2007 DCC AZB Room - Conversation with Greg S. - Need member input

Williebetmore

Member, .25% Club
Silver Member
I was able to speak with Greg S. yesterday regarding the past and present AZB room issues. I thanked him for allowing us a great experience this year. He wanted to especially thank OHB for getting the whole thing started (my thanks to OHB too:) ).

Greg would be willing to let us have 2 tables next year, but feels that because of the lighting trusses we can NOT fit them in one room. He will give us the 2 rooms at the right and left ends of the hallway. Cost will be $2,000 (the cost of room rental - he will be providing the tables for FREE).

He very much liked us having at least some semblance of monitoring the rooms, what we did this year would be adequate.

He will work with us to get an official DCC nametag (probably a special gold color) JUST for AZB'ers. We can design it ourselves (same size as the DCC badges); we can have one or two sided designs; it will have the member's picture, handle, and real name on it - and will be distributed at the tournament desk along with your admission/players badge to the tournament itself. Cool. Greg's idea not mine.

He does NOT want us to have sponsors that are in any way competing with the vendor's (no cue maker's for instance). There may, however be other ways to raise money (other raffles, T-shirts, sponsors other than equipment sellers, etc.); so get creative and see what we can come up with - we will check ALL ideas with Greg first to make sure he approves.

He loved the Celebrity Tournament Raffle event; and very much likes the events spilling over into the tournament room. We can probably do it again - if anyone knows pro's that might participate; let me know. We could possibly convince JL & ER to do it again; but I hesitate to impose further unless demand is high.

He would appreciate VERY MUCH if we can attempt a "Special Event" as we discussed; for all of the reasons we discussed. We can charge admission to the television area if we wish for a late night event (though we will have to provide the staff). He was VERY appreciative of Bob Jewett's efforts, and if there is any way we could help support the 14.1 event (personnel or finances) he would be grateful.

So here are the questions on which the committee would like feedback:

#1. Do we want 2 tables (which entails 2 SEPARATE rooms - though they are next to each other)??? I love the camaraderie that 1 room affords; but unless someone here has a lighting solution (any table/light mechs out there??) it will have to be 2 rooms. More expense, less togetherness, more opportunity to play, more chance to miss something.

#2. Can someone design the badges for us??? Any graphic design freaks that want to volunteer just post here and PM me also.

#3. Any fund-raising/sponsorship ideas??? Our idea is to require a similar donation to last year for playing privileges ($25-$35), then use the extra money generated to provide refreshments first, then the prize fund. We will auction the banner soon. We may want to give special treatment to those donating extra (like a special Celebrity match, done gratis by a very prominent pro, with one of the members who have donated above and beyond the minimum).

#4. Refreshment ideas??? We CAN'T afford the hotel rates, we CAN'T cater it in. We COULD have soda's and snacks brought in privately and discreetly if there are volunteers to do the leg work.

5. Special Event ideas?? I don't think we can afford a Pagulayan-Schmidt 14.1 re-match this time around (though I could be wrong - its happened at least once). I think we could definitely swing a rotation match between Efren Reyes and a prominent pro (to be approved by Accu-Stats/BCN). We could also take a $1000 and stake a match or 2 if we can find a "horse", we could make a big challenge out of it and play it on the t.v. table (though not for Accu-Stats). If we don't get dumped, we could even make money on the deal. We can charge a nominal ($5-$10) admission if we choose, then use the money for prizes.


There is plenty of time before next year; but PLEASE don't volunteer for anything unless you will DEFINITELY do it as promised. Thanks,

Gang of Three
 
Williebetmore said:
#3. Any fund-raising/sponsorship ideas??? Our idea is to require a similar donation to last year for playing privileges ($25-$35), then use the extra money generated to provide refreshments first, then the prize fund. We will auction the banner soon. We may want to give special treatment to those donating extra (like a special Celebrity match, done gratis by a very prominent pro, with one of the members who have donated above and beyond the minimum).
We have many business owners on this forum. Maybe some of these folks would donate something at some point in time through out the next yr that we could raffle off. It doesn't have to be pool related. If someone makes quilts, or clocks, or picture frames, hats, shirts... you guys get the idea. Obviously if people in the pool industry wanted to donate something, we've got quite a few of those folks on here too. I'm not going to name any names because I certainly don't want to put them on the spot. I'm just pointing out that forum members could donate different things to be auctioned off through the yr.
 
Timberly said:
We have many business owners on this forum. Maybe some of these folks would donate something at some point in time through out the next yr that we could raffle off. It doesn't have to be pool related. If someone makes quilts, or clocks, or picture frames, hats, shirts... you guys get the idea. Obviously if people in the pool industry wanted to donate something, we've got quite a few of those folks on here too. I'm not going to name any names because I certainly don't want to put them on the spot. I'm just pointing out that forum members could donate different things to be auctioned off through the yr.


T-girl,
Good idea. We could probably even auction pool-related items BEFORE the DCC; just not DURING the tournament. I think.


P.S. - Greg said also we do NOT want to offend the hotel by having people sleeping in the playing room. I don't know where he got that idea:) :) .
 
#1. Do we want 2 tables (which entails 2 SEPARATE rooms - though they are next to each other)??? First of all I would say that if we cannot have two tables in one room, I would definitely vote to get TWO rooms. I think it would only help multiply the action and allow us to be able to run our events more smoothly. WBM, would you please elaborate on the "problems" with having two tables in the same room? I am brainstorming:eek:

#2. Can someone design the badges for us??? I think we have enough artistic people on here to get a great layout designed for the badges. Would it be feasible to go ahead and get a "section" started for the 2007 DCC? That way we could get different threads going(that are only relevant to the AZ room) The first thread could be a"Submit your design for the DCC badges here........ Just an idea;) If not, I would love to help design the badges.


#3. Any fund-raising/sponsorship ideas??? I would be glad to "donate" another banner for next years event. I like the idea Frank had about the t-shirts. I would think we could use the same basic artwork for the t-shirts as the badges. Whatever we decide to use for the badges, lets make t-shirts and sell them. You could even get them personalized for a "SMALL" increase in price;) Do we have any "screenprinters" in here? I might also be able to produce a few of the smaller banners 2'x4' and we could auction those off as well.

#4. Refreshment ideas??? If we can't bring our own snacks, I guess we will just have to BRING our own snacks;)

5. Special Event ideas?? I would like to see an AZ members only(non-pro) tournament take place. We could have a minimal entry fee and see who the "best" AZ player is(non-pro). I think someone would be able to talk some major SH*T for a year!

Just my two cents. Thanks for all you are doing GANG OF 3
 
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Williebetmore said:
T-girl,
Good idea. We could probably even auction pool-related items BEFORE the DCC; just not DURING the tournament. I think.


P.S. - Greg said also we do NOT want to offend the hotel by having people sleeping in the playing room. I don't know where he got that idea:) :) .
Why don't we make sure it's ok to do something like that so long as it's prior to the DCC. There's a few guys on here that have billiard products for cues and for instructional purposes. There's also a ton of cue makers here (Yes, I would buy some raffle tickets for a simple sneaky pete). Lets make sure Greg is ok with us doing this in the "off season". If he is, then we can put the call out to all forum members with a product (pool related or not). :)
 
sizl said:
WBM, would you please elaborate on the "problems" with having two tables in the same room? I am brainstorming:eek:
I would love to help design the badges.


I like the idea Fran had about the t-shirts. I would think we could use the same basic artwork for the t-shirts as the badges. Whatever we decide to use for the badges, lets make t-shirts and sell them. You could even get them personalized for a "SMALL" increase in price;)

5. Special Event ideas?? I would like to see an AZ members only(non-pro) tournament take place. We could have a minimal entry fee and see who the "best" AZ player is(non-pro). I think someone would be able to talk some major SH*T for a year!

Sizl,
Wow, good idea's.

The only problem with 2 tables in the SAME room is that the table lights won't fit (trusses and stanchions); and the rooms are fairly small. The problem with 2 rooms is you won't interact with the people in the other room.

Let's get some artists to come up with a design, and we can see about T-shirts/golf-shirts.

A full tournament with people coming on different days might be difficult (though possible if we did it in the tournament room). How about a Q-Skills Challenge event with EVERYONE who attends playing 2 or 3 racks of Q-Skill challenge - prizes after the week concludes???
 
