need to ask ourselves why that is. Naturally, checkers just becomes older and less popular. People get interested in other things. Also, our economy has become tougher as well, which factors a lot into it. The ACF HAS to find a way to become a stronger organization, which includes doing more marketing and advertising , especially for a big event like Nationals. I find it hard to believe we could only get 40 people to come to nationals in TN this year, which is arguably the heart land for checkers in the US. How are we going to advertise and get people to come to this tournament John, apart from getting a favorable venue?

[champion374]

just a qustion john could there ever the acf tournament in canada after all its north america still. they hold the breeders cup there once lol, just a qustion

[champion374]

yeh thats sad canada was well know for some good players

[Eric Strange]

There still are some good players in Canada. I know at least 5 off of the top of my head that are amazing. The problem is that checkers is not offering them enough to travel into America for it to be worth it.

It will take a lot of work to grow checkers and generate good revenue for the tournaments. Once that happens it will be a domino affect.

[neilwenberg]

John, You asked for feedback, so this my two cents worth. I commend you for a well written "Venue Options" for the 2013 National GAYP Checker tourney. It is well thought out and to the point. One cannot ask for more.

[liam stephens]

The USA with a population of Pi times a 100 Million has in recent years had fewer than 50 entrants to its Checkers National Tournament - food for thought.

The Island of Ireland - population approx 6.5 Million has the following 5 year record of attendance at its annual Irish Open Draughts Championship:

2007 - 82 entries Winner Alex Moiseyev
2008 - 56 entries Winner Ron King
2009 - 56 entries Winner Shane McCosker
2010 = 57 entries Winner Ron King
2011 - 50 entries Winner Ron King

This year 2012 the Winner was Garrett Owens.
Unfortunately in the height of the recession, attendance dropped to 34.

[kiwinurse]

John,Can you contact the press and do a write-up about the national in the paper,when youve decided what venue it is.Thats free advertizing,and the press usually do a good article on it.Its amazing who you can reach via the newspaper.