Holding an Event in the UKGE Event Space
(1) Submitting Tournaments for the UKGE Event Space
This space differs from normal exhibition space in several ways, and careful consideration must be given to your requirements as all conditions will be strictly enforced.
- The space is for organised play events only:
This includes tournaments, draft and on-demand events. - These areas may not be used for free-to-play demonstrations or learn-to-play events:
These types of events should be held in your demonstration area at your exhibition booth. - Each event held in this area must be a tournament or another competitive event that requires an event ticket fee:
Exhibitors are responsible for managing the ticketing process. An attempt to circumvent this rule by charging nominal fees will be considered a violation of the event rules. - When applying for space, exhibitors need to provide an outline of proposed events:
Which must be approved by UK Games Expo before the allocation of space is confirmed. Events are more likely to be approved if they have a fee to play, if the event fee includes the purchase of the product needed to play, and if the event is for players who have already learned the game. Events are more likely to be rejected if they are free to enter and intended for players who have never played the game. - You may NOT sell any items from this space, except for products required to play the event, and only if they are included as part of the ticket price.
- Extra products cannot be sold from this space.
- This space may be used as per the access times listed below.
- Location of tournament space is at the discretion of the UKGE both in advance and on the day.
- Layouts will be decided by UK Games Expo.
Please note: Carrying out activities and staging events that do not comply with the agreed outline may result in termination of the activities and loss of the space.
You may submit the event as a ticketed event via the UKGE event submissions system.
UKGE will set up and promote the approved event as a ticketed tournament/event on the UK Games Expo website.
We allocate space which will be ring-fenced within our organised play areas. Umpires in attendance would fall under our volunteer policies and may be entitled to accommodation and other volunteer benefits once the event is accepted.
There will be an event ticket charge which UKGE retains, covering the cost of set up, space, volunteers and any prize support we may provide depending on tournament/event demand. There are no costs to you.
Please note: if there is no demand for the event and tickets do not sell we retain the right to cancel the tournament/event, refund tickets sold, and re-allocate the space for other events.
Other Important Notes:
- We do not run tournaments/events to generate demand or interest, as we've found this to be unsuccessful. If an exhibitor wants to encourage players to participate in their game, the best method (by far) is to demo it in the trade hall. Additionally, donate copies to the Board Game Library.
- A tournament should not be a marketing campaign launch, but rather a mark of a successful game, it's a threshold point, where there are sufficient players who requested a tournament/event.
- If you feel there is sufficient player demand, you are entitled to submit the event for consideration along with all other events. We do not guarantee the event will be accepted, but will consider your submission.
- Events most likely to be accepted are those with a strong player base who wish to participate in a specific event over a defined period.
On-demand events are not likely to be accepted. Learn-to-Play events and demos are not suitable for tournament spaces. Email MIllie Lavelle, (Organised Play Manager), who will explore the idea further with you.