O.K. you got me. So exactly where is the DCC held? Yeah, i'm a dummy!

I may not be able to attend, but i may be able to come up with something to sell, or auction off for this event
 
How bout instead of 2 tables we get some beds in one room for all those who don't have a place to sleep, it might look better then sleeping on a few chairs and it would be easier on the back then sleeping under a sink in a cabinet.

Jim
 
Williebetmore said:
A full tournament with people coming on different days might be difficult (though possible if we did it in the tournament room). How about a Q-Skills Challenge event with EVERYONE who attends playing 2 or 3 racks of Q-Skill challenge - prizes after the week concludes???


I think the Q-skills concept would be great! Would an AZ 14.1 tournament be feasible? Being from the south, I would have to practice ALOT:eek:
 
I like the idea of a Q-Skills event and a real for sure tournament like a 14.1. That really means something.

If we got two rooms and used one as an “AZ hospitality suite” staffed it with a bevy of enthusiastic “hostesses” we might to be able to afford to sponsor a Moscconi/Fats rematch (kinda of like Risky Business)
 
#1. Do we want 2 tables (which entails 2 SEPARATE rooms - though they are next to each other)??? I would say yes to the two rooms. One could be a room to play other AZer's and the second could be for challenge the pro or other special events.

#2. Can someone design the badges for us??? I would think we could use the great job and artwork Sizl did on the banners.


#3. Any fund-raising/sponsorship ideas??? What about using money raised to do a raffle for free stay at DCC for the following year. We could either do a free stay for the whole event or raffle off single free nights. I have been to other non-pool events where they did raffles like this.

#4. Refreshment ideas??? Does the hotel allow you to bring your own? If so everyone bring something.

5. Special Event ideas?? I think from the amount of PROs that should up this year we could get something going. Also I know Greg said no sponsors but what if we got some of the vendors (make it open to all of them) to help us out like Jack did with the case?
 
I would vote for 2 tables if it was feasable. Even if the other one was not open full time I think it would be beneficial at times.

I like the T-shirt idea and I think it would be good to setup a few types.
I believe their are places on the net like Cafepress that offer print to order
service with no inventory cost and zero upfront cost. Its a little less profitable but its very easy to use. I am not that familiar with the site or ones like it but can look into it. If not then unless someone knows someone there will be upfront money.
I think having multiple auctions over the course of a year would be great.
Even if the items were not pool related. It could also generate a decent
return.

I would like to see the Gang of Three go ahead and setup some type of donation fund early so that contributions can be done throughout the year.
It might be easier on some to donate a little a few times than all at once.
Paypal would be great as well. Does anyone know the Fees?

If we can not have sponsors in the room is it possible to have items donated and auctioned/sold and the donators getting something. Banner ads on here and/or Onepocket.org. Something anything??

I once took a group lesson from Grady and very much enjoyed it. Perhaps in the second room we could have something similiar and figure a way for it to help offset the cost. I would not want the teacher to do something like that for free but maybe something could be worked out. If not I would be interested in another of the group lesson type sessions like
I had with Grady. I think a a decent number of attendees would be interested. I dont remember how long they ran but the second room would provide a bit of privacy and would not slow down the social room.

Could we raise enough money to have an event of our own. I know they have side tourneys. Whats the deal with the tables on those? Are they ran by Mark/Greg/Diamond. Maybe we could help run an event or two or sponsor one to help offset the room cost.
Would there be enough interest in an ongoing break contest or a series of them while the event is going on. In Vegas alot of dough is brought in at the BCA and APA events with these type contests.

I think Greg is being very nice and I really like the badge idea. Its a nice touch. My ideas above are all random off the cuff ideas that I have not thought out. Just trying to get some ideas out there and the other smart people set me straight.
For a few years I worked for a food and beverage company that handled large events. Concerts, Football games, Gasparilla, Nascar etc. I used to dislike very much the people that were always trying to circumnavigate
some of the costs. I would hate to piss off the host location that is providing Greg and the event a lot. How many venues can pool get for this type of event. I do believe that a onenight(few hour social with refreshments) is not to much to ask for. Maybe even the hotel would go
halfprice to provide the goods.
One of thought is to find a philanthropist pool support if that exists. Some of us know some fairly rich people or companies that might be willing to provide a decent size dontation. I am working on my buddy now :D He does not follow pool and its hard for me to figure out a way to make it worth his while but he has the cash and has done things like this before.
Afterall he is into racing cars. Theres no bigger cashcow hobby than that one.

I have an extra brand new Blue Book of Cues and will kick off the donations with that.
frankncali
 
frankncali said:
I would like to see the Gang of Three go ahead and setup some type of donation fund early so that contributions can be done throughout the year.
It might be easier on some to donate a little a few times than all at once.
Paypal would be great as well. Does anyone know the Fees?
I don't know what the fees are, but I think by having it available, it would more than pay for itself. Say someone donates $50 and the fee is $2.50, then that person's donation would be a $47.50 one.
frankncali said:
If we can not have sponsors in the room is it possible to have items donated and auctioned/sold and the donators getting something. Banner ads on here and/or Onepocket.org. Something anything??
Banner ads is creative, but Mike is already using the banner space to pay the bills. I would like to see Mike kick something in towards it. He is getting good publicity from us being his ambassadors. Maybe after the Derby, we could take out ads in Billiard magazines, thanking our benefactors by name.
frankncali said:
I think Greg is being very nice and I really like the badge idea. Its a nice touch.
I agree, it will be nice to have picture ID tags.

frankncali said:
I have an extra brand new Blue Book of Cues and will kick off the donations with that.
I'll bid on that.

Tracy
 
frankncali said:
Could we raise enough money to have an event of our own. I know they have side tourneys. Whats the deal with the tables on those? Are they ran by Mark/Greg/Diamond. Maybe we could help run an event or two or sponsor one to help offset the room cost.
Would there be enough interest in an ongoing break contest or a series of them while the event is going on. In Vegas alot of dough is brought in at the BCA and APA events with these type contests.



I have an extra brand new Blue Book of Cues and will kick off the donations with that.
frankncali


I like the idea of an AZ event. We could have several different tournament style event going on simultaneously.


The Blue Book is a great way to start off the donations. Nice job Frank!
 
I can donate:
Pro Skill Drills DVD
Inner Game of Tennis
Poolhall Junkies DVD
 
Williebetmore said:
Greg would be willing to let us have 2 tables next year, but feels that because of the lighting trusses we can NOT fit them in one room. He will give us the 2 rooms at the right and left ends of the hallway. Cost will be $2,000 (the cost of room rental - he will be providing the tables for FREE).


#1. Do we want 2 tables (which entails 2 SEPARATE rooms - though they are next to each other)??? I love the camaraderie that 1 room affords; but unless someone here has a lighting solution (any table/light mechs out there??) it will have to be 2 rooms. More expense, less togetherness, more opportunity to play, more chance to miss something.

If the size or weight of the lights is an issue this year at the bar table tournaments across the street Griffin pointed out to me some new lights designed for the 7 foot smart tables that are much lighter and smaller than the standard light. If I remember correctly (through the Coors Light) they were designed with weight constraints in mind because of limitations in the Riviera ball rooms for the same issue (as I understand it). Maybe with those lights (maybe even two lights per table) two tables would fit in one room?? Of course that would be a question for Greg S.
 
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Personally I think-one room, one table-might be the best thing for now since we're still in our infancy.

I have something else going on that will end up helping as far as monitoring the room and such if it works out and I'll be talking to WBM about it.


As far as a special match on the TV table late night....I could probably arrange something like a trio...Efren, Jose and Alex playing rotation then captains one pocket.

When all the Pros' are asked their favorite player/idol, they say Efren of course..............but how many know that Efren says Jose? It might show a little interest with 3 different generations on the table. Just a thought.

Then maybe a partners game of one pocket as the raffle prize with 2 of them.
 
TV table match ideas

LEE vs. BREEDLOVE
...loser sleeps on the couch

EVA LAURANCE vs. JIMMY MATAYA
...unfinished business

SCHMIDT vs. ARIEH
...pool, poker, penis dangling, etc

GRADY vs. CHARLIE WILLIAMS
...cage match
 
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