Running a Networking/Poker Night - Nottingham. Advice App!
Discussion
Good Morning All - Some ideas would be much appreciated here.
My business has launched a networking group for business professionals in the East Midlands (where I am based). The intention is to avoid the usual 'standing in a small group whilst drinking luke warm wine format' and to go for something a little more interesting. Take up on membership so far has been better than expected, and we have already scheduled our first event in the diary.
In February we will be running a poker tournament. Looking to get around 8 tables, after a set time the top 2 stacks from each table move on to the final two tables. The Top 4 from each table (assuming 8 around a table) will then move to the final table, with the winner coming from the final 8.
The networking group is being run as a loss leader for the first 12 months (from experience, people don't like to pay up front for much at the moment) so whilst there is a budget allocated, we need to keep an eye on costs. Equally, because it is a networking event (the idea is to get people talking to each other in an informal atmosphere around the table), the players will not be playing for real money - bragging rights over competitor firms/businesses it proving to be more than a sufficient carrot - whilst the proceeds of any 'entrance fee' will be dontated to charity
I have spoken to a number of casino's in Nottingham (where the event is to be held as this is where the majority of network members are based) but understandbly, they are reluctant to 'hire out' their tables when they could be used by customers with real chips to bet and real money to lose.
We could hold the event at our offices in central nottingham, but the tables would need to be situated in different rooms which kind of spoils the atmosphere and networking element.
So, my questions are as follows:
Has anyone on PH run a similar event in Nottingham and if so, can they let me know where they held it (how successful it was)?
or
Does anyone own a bar/licensed premesis (ideally) in Central Nottingham with a function room that could comfortably accomodate 8 poker tables and around 100 people. As I said earlier, we don't have a huge budget, but given that the people attending will be mainly Corporate Financiers, Bankers, Lawyers and Accountants etc, wet sales should be pretty good once the evening gets into the swing of things. I am not sure how this will sit with your licencing regulations, but as we are not playing for real money (only professional pride) it might not be an issue. Also, the press will be there, so it could be an opportunity for some PR for your business.
To manage expectations, our fall back is to use our office if nothing suitable comes up. I am also making some re-visit enquiries with the local casinos. Having said that, if there are any suggestions on here I will get back to you (though I will need to have the agreement of my fellow directors as we will be sharing the cost of the evening)
Over to you and needless to say, thanks in advance for any suggestions.
BJW
My business has launched a networking group for business professionals in the East Midlands (where I am based). The intention is to avoid the usual 'standing in a small group whilst drinking luke warm wine format' and to go for something a little more interesting. Take up on membership so far has been better than expected, and we have already scheduled our first event in the diary.
In February we will be running a poker tournament. Looking to get around 8 tables, after a set time the top 2 stacks from each table move on to the final two tables. The Top 4 from each table (assuming 8 around a table) will then move to the final table, with the winner coming from the final 8.
The networking group is being run as a loss leader for the first 12 months (from experience, people don't like to pay up front for much at the moment) so whilst there is a budget allocated, we need to keep an eye on costs. Equally, because it is a networking event (the idea is to get people talking to each other in an informal atmosphere around the table), the players will not be playing for real money - bragging rights over competitor firms/businesses it proving to be more than a sufficient carrot - whilst the proceeds of any 'entrance fee' will be dontated to charity
I have spoken to a number of casino's in Nottingham (where the event is to be held as this is where the majority of network members are based) but understandbly, they are reluctant to 'hire out' their tables when they could be used by customers with real chips to bet and real money to lose.
We could hold the event at our offices in central nottingham, but the tables would need to be situated in different rooms which kind of spoils the atmosphere and networking element.
So, my questions are as follows:
Has anyone on PH run a similar event in Nottingham and if so, can they let me know where they held it (how successful it was)?
or
Does anyone own a bar/licensed premesis (ideally) in Central Nottingham with a function room that could comfortably accomodate 8 poker tables and around 100 people. As I said earlier, we don't have a huge budget, but given that the people attending will be mainly Corporate Financiers, Bankers, Lawyers and Accountants etc, wet sales should be pretty good once the evening gets into the swing of things. I am not sure how this will sit with your licencing regulations, but as we are not playing for real money (only professional pride) it might not be an issue. Also, the press will be there, so it could be an opportunity for some PR for your business.
To manage expectations, our fall back is to use our office if nothing suitable comes up. I am also making some re-visit enquiries with the local casinos. Having said that, if there are any suggestions on here I will get back to you (though I will need to have the agreement of my fellow directors as we will be sharing the cost of the evening)
Over to you and needless to say, thanks in advance for any suggestions.
BJW
Might be worth posting this over at the Two Plus Two forums in the "Bricks & Mortar" section.
Good luck with the event!
Good luck with the event!
Poker club? http://www.dusktilldawnpoker.com
Rileys Snooker Halls - they hold poker tournaments, my local is only small with 2 tables though.
Rileys Snooker Halls - they hold poker tournaments, my local is only small with 2 tables though.
Stevenj214 said:
Poker club? http://www.dusktilldawnpoker.com
If you can see your cards when you're in there it's due to the combined efforts (well, one a lot more than the other) of the companies of two PH'ers 
Edited by Plotloss on Wednesday 25th November 22:37
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