I have been pondering some changes in my lifestyle in regards to how I earn my income.

The idea of becoming a Promoter/ Event Organizer sounds appealling. Heres the catch, while I have an Extensive backgroung in Marketing and Sales I have no background in Being a Fight Promoter.

So I turn to Bullshidos combind knowledge to give me some input, Spare nothing, Fire at Will.


Sharkonis

Learn to speak promoter in 3 easy lessons.

Promoter speak "Yeah, the kid did a little boxing or something"
Translation: Golden gloves champ

Promoter speak "I think he wrestled in high school"
Translation: Former Div I champ in college/olympic alternate

Promoter speak "He's got some decent jits"
Translation: Trains at ChuteBoxe

Maybe you should start by talking to your state's athletic commission. The AC would give you all the licensing info you need. As far as practical stuff, KhunKao and Omega know a thing or two about fight promotion. Are there any promoters already in your area? You should be able to get their info from the AC as well.

Maybe you should start by talking to your state's athletic commission. The AC would give you all the licensing info you need. As far as practical stuff, KhunKao and Omega know a thing or two about fight promotion. Are there any promoters already in your area? You should be able to get their info from the AC as well.


All are great suggestions, many thanks. I've also been looking at the military bases, I have a few connectons with the base service support group and there putting together a package for me. In regards to other promoters, there a few local small timers, but there not talking. There afraid to lose something.

I however see alot of potential for breaking into a business thats still on the ground but is destined to take off in ways the public has never conceived.

As someone pointed out, I promote combat sports events.

My advice:

You have to fully understand what you're getting into. There's a lot involved and you want to be sure you are doing things right, and before you read any further, you should first make sure you are INTIMATELY familiar with the sport/s you are promoting! I promote Muay Thai & MMA matches. I have been involved in the sport of Muay Thai for 16 years. I have been a student, fighter, coach, fight official (judging & refereeing), author, and now a promoter. I am intimately familiar with almost every single facet of the sport. While I do not have the same level of expertise in MMA fighting, I've been around the sport and participated in it enough to have the familiarity needed as a promoter.

What these sports do NOT need is another "Johnny Come Lately" who just sees the recent popularity of MMA & related combat sports and has dollar signs in his eyes.

So, if you're still reading, here is a very short list of things for you to keep in mind:

1. Find out everything you can about what the local laws are in regards to combat sports events. For instance, do you need a promoters license? What requirements does your state have in regards to medical staff on hand? How do you handle injuries and/or blood in the ring? What are the expectations in regards to insurance? Does your event need to be sanctioned? Are there certain types of techniques that are not allowed in your state?

2. Some of the expenses you need to bear in mind: The arena or venue. The ring. Tables & chairs. Advertising. Staffing (they can't all be volunteers). All manner of ancillary (sp?) items. Santioning costs. Insurance. Ring doctor and medical staff. Officiating crew. Trophies. Hotel & travel expenses for out-of-towners.

*some of the costs may be combined with your sanctioning fee, depending on what organization you do (or do not) go with. Some sanctioning bodies offer many of the above as part of their services, but you have to KNOW! Don't assume!

3. The most important piece of advice I can give you is that, no matter what, your event should be about the fighters and the sport. What I'm saying is that even though you are trying to make money off of the event, you can't only be looking out for your bottom line. Take good care of your participants. Be open and honest with the fighters and coaches. Be as fair in your matchmaking as you possibly can. While a mismatch can often be entertaining for the crowd (they get to see a knockout, or at least an ass-whupping!), in many cases it leaves feelings of resentment amongst the fighters involved, and they *will* talk! Don't be *that* promoter! (For an example of what I mean when I say: "that promoter", see Emevas' post above. That kind of thing is FAR TOO COMMON in our sports)

3a. My personal suggestion is to look at what the local standards that you are required to adhere to are, then raise that bar. My approach to the way I promote is that I want to be sure that when I wake up the next morning, I can look myself in the mirror and know that I did the right thing by everyone.

So, if you're still with me, then I wish you good luck! We need good, honest promoters who aren't out there merely looking to line their own pockets. We need people who are going to do the right things to properly groom the local talent and improve the sport.

Don't be a conniving, two-faced bastard and you'll be better than some of the other promoters in and around NC.

Get a couple hundred grand and a $50,000+ dollar line of credit just to start.

Khum Kao, if I didnt know any better, I,d say you just layed out a micro-business plan for me. Im highly impressed and could not thank you enough. Some of the items you mentioned i,e... accomodations, security, medical staff and so forth had presented itself in some of my early research discoveries.

All costly, agreed, That of course is one of the reasons I have looked into the Military bases.
I have seen civilian held events on base before and the bottom line is they provided much of what is needed with the exception of accomodations.

Have you looked into this yourself ?

Sharkonis

Get a couple hundred grand and a $50,000+ dollar line of credit just to start.

