How to throw consistently successful jams. Vol 1 (Building a good Jam)
Let me start by saying this was a request I got from a friend. I am nowhere near a master in the art of promotion, but I have consistently thrown successful events over the last four years. These are my opinions and what works for me.
Step 1: What are you doing?
Think about what you wanna do and also why you want to do it. Do you want to throw a cut throat competition or do you want to have an event where people vibe out? You need to decide this first and shape your competition around this premise. For example, maybe you want to throw one of the illest 1 vs 1 tournaments in your area, so you may offer a larger than average cash prize (S100-$200) to draw out some out of state competition. Also don't think just because your giving away a good amount money people will come support you all the time.You have a reputation to build for yourself that will heavily impact who comes to your events. On the other hand you may want to just throw a crew vs crew jam for locals to come out and get down and spend what may have been prize money on workshops for your community. So, decide what you want to do before you format and shape your event.
Some people will say "Yo man it's not about the money it's about having fun!". To that I would respond, "It's not about YOUR money!"
Every step after this will be effected by how much money you have and are willing to put into your jam.Obviously jams are not cheap, but if it's truly something you want to do, just take some time and save up some loot! Losing a lot of your hard earned money is not fun! Odds are if you want to be in this business, especially the Bboy side of promoting, you are not going to start off making money; therefore, you must make smart choices with your money and budget accordingly. If you can only afford to do a small local jam at first do that and build a reputation for yourself. Trust me people will notice and respect you for it. DO NOT think that putting a large prize amount will draw people out and you can make money off the door. You need to have you stash of loot ($500-$5000) ready before you even move to the next step and budget everything else with the money you have.
OK so you have your money saved up and you've decided what kind of jam you want to have. Now to find the spot. You need to book your venue first or else you are going to look ridiculous or pay outrageous amounts.Typically when renting from someone you are going to want to get everything in writing/typed. Look into getting insurance or creating waivers as well. If your renting a place outdoors make sure to get some kind of agreement where you can cancel/postpone if it rains that way you're not going to lose a ton of money due to weather. I would say average cost you want to look for renting a place out is ($500-$1000). If you can do it cheaper, Kudos! If you're paying more, make sure your getting your moneys worth and look around to see if you can get something cheaper. When you are looking for a venue here are some things to look for : space, air-conditioning, bathrooms, water-fountains are a plus, a sound system already in it is a huge plus, and maybe not a place with a ton of entrances or at least lockable doors so that you don't have people sneaking in. Also look at the floor. Can you dance on it or will you need to purchase one.
This is going to make or break your event so choose wisely. Ask around if you need to see who people like, but ultimately it is your decision. A local cat in your area will do just fine, but if you have the money a well renowned Dj is worth the money. People will come to get down and meet their favorite DJs. On the flip, if you hire a wack dj people are going to talk about it. Sure they are gonna finish out their battle, but if they are not having a good time, they are not coming back. Remember when hiring a dj to think about sound/speakers. Does the venue have a system? Some djs will charge a little bit more to lug their equipment around. Believe me that shit is justified, but be sure to communicate with your dj.
Very similar to picking a DJ. Again, you can see how money comes into play here. If you want the Biggest and Baddest (pun intended), its gonna cost some money A pretty good rate lately is Flight + $200. That could get you almost anyone; however that's just one, so as you can see three nationally/internationally known bboys could easily cost $1500. You don't have to get the top dogs though. When i pick judges, I look for experience (at minimum 5+ years), ability to judge ( Do they actually watch and take notes.Do they have legitimate reasons for the winner and loser of a battle?), and have they made a name for themselves within their own and other communities. If someone has the qualities I will hire them as judge. Oh, and I said hire. You need to pay your judges. Whats fair pay? Think about how much you would like to get paid to do the job. My rates usually for a local judge is $50-100 depending on the event.
You are going to need people to work the admission door for you. You will also need someone to host the event if you do not want to do so yourself. Oh that reminds me, you are going to need to buy a microphone. I'd recommend guitar center. Whoever is working your door needs to be reliable. I'd also recommend a communicating with them a lot before an event. Depending on the venue/ your own ass as well you may want to look into hiring security.
This is where I have the most room to grow! Your jam is planned out now you need to get the word out. I recommend hiring a graphic designer to make you a flyer. That price really just depends on who you know.
Internet- Social media / Bboy forums/youtube
Flyers - Get your own professional design and print some flyers out. Compare rates online. Pass them out at other bboy events. Mail them to your friends out of state to pass around at their events.
Partner with local restaurants and businesses. I throw smaller events where I inform people about the larger ones and pass out flyers to passer byers who seem interested in the dancers.
Promoting is all about consistency. Stay at it and make sure people know. Don't just make a face book page and expect people to know about it. Put some effort into it.
The day for your jam has come! You now will run the best jam you can which I will explain in Vol 2. Since you have put in your work, here is where you have fun with it and try to give the best experience possible. If you do a good job you will know and people will tell you.
