Establish Timeline – you’ll want at least 60-90 days for planning
Select a leadership team including: Tournament Director, Sponsorship Director, Marketing Manager (for media relations and promotions), Prize & Gift Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, etc.
Choose a tournament date and location, Make sure legally you are able to host a gambling event at the location selected, and obtain necessary permits.
Develop a list of potential sponsors and create sponsorship packages
Create player package including registration instructions, tournament rules, event activities, prizes, etc.
Set up website for registration and processing secure payments (This is where DoJiggy’s online fundraising software can help!)
Recruit players: radio, local news calendars, networking emails, sponsors, volunteers, etc.
Send out press release to all media. Make sure to include the reason funds are being obtained and how it will help your cause
Create a fun and exciting environment with special activities: i.e. Fundraising Raffle, Silent Auction, Entertainment, Food and drinks, etc.
Create schedule for volunteers. You’ll need people to staff the registration table, games, food and beverage area, distribute prizes, event set-up & clean-up, etc.
Choose MC for the event.
Acquire Winners’ prizes, player gift-bags, auction or raffle items.
Make sure you have poker chips, cards, raffle tickets (if needed), etc. These items are often donated.
Outline a thorough “Event Day Schedule”
Make sure to Thank players, volunteers and acknowledge sponsors at the event.
