Seeking advice: We are just about ready to send the press release out to various networks that we're doing an Spearfishing Catch and Cook Competition in early November 2019. The goal is to promote marine mindfulness and sustainable hunting practices for our Northern California fisheries and the vehicle will be the family friendly competition. It will be family friendly, with a Gyotaku presentation, beach clean up, raffle, prizes for both divers and beach clean up participants and professional chef judges of the cooking portion of the competition. We already have a fair amount of traction and I was recently interviewed about it on the Noob Spearo Podcast (Episode 101) and it was then added to the international blog at spearfishing.com.au (to be released soon). All proceeds are going to a conservation based nonprofit (SOS - saