Trophies and T-shirts vs lower entry fees??

[Mike Landrich]

Would you prefer a lower priced contest or a more expensive one with t-shirts and nice trophies?? I'm trying to see which is more important to most competitors, a cheaper show or a nice show. The numbers are pretty much random, but are close to what each costs, so $20 less for an economy show is close to accurate.

[Anthony Esquerdo]

T shirts are top notch, I love wearing a strong man t shirt in new york city, it gives me super powers, and personally the trophy's are awesome too, what better to remind you of victory that a caulk and tacky covered T shirt with trophy to match. Also with the t shirt you don't leave the event empty handed.

[Easton Taylor]

I want a trophy damn it!

[Dave Bernreuther]

I've got more TShirts than I could ever possibly wear. I add to this voluntarily when there's a good cause behind the shirt (ie the Jesse shirt) but as a rule I don't need any more. Trophies I could go either way on. This sport has hands-down the best awards of any sport I've ever been a part of, and it's always cool to get a sword or an axe (though so far I've been unable to win one of those) even if there's no really good place to put them in your apartment/house. Plus everyone likes to be rewarded with something when they win. But if you could save 10 bucks on everyone's entry fee by eliminating Tshirts, I don't think you'd hear many complaints.

Of course, I say this as someone who has already collected abuot 8 strongman shirts. A first time competitor without one might feel differently.

[Kevin Cronin]

I voted for the lowest cost. I agree with Dave that after a while the t-shirts get a little out of control (in terms of how many you have) but for first-tiem competitors it'd be nice to have a memento. Maybe jsut for the novice class? I'd kick in a coupla bucks to subsidize the 5 or 6 novices that you usually get, you'd still probably save 7 or 8 bucks.

With the trophies, maybe just 1st place. Doesn't have to be much, even just the little plaque they have on the bottom is cool. Not everybody needs to have a trophy, but it would suck to get your first win and leave with just some memories and pics.

[DaveMihalov]

I mean how much will we be saving here? $20 bucks a show? Tee-shirts/trophies are always good cause you can look back and remember what shows you did and why you train your ball$ off every week. I duno just a thought.

[MalachiMcMullen]

Honestly, it doesn't matter to me. T's are always nice though :)

[GregMonfredo]

I'd rather have t-shirt and trophies. The only two shows Ive ever placed top 3 in didn't have trophies and I want a friggen trophy! :LOL:

[scott brockelman]

After you have done a few contests of any type, Strongman, Powerlifting, OLY etc how many trophies, medals, swords do you need?

I would rather get a t-shirt, wraps, straps, supplements, anything but a trophy. Something I can use in day to day training.

I threw another trophy away last week. I peeled off the little plaque and ditched the rest.

I do agree that perhaps the novice or teen division might like the trophy as it may inspire them, but again they may want a t-shirt to wear to the gym/school, etc.

Scott

[Dana clipper]

I love to sport a t shirt from a show. And if I do well I want something for it!!

If you brake down the cost it is not that much. You would save about 8$ per entry fee. It just does not make up that much of the entry fee.

[Billy Wolt]

I've never promoted a show, but I would imagine they are profitable given that there are shows being put on by each member of a training crew. I would rather see lower entry fees. Most shows require some extra travel and hotel arrangements.

It seems like there is a trend among shows to lessen the amount of equipment being hauled like doing events like stone for reps or height, or having the 200 class use the same weights as the 231, etc. If promoters are going to skimp, at least do the competitors a favor and lower the entry fee.

[Scott Porter]

I've never promoted a show, but I would imagine they are profitable given that there are shows being put on by each member of a training crew. I would rather see lower entry fees. Most shows require some extra travel and hotel arrangements.

It seems like there is a trend among shows to lessen the amount of equipment being hauled like doing events like stone for reps or height, or having the 200 class use the same weights as the 231, etc. If promoters are going to skimp, at least do the competitors a favor and lower the entry fee.

The key words you wrote are "I've never promoted a show".

I've got news for you. Most contest aren't "profitable". And the ones that are, typically make a donation to charity and aren't promoting a contest for money.

[Scott Porter]

Your range is $25-$45??

I can't select a choice because all of the numbers reflect probably less than 10% of contests out there.

Big shows cost much more. Typically $50 to $100.

I don't think athletes realize how much expenses there are when promoting a large show. T-shirts, flyers, prizes, equipment, helpers, u-haul, flight (Willie), etc.

I digress.

p.s.

The Arizona Strongest Man contest on Feb 28th is a $50 entry with a free t-shirt. Cash prizes will be awarded if we get enough competitors (at least 25).

And Billy, we didn't skimp on the events. Full series of stones! Medleys! Great venue!

[MalachiMcMullen]

The key words you wrote are "I've never promoted a show".

I've got news for you. Most contest aren't "profitable". And the ones that are, typically make a donation to charity and aren't promoting a contest for money.

:YT:Troof :YT:

[Darin Heltemes]

This is a good thread! I personally want a T-shirt when I compete, because, well, none of my other clothes fit me! I grow out of my shirts way too fast! Competition=wardrobe replenishment :EP:

[DaneGarreau]

The key words you wrote are "I've never promoted a show".

I've got news for you. Most contest aren't "profitable". And the ones that are, typically make a donation to charity and aren't promoting a contest for money.

x10!!!!!!!

Please, unless you have actually promoted a contest, don't pretend to know anything about it.

Promoting a quality show is very tough, and requires many many peoples to pull it off successfully. Contests can be somewhat profitable(and by profitable I mean under $1000)but these contests are few and far between. And when you factor in the time spent organizing the contest you will come out about even.

When we put on a contest in GA our goal is to not spend any of our own money promoting(except of course the massive amount of gas finding sponsors, hauling equipment, etc.).

[Dana clipper]

Not sure were you got the idea that there was a huge profit, and realy much of any profit in putting on a strongman show.

Most break even, or a little better. Then they donate that to some worthy cause. But if you pay the promotor 1$ hour, for there time, you would loose alot of money!!!

All the guys that put on a show, do it for the love of the sport. NOT FOR THE MONEY!!!!!!!!!

[Dana clipper]

And I also do not skimp on the equipment. It is all good stuff. And cost good money to make or buy.


Ok, off my soap box, the end.

[Mike Landrich]

Billy
Every time the subject of promoting a show comes up, you make a statement that implies us promoters get rich off of the competitors. Seriously, do it sometime and see if you'd do it for the money (which as has been said, many of us donate to charity)

Scott
The base cost I chose was random and I agree pretty low, but $20 per competitor for shirts and trophies is pretty close to reality, even with the larger turnouts I got at my shows.

[Billy Wolt]

The key words you wrote are "I've never promoted a show".

I've got news for you. Most contest aren't "profitable". And the ones that are, typically make a donation to charity and aren't promoting a contest for money.

that's kinda why i started off my post with "i never promoted" and "i assume they are profitable", but thanks for pointing that out.

Please, unless you have actually promoted a contest, don't pretend to know anything about it.

I'm not pretending, thanks...but i can do math.

I just looked at a few random contest results and saw the # of competitors range from 15 - 32. Lets say they were $50/entry (some may have been more or less, that would be $750 - $1600 in entry fee's. I don't know the price of some plastic trophies or plaques, but I can't imagine being that much. T-shirts can be very cheap depending where you go. Also, the shows that i have been to have sold food, drinks, etc. I know how much u-haul costs, i know the price of gas, i also know that some contests are held at the same place where the promoter trains. Willie doesn't need to be at all shows, etc etc. So there are many variables that can change how much "cost" there actually is.

but my point was that I'm sure some promoters at some contests probably make a bit of money at the end of the day. Obviously nobody is getting rich and living off of this...i'm just saying i'd rather have lesser entry fee's. SHHEEEESH

[Billy Wolt]

Billy
Every time the subject of promoting a show comes up, you make a statement that implies us promoters get rich off of the competitors. Seriously, do it sometime and see if you'd do it for the money (which as has been said, many of us donate to charity)

Mike,

That's just based on what mentioned in that post, that there are multiple shows put on by the same training crews but they are run by a different member of the team. Is a given promoter not allowed to put on more than one show per year?

[Mike Landrich]

Mike,

That's just based on what mentioned in that post, that there are multiple shows put on by the same training crews but they are run by a different member of the team. Is a given promoter not allowed to put on more than one show per year?


I think a lot of crews just want to spread out the pain. To the best of my knowledge, you can promote as many shows as you want.

[Mike Landrich]

that's kinda why i started off my post with "i never promoted" and "i assume they are profitable", but thanks for pointing that out.



I'm not pretending, thanks...but i can do math.

I just looked at a few random contest results and saw the # of competitors range from 15 - 32. Lets say they were $50/entry (some may have been more or less, that would be $750 - $1600 in entry fee's. I don't know the price of some plastic trophies or plaques, but I can't imagine being that much. T-shirts can be very cheap depending where you go. Also, the shows that i have been to have sold food, drinks, etc. I know how much u-haul costs, i know the price of gas, i also know that some contests are held at the same place where the promoter trains. Willie doesn't need to be at all shows, etc etc. So there are many variables that can change how much "cost" there actually is.

but my point was that I'm sure some promoters at some contests probably make a bit of money at the end of the day. Obviously nobody is getting rich and living off of this...i'm just saying i'd rather have lesser entry fee's. SHHEEEESH

My trophies cost $15 each. If I give out a trophy, its not a piece of crap. I had to buy 36 of them last year. T-shirts will be +/- $6, if you buy 100. But if you are stuck with 30 or 40 of them after the show, the actual price is closer to $10 each.

Willie/Dione or a state chair has to be at every show. Airfare for Willie/Dione vs gas money to the chair, rental car, hotel, if far from the state chair's home. It can easily cost several hundred dollars to get a NAS rep at a show. A record breaker show requires Willie or Dione's presence.

Sanctioning fees, insurance, party tents, etc are all variables you left out.

Food and drink sales are a whole different topic, since it is not paid for by the competitors' entry fees.

I don't charge for admission. I want a lot of spectators to cheer the competitors on and can't see charging friends and family who wish to do so.

I won't give out exact numbers for my show, since it really is no one's business on a public forum, but there are many variables you would not realize until you put your cash on the line and promote a show.

If a promoter makes $500, it is a great show. $1000 would be outstanding. But since many of us donate the money, we'd actually be lucky to break even after factoring in incidentals.

[Billy Wolt]

My trophies cost $15 each. If I give out a trophy, its not a piece of crap. I had to buy 36 of them last year. T-shirts will be +/- $6, if you buy 100. But if you are stuck with 30 or 40 of them after the show, the actual price is closer to $10 each.

i've seen good/bad...so i can imagine there would be quite a variance.


Willie/Dione or a state chair has to be at every show. Airfare for Willie/Dione vs gas money to the chair, rental car, hotel, if far from the state chair's home. It can easily cost several hundred dollars to get a NAS rep at a show. A record breaker show requires Willie or Dione's presence.

wasn't aware of that. that sucks.


Sanctioning fees, insurance, party tents, etc are all variables you left out.

yes, lots of variables.


I don't charge for admission. I want a lot of spectators to cheer the competitors on and can't see charging friends and family who wish to do so.

yea, i never understood that one.


Thanks for the details Mike. I'm glad you broke down some things instead of the standard "you never did it so don't talk" responses.

[davebeers]

i vote for t-shirts for sale but not given out to competitors, no trophies, but put that money towards cash prizes for event wins.

[Matt Schumann]

I voted for the t-shirt and the trophy! ALl you do in this sport is give, give give.... Time, money, sweat, ups, downs etc............ A trophy is a symbolic thing that reminds you that all of the effort is worth it.




But if you dont win a trophy..... Atleast give me a darn shirt out of it!

[Scott Porter]

Mike Landrich pretty much summed up my thoughts with his last post. Nice job.

Here's some info about a show I did...

The show I promoted in '07 had 49 athletes at $40/entry (CHEAP!). That's roughly $2000. I had a few sponsors throw me some money, almost $1000. I flew out Willie. I paid sanction and insurance. I paid for 5000 flyers and got a huge crowd (few hundred!). I paid for 200 t-shirts at about $5.50/shirt and barely broke even on these by selling them for $10/shirt and giving away a free one to each athlete. Paid for a u-haul. Paid $450 in trophies, which were some of the best quality you'll ever see at a contest. Paid for a DJ. Equipment costs and repairs. Clipboards, stopwatches, tape, pens, paper. Gas. Time. It all adds up fast!!!

And I was in the positive by $1000 (which was donated to charity).

I consider that contest a huge success and I hope this year's AZ Strongest Man is again.

[Jamey Niewojna]

try to take my trophy and see what happens. i love the cool trophies/swords we win. aside from great friends and competition experience, trophies are all i get to remember each contest. except that one time i didn't finish top 3.:N:

[Eric Todd]

Mike-
Where do you get trophies for $15, if you dont mind me asking? I tried to PM you but couldnt get it to work.
ET

[DaneGarreau]

I'm not pretending, thanks...but i can do math.



I know. I didn't really mean this as a personal attack. It is just that a lot of people on the forums who have never promoted or help promoted complain about this stuff all the time.

At the 2008 GA's Strongest Man we were lucky enough to have some great sponsors...Fitness Depot of Douglasville.....and were able to hand out some prize money at the end of the contest. So, it's not like it's impossible to make money, but often times it is very difficult.

[DaneGarreau]

Mike-
Where do you get trophies for $15, if you dont mind me asking? I tried to PM you but couldnt get it to work.
ET

your box is full. I tried PMing you.

[Billy Wolt]

I know. I didn't really mean this as a personal attack. It is just that a lot of people on the forums who have never promoted or help promoted complain about this stuff all the time.

At the 2008 GA's Strongest Man we were lucky enough to have some great sponsors...Fitness Depot of Douglasville.....and were able to hand out some prize money at the end of the contest. So, it's not like it's impossible to make money, but often times it is very difficult.

I know, it's cool. Now that some of the expenses and things that go into it have been made known, I'm sure the complaints will stop.

[Kimberly]

I'm a trophy wh**e :) I would prefer both in a perfect world where there was money in putting these contests on .. but trophies are EXPENSIVE so I get why some promoters opt for other things like swords or medals or just shirts. I'm just happy to have a womens divsion with more than 2 women lol. I do think the shirt is a must, then whatever else there is money for is a bonus like at CSM we got so much stuff it was awesome and sweet gym bags (for the winners) and sweet shirts. Swords can be a bit of an issue for those contest you have to fly to though..had to have mine mailed to me last time... don't think they were gonna let me carry that on :B:

[Eric Todd]

your box is full. I tried PMing you.

Cleaned. Thanks Dane.
ET

[rob meulenberg]

If putting on a contest seems to be so profitable, I suggest trying it out.

I put on a no frills silver level contest last year. I offered awards and t-shirts, but nothing else to keep cost down.

I think I charged $45 and had 22 competitors for $990 income. After Willie's ticket and NAS fees, that was around ~$350. I got a great deal on t-shirts (Chris Grantano)...50 of them cost $300. Another $150 on awards, and then about $100 or so for some drinks and stuff for the staff.

Maybe I "made" $50-100. WOW!!!!! And that was probably spent on the dinner afterwards (Claim Jumpers). lol.

And this was with:
(a) paying none of my help
(b) paying no venue fee (Diablo Barbell allowed me there free of charge)
(c) paying no equipment fees (either Diablo Barbell paid to have something made, TeamBigSac brought some stuff, or I loaded stuff in my truck from our training spot and brought it out)
(d) House of Pain CA (Chris Grantano again) sponsoring the embroidered bags for the winner in weight class.
(e) Having Willie stay at my house and not in a hotel

A lot of this stuff I listed are things people usually have to pay for. I think it is good for people to see all that goes into making a contest work...even a little piddly one like I put on.

Now think about the shows put on in big venues. Usually provide food/drinks for competitors (or afterpartys). Some food for thought.

[JimPierce]

I know last year promoting my first contest was a HUGE wake up for me.
I didn't make a dime I charged $50 per athlete $ 5 went to the charities the contest was for right off the bat and I got a good deal on T-shirts and The battle axes that where trophies. I was able to donate around $1000 buck to the charities but when everything was said and done what i thought would only cost me out of pocket around $200 end up over $800 that really hurt me personally since I didn't really have that kind of money laying around, but i made a commitment to the charities and to the sport to try and put on a good contest.
I started 2 weeks ago working on my contest in June trying to line up sponsors that don't back out and send stuff for raffles and for the athletes.

[Corey DuCharme]

I voted just T-Shirts. I have expensive taste and most of my current T-Shirts cost $50. :D

Since my big goal for the season is to finish in the top half of my weight class, I won't be seeing any trophies. Thinking about it now though, if it was a nice trophy, theoretically it would be cool to have in my gym.

Anyway, with all that said, I'll pay $50 for a well run show that offers nothing other than the experience of competing and doing my best.

[Greg Plowman]

As a competetor, I would say T-Shirt & Trophy. Considering everything you put into getting ready for a show (training, traveling, and dieting), what is an extra $15 to $20 bucks?

[JoeCSnavely]

We propmoted our first show last year and made $230 dollars not including transporation costs or misc direct costs. Anyone who speculates that promoters run away with anything, try one yourself. We charged $65 provided a catered lunch, trophies, and t-shirts to make the best possible experience for our competitors and spectators.

I personally never entered a show looking for either a t-shirt or a trophy. True competitors measure their success through accomplishment both personally and within the group.

That being said, trophies and memorabilia are great for newer athletes in the sport. It gives them something measure their accomplishments, i.e. just showing up for the first timer; breaking into the top 3; your first win etc. After that it comes down to performance and your analysis of that performance.

There is no trophy or T-shirt that will ever capture the completion of the "perfect show". It is pursuit of that show that drive the true competitors to the top.

[Scott Markowitz]

I've only put on one contest, with equipment we already had, at a free venue, run entirely by volunteers (including Tom Mutaffis as judge, so no Willie or Dione expenses) and with great sponsors (including a great deal on the afterparty - not quite free, but pretty close).

I had to pay for insurance and sanctioning through NAS, t-shirts, a trailer to haul the equipment, and awards (which I got pretty cheap as I made them myself - I had to pay for the materials; for 1st place only).

In all I think I *almost* broke even. I don't think I could have done it any more cheaply. Granted, I got it posted late and it was small, but still.

[Andrew.Cook]

I'm with Corey. My goal would look like "break into the top three this year at at least one contest" and when it happens I would like a ribbon or trophy or something to remember the day the gods smiled on me. The T-shirt works for me. Tacky pretty much destroys training clothes, so it isn't like these shirts last forever. I'm willing to pay to play. I think a good mix of some cheap no-thrills shows (maybe a good place to go and gain some experience) and a bigger show with swag would be just fine. I won't get to do more than 3-4 this year, and I would like something to show for it.

...of course that is all from a guy who doesn't show up and dominate every contest, so maybe I'm not seeing the misery of earning yet another trophy and getting yet another shirt :D

[Arnell Castillo]

Just a question out of Curiosity. Why do promotors have to pay airfare and hotel for Willie or Dione to come out to a contest ?

[rob meulenberg]

Just a question out of Curiosity. Why do promotors have to pay airfare and hotel for Willie or Dione to come out to a contest ?

You don't always have to. If a promoter is experienced enough, typically Dione or Willie won't come. Or if the state chair is running it (or will be there), they may not show up.

For instance, Chris Grantano (co-chair of NAS in CA) has held the Pain and Glory for 2 years now, and Dione or Willie did not come either time.

When I ran my contest, since it was my first contest, they wanted to be there to make sure it ran smoothly. If you are running a ProAM or Nationals, I assume they want to be there to make sure it abides to what they want to see at that level of contest.

They are very good with promoters, and I am sure they would not force the issue to come out to a contest if you could not afford it.

But for my contest (and I assume all of them), I knew Willie was coming out before the entry form was finalized, so I factored his travel into the contest fees.

[Jim Harbourne]

I voted for the highest price. The cost of t-shirts and trophies are't that high and its a nice treat. The higher price means the promoter can make a few extra dollars to put back into buying equipment and to run future shows. I ran many powerlifting meets and we always put net profits back into buying more bars, weights and other needed equipment.

[Cody Brant]

I voted for the highest price. The cost of t-shirts and trophies are't that high and its a nice treat. The higher price means the promoter can make a few extra dollars to put back into buying equipment and to run future shows. I ran many powerlifting meets and we always put net profits back into buying more bars, weights and other needed equipment.

I agree 100% and if you want to keep attracting young lifters into the sport, these little things mean alot.

[AaRoNSnider]

Im all about lower priced entry fees,but I do understand that there is alot of time and cost in promoting contests.If the contest is quality,and you recieve quality shirts and awards,I dont mind the entry fee,but alot of times Ive paid alot,only to recieve a shirt that Ill never wear and a very low quality award.Ive also been to contests where the entry fee was quite a bit,but only the person who placed first recieved an award..that didnt seem right,given the cost of entry.

I used to be in a car club,and three of us were given the responsibility of puting on a car show in our town.We were teenagers,and probably didnt look the most trustworthy,but we were still able to get enough money from local businesses to rent the 4h fairgrounds,buy quality trophies for 1-3 in each class,make flyers,and buy food to sell.The $10-$20 here and there from sponsors paid for everything,and our entry fee was only $5 or $10.

I know that a car show isnt a strongman competition,but I thought Id throw that out there.Also,Im not complaining about entry fees..If I think one is too high I just wont do the contest.

[Mike Landrich]

As a competetor, I would say T-Shirt & Trophy. Considering everything you put into getting ready for a show (training, traveling, and dieting), what is an extra $15 to $20 bucks?

I agree. I want a nice t-shirt and trophy (hopefully) on June 20!!

[Mike Landrich]

Mike-
Where do you get trophies for $15, if you dont mind me asking? I tried to PM you but couldnt get it to work.
ET

Carl Seeker, from Warren, Pa. He does great work and they look much better in person than in the pics. Quite a few of these have made their way onto M-M members' shelves.

http://www.ironasylumgym.com/seeker/

[MarkSikora]

1. I LOVE t shirts. More is better. In fact, in the past when I have had something come up and not been able to make it to a contest, I still got the shirt. Shoot, I want to get one of the shirts from the AZ contest coming up. Shoot, I would buy shirts from contests I'll never be able to get to AND shirts from other training groups. Bring 'em on.

2. Trophies/prizes are great. I don't mind paying a decent fee for a contest especially if there are nice shirts, nice trophies/prizes etc and/or water/drinks. (We usually spend more than the contest fee for dinner/booze afterwards anyway). The first contest I ever did up in WA they had bagels etc in the a.m. , drinks, sandwiches and all for the competitors. Sometimes now you don't even get water.

3. Promoting is tough AND expensive. We put a lot of time and effort into the contest we did in Sacramento last year and we learned a lot in the process. We all paid out well over a grand each (way more) between the 3 of us who promoted. Of course, some of that cost went to making equipment so it was a one time put out. Still, getting everything together does cost. And even when something is "free" like a venue etc, you still need insurance etc.

4. Final Answer: higher fees, better tees, cool trophies. DJ Satterfield has had some unique stuff at his past contests, the trophies Scott Porter mentioned are very nice (and heavy), Chris Grantano has had hand made stuff from Big Shane at Phat Fab made for his contests, etc etc etc.

Thank you to all the guys/gals who promote contests.

see ya

Mark

[Ryan Carey]

I say Better t-shirts and Better Trophies. It's nice to have an important piece from a contest and a Nice trophie is just the thing.

[Mike Landrich]

Just a question out of Curiosity. Why do promotors have to pay airfare and hotel for Willie or Dione to come out to a contest ?

Only Willie or Dione can certify a record. I, as a promoter, want any record lift made at my meet to count. It's like the VISA ad, everything else's cost adds up, but being the record holder is priceless. That's one thing I would hate to deprive the competitor of. It happened to a competitor at one of my meets, but won't happen again.

[Jamey Niewojna]

that rule is ridiculous(no disrespect to willie). what's the point of a state chair if they cant even verify a new record. i watched rob orlando and big bud schweder both smash the axle press record in front of nj statechair (matt keller). how much more official can it get! ridiculous.

[Scott Porter]

In general, records are kind of questionable anyway because strongman equipment is not standardized.

[Anthony Esquerdo]

that rule is ridiculous(no disrespect to willie). what's the point of a state chair if they cant even verify a new record. i watched rob orlando and big bud schweder both smash the axle press record in front of nj statechair (matt keller). how much more official can it get! ridiculous.

I saw bud break the record at the barn

[Mike Beyers]

This is a great thread. The costs of promoting a show is more than people realize. I think our first two shows actually COST us money, and not just 20 or 30 bucks, but a couple hundred. We did make donations to a local charity which we had comitted to pre-contest.
We ran a show last year, our "blind" contest, which had profoundly limited turnout, so we didn't want to pre-order a bunch of trophies that wouldn't be given out (another risk the promoter bears) and we decided to give out only first place trophies which wound up being equipment (an axle, a stone, a pair of fw handles, and a set of LYC collars). The guys that won seemed happy with the stuff but post contest we got static from a competitor that was pissed that there were no trophys given out. Sorry this has gone on too long..........there are risks a promoter takes, and if I didn't LOVE this sport, and want to see it grow.........I'd find another less expensive, less time consuming hobby that was easier on the body.

[Carl Dorr]

I think I would do almost anything for a t-Shirt, and a trophey to top it off, what more could a strongman ask for.

[Timothy Chen]

I voted most $, T-shirt and trophy...I have seen first hand how much work and sacrifice has to be put into promoting and running a contest. Not fun at all.

[Jamie T]

Porter did a good job of putting out the costs of an event .. insurance, advertising, equipment and supplies etc.. there are even more things that promoters can do for shows that add up.. I have promoted 8 shows and the worst financially have been the most ambitious...

one year I rented sound equipment.. broke the mic after the first competitor in the first event and had to speak loudly to a crowd of a few hundred for hours.... cost 180.00.. i also have had st johns ambulance attendants w/oxygen for an event .. 75.00 .. i bought a 4 x 8 sheet of melamine to write scores with a jiffy pen.. 35.00 ... i year i forgot stopwatches - 4 @ 20.00 = 80.00

it never ends sometimes..

J

[Curtis Lake]

I have been in the sport for 8 years, have competed in, watched, and helped out at many, many shows. Just hosted my first show, Battle at the Barn, it was a lot more work than thought it would be and I expected a lot. Getting sponsors was the hardest and most distasteful thing about the show, although all the sponsors were enthusiastic about the show and most of them came out to see it.
I worked so hard the day of the show and was so focused on judging and scorekeeping that it seems like I missed a lot of what happened.
After all was said and done it cost me a few hundred $ to do the show, that’s not counting my time and all the things (implements, heaters, platforms, matting, renovating the barn) that I spent money on for the show. I don't count that because now I have those things for myself and for the next one.
I did have fun putting on the show and will do it again. If all I ever do is break even I'll be happy, if I make any money I will just use it to get more strongman equipment, if not I'll get more equipment anyway.
As a competitor I like to get a shirt, I wear them when I train and when I compete, as a spectator I would buy a shirt at a show, as a promoter I was proud of my shirts and liked handing them out and sold them at the show for $10 to get them out there. I hope I see some local people wearing them around town and other competitors wearing them at the shows I go to this year.
I feel the same about trophies, it felt good to give them out at my show and I love to get them when I compete.
With ALL that being said, an economy show might work if you were just looking for a small local turnout, a fast show almost like a training day. If I'm traveling to a show what's another few bucks for a shirt and chance for a trophy.
Curtis

[Eric Todd]

Carl Seeker, from Warren, Pa. He does great work and they look much better in person than in the pics. Quite a few of these have made their way onto M-M members' shelves.

http://www.ironasylumgym.com/seeker/

Thanks Mike.
ET

[JimPierce]

I would suggest Seeker too
I used him for my awards battle Axes and swords I think everyone really liked them and we had a problem with a few being given to the wrong people and Carl redid the name plates for free and he told I could pay him whenever I got all money money sorted out. I don't many other places that would send out hundreds of dollars of product and basically say pay me when you get around to it

[Matthew White]

I want a trophy damn it!

You actually gotta win something to get one of those!

[Scott Markowitz]

You actually gotta win something to get one of those!

You mean there are no participation trophies in strongman? What about ice cream after the contest?

[Steve Trippe]

I didn't vote, because my choice isn't up there. The way I see it, either give out a cool ass trophy like a sword or something, or don't bother doing anything and cut the entry fees. Medals get old after a while.

[Mike Landrich]

I didn't vote, because my choice isn't up there. The way I see it, either give out a cool ass trophy like a sword or something, or don't bother doing anything and cut the entry fees. Medals get old after a while.

Your choice was up there, swords are just trophies. You like swords, others may not. I personally think cheap swords look terrible. Everyone's different.

[Ryan Bracewell]

Show me the $$$$$$$.

Option 5 will beat all. Charge $50, but instead of shirts and trophies(especially the trophies), offer cash prizes for top 3 competitors, or event winners.

[David standifer]

Show me the $$$$$$$.

Option 5 will beat all. Charge $50, but instead of shirts and trophies(especially the trophies), offer cash prizes for top 3 competitors, or event winners.

We got lucky this year and last year we got some great sponsors and we are able to give out $250 to the overall winners and trophies. Its hard alot of times because of trying to find sponsors to cover the cost of everything and make it worth while for the athletes.

[D.J. Satterfield]

In general, records are kind of questionable anyway because strongman equipment is not standardized.

Exactly, very good point.