WGPO Committees and Board of Player Representatives Meeting
Phoenix, AZ
February 19, 2012
Attendees: Laurie Cohen, Steve Pellinen, Rick Wong, Stephanie Steele, Larry Rand, Keith Hagel; Susan Hoehn (nonvoting), Bobbi Hendrickson (nonvoting), Janice Kaye (nonvoting), Melissa Brown (nonvoting). (Not attending: Susi Tiekert, Peggy Grant.)
Keith called the meeting to order at 1 pm
1) “cross-tables” update: WGPO would like to pursue having some of the features that are part of “cross-tables,” which only lists NASPA tournaments and player data. Over a period of time, we might be able to enhance the ratings pages at the WGPO website and add tournament records and other data for posterity.
2) Word Cup 2012 update:
Budget: Steve gave a high-level overview of the tournament budget. He reported that fundraising is on track: the Fundraising Committee is approximately halfway to reaching the goal of raising $6,500. Sixty-four people have expressed interest in attending the Word Cup. At this time, there are six paid entries. Steve said that the breakeven point will be when the hotel has reservations for 80% of the 200 room nights for which we are committed (i.e., a minimum of 32 rooms for five nights).
Publicity: Various forms of publicity were discussed, including:
- Email to potential attendees (Rick will provide Steve with a list of 2011 Word Cup attendees)
- Personalized notes to club directors
- Monthly email to membership
- a postal mailing to WGPO members who do not have email addresses (Melissa will compile a list of physical addresses of WGPO members who do not have email and follow up with the WGPO member who volunteered to do a mailing.)
Advertising: The group discussed buying advertising in the Last Word newsletter. Larry moved that WGPO fund the advertising, Steph seconded the motion. Rick abstained, other board and committee members voted yea. Motion carried. Next steps: Keith will email the Last Word editor for quotes on a quarter page and a half page advertisement in 4 issues, will cc Steve. Steve will work on graphic format to provide for Publication. Rick suggests including a link to the WGPO site in the ad to count the number of hits.
Other notes: Keith suggested leveraging literacy volunteer event tie-in. Rick suggested considering other methods of communication, including Facebook. Bobbi is preparing a list of things to do in the Twin Cities. WGPO intends to make a donation to the Word Cup; amount to be determined by the EC within 7 to 10 days.
3) 2013 Word Cup update. Keith stated that planning needs to begin soon for next year’s Word Cup, with the goal of being able to announce the city of 2013 at the 2012 Word Cup this August. A WGPO member has already suggested Colorado as site. To elicit suggestions from others, Larry will draft an announcement to be sent to members of WGPO, give them 1-2 weeks to reply with ideas for the tournament city. The EC will make the decision, followed by the formation of a planning committee to be headed by someone who resides in the area selected.
4) Nationwide tournaments. Janice Kaye reported that those who have passed the WGPO director test (@ 10 people) have not yet directed a tournament. Larry reported that Philadelphia had the largest attendance of one-day tournaments in the past year. Rick suggested sponsoring a mentoring program for new directors.
5) Website. The group discussed content and format of the WGPO Website. Different “wish list” items were discussed, including functionality of the ratings and tournament entry lists, showing the state next to entrant’s name, and indicating who has paid. Keith has received web development ideas from the database manager, which he plans to review and prioritize after consulting with EC and BPR members. The webmaster of the Twin Cities clubs has expressed interest in helping out with website. Rick moved that Steph and/or Steve approach this individual about displaying content of the site. Motion passed.
Additional note: Larry mentioned that some edits need to be made to the member registration form, to follow up with Melissa.
6) Outreach and Development. The group discussed WGPO’s need for more directors, a wider geographic base, mentors for directors, more volunteers, and outreach to clubs. Incorporation is to be formally considered at some point. It has been shown that we continue to get new members when new tournaments take place. Regarding reaching out to the wider base of word game players, Rick mentioned that millions of people are playing Words With Friends; there is an opportunity to figure out where to go with this. Other potential members include people who play in online tournaments. There are publicity opportunities, for example, running tournaments for the benefit of a charity. Discussed making tournaments available and accessible to new players, for example, having 4- game tournaments in conjunction with 8- game tournaments. Rick will work on drafting a message to WGPO members regarding development opportunities.
7) Logo contest. Steve motioned that the group have a WGPO logo design contest, with the prize being free entry to the Word Cup. Steph seconded. All voted in favor. Janice to draft the message and send to Keith for editing.
Keith adjourned the meeting at 2:40 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Melissa Brown