That would be a sweet cushion but I belive it can be done with less. I dont plan on doing alot of outsourcing, only for services that would be beyond my capabilities..i..e.. the broadcasting capabilities or rather lack of.

If it has to be built, Im a contractor, my crew will build it. If it needs Selling, then Ill sell it.
If I need security. My crew is already bonded and ready to go. Now I understand this is not all it takes and is only a small fraction of what needs to be considered but I trully belive that having the ability to not outsource for those services alone saves a fortune.

Peace, Sharkonis

Don't be a conniving, two-faced bastard and you'll be better than some of the other promoters in and around NC.

Happy Panda, how are you. Funny you post on this thread. I was thinking about Jacksonville or to be more exact Camp Lejuene or MCAS New River for an event. Are you not from there ?


Sharkonis

I am, though I'm currently going to school in Asheville. Let me know if you do end up doing this, I and probably some of the other fighters may be interested in making the trip (assuming it's an amateur event).

Also, I didn't mean any offense by the comment about promoters. I had my first run-in with one a month ago and wasn't too impressed, but I'm sure you'll do a lot better than him.

Khum Kao, if I didnt know any better, I,d say you just layed out a micro-business plan for me. Im highly impressed and could not thank you enough. Some of the items you mentioned i,e... accomodations, security, medical staff and so forth had presented itself in some of my early research discoveries.

All costly, agreed, That of course is one of the reasons I have looked into the Military bases.
I have seen civilian held events on base before and the bottom line is they provided much of what is needed with the exception of accomodations.

Have you looked into this yourself ?

Sharkonis


You're welcome. You can "thank" me by following my advice regarding what kind of promoter you become.

One thing I will add to my advice.... Most fighters/coaches/teams are (and *should* be!) distrustful of promoters. There has been a *lot* of shadiness in our sport, and savvy participants will be on guard when dealing with you. This is why I *insist* on being as open & honest as I possibly can.

However, I demand the same in return from the participants. Do yourself a *huge* favor and DEMAND FULL DISCLOSURE of the participants fight experience, including:

1. # of years training experience

2. belt rank (mainly for MMA participants BJJ/Judo background, doesn't really apply to sports like Muay Thai)

3. TOTAL ring experience, including Boxing, all styles of Kickboxing, and MMA. Be sure they understand that this includes both sanctioned and non-sanctioned matches, such as "smokers".

These items are of utmost importance if you're going to provide fair matches. There are a number of fighters and/or teams out there that try and "hide" their fighters full fight experience in order to get favorable matchups. You need to require the above information from all participants and that you share this with the other camp.

To answer your question, I have no experience with promoting on military bases. I really don't have any military connections, so I would not even know where to begin.

I am, though I'm currently going to school in Asheville. Let me know if you do end up doing this, I and probably some of the other fighters may be interested in making the trip (assuming it's an amateur event).

Also, I didn't mean any offense by the comment about promoters. I had my first run-in with one a month ago and wasn't too impressed, but I'm sure you'll do a lot better than him.

Thats what Im talking about brother, you have the right idea. I know a few there myself as well as here in Wil.

Ill keep you posted as things progress.


Peace, Sharkonis

Thats what Im talking about brother, you have the right idea. I know a few there myself as well as here in Wil.

Ill keep you posted as things progress.


Peace, Sharkonis

Check your personal messages.

I'm from NC, as well. Keep in mind that you're going to have competition that's already entrenched in the area. I'm not saying that to discourage you. Just be aware. I don't know who you've talked to, or who you know. You described the competition as small timers. That may be the case to an extent.

MMA is legal now in NC largely because of local fighters/promoters that have pushed for it. They've got connections and some money. They've also got experience putting on shows in other states. I've heard they're planning about six shows in NC over the next year. Maybe there's room for more dogs on the porch. They're in the Raleigh area. But, my guess is that they've got the jump on you, and they can expand out easier than you can.

Another thing is that the MMA scene around here is pretty cliquish. They're nice guys, but everybody knows everybody. That'll work in your favor if everybody knows you already and you're not a dick. It will work against you if you haven't really accomplished much or if you're perceived as somebody that doesn't have much to offer. Just don't be surprised if all the local instructors don't get all excited about your business.

Again, I'm not trying to discourage you. Just wanted to offer my two cents as a guy who has had to shitcan business plans over things I didn't know until after I had done a load of work. Good luck.

To all those who have posted on this thread and readers, I would like to share my appreciation for all of your great input on what I feel will be something Great for all involved.

I must give a special thanks to Omega and Khum Kao whom gave me more insight in 2 days than Ive been able to achive for myself in 8 weeks, many Thanks.

I think I have what I need to start rolling but please feel free to continue to post, it is always appreciated.

So now that Ive posted what sounds like a Freakin Acceptance Speach for Oscars, Ive got some reading to do.


Peace Sharkonis