As many of you know, we attended All Star Worlds last week. I’ve been on the Summit bandwagon twice before (both D1 and D2 Summit – though we’re a true D2 gym). We’ve attended tons of U.S. Finals events (especially when that was the PLACE to be), and we’ve attended The One in NOLA. So, I feel like I’ve got a good range to compare to as a small gym owner.
Communication: The communication of this event was on par. Prior to the event, our all star director asked every question on the planet, and some kind soul from The Open was always prompt to respond. For background reference, I was in the Air Force and we have many active military parents. That means logistical details get asked early and often. Our parents rarely wait for us to tell them something before they think to ask themselves. I appreciate that as it keeps me on my toes and challenges us to think through situations carefully before embarking on something new. We asked so many questions to The Open’s facebook page in fact, that if Ally were sick they’d probably message her just to make sure she was still alive. So, whomever that was, I applaud you. Communication is the #1 thing that keeps me coming back, and you guys nailed it!
Logistics: There were a few minor things during coaches’ check in that were confusing, but I can chalk it up to my first time at this event. Otherwise, check in went smoothly and everyone we spoke to was friendly and helpful. I’m not particularly a fan of the software they used for registrations, but I also realize this is the way much of the industry is headed and Next Gen found it as the best option when we hosted our virtual event as well, so that’s just a personal preference versus an actual drawback. The signs around the venue were super helpful and the pre-event Zoom call was also great for getting last-minute questions answered and helping coaches feel prepared.
Production: I really loved the set up. I’m not totally sure what the background was on the stage that had pink with black boxes, and it made our action shots a little strange, but all the other stages were great. I was a HUGE fan of Arena 1 and wish we could have competed on that stage. I think my kids would have been even more pumped up! The sound, lights and seating was well set. You could definitely hear the music of the hall next door when the sound lightened up in your own hall, but it never really got my kids off count.
Warm Ups: This was actually super impressive. There were SO MANY teams going at the same time. Again, it was super hard to hear your own music at times, but I also don’t mind challenging my teams to focus, so it didn’t bother me. It did make me lose my voice though. We also saw some familiar faces in warm ups from our IEPs, so I’m not sure how that was staffed, but bravo to the staff in warm ups who went out of their way to say hi to the teams they see all season! My kids literally love the guy who works at MCDA and State Fair Spirit Classic (IYKYK).
Vendors: I was also excited to see some vendors you normally don’t see at these events and wished I had known this could have been an option for NG so I could have met all of you!! It was great to speak to some new IEPs and get a few ideas for the upcoming season.
Venue: I LOVED this venue. I haven’t been to Summit since they moved to their own facility, but one thing I hated was running from venue to venue in 100 degree weather. By the time we got to the next place, we were dripping with sweat and looked like a mess. I didn’t mind getting 17,000 steps in this facility because it was well organized. It was crowded, but actually less than I expected. The awards were maybe the biggest downfall for me. When they announced the J3 and J2 divisions, it was standing room only and it was a LONG ceremony. My military brain always goes to safety. I’m not sure I felt the most safe with that many people in that small of a space, but I realize in the second year of an event with such growth, there may just need to be changes for upcoming years.
Competitors & Bids: I LOVED that we could get bids at affordable independent events ran by great people I care about and trust. We have event producers we’re pretty loyal to, and I’m thrilled they have jumped on the ASW bandwagon! As far as competitors at this event, they were AMAZING! I personally prefer a D1/D2 split, but I’m not competitive enough in most divisions for it to make a huge difference. Like I said, we’re going for the memories knowing that we’re a ways off from winning an event like this. That said, one of our teams advanced to finals and the other two were next in line, so I feel like despite the D1/D2 pairing, we were able to be competitive. I worry that it won’t stay this way as the event grows, but I have hopes that the EPs will make necessary adjustments to ensure small gyms can continue to feel competitive.
So, as you know – I’m an independent voice. I’m not paid by any one of these IEPs or anyone at All Star Worlds. I can tell you though, I left Summit every time saying, “Please God don’t let my parents say they want to go back.” I left ASW thinking, “Well, I know I said we weren’t traveling next year, but maybe we could….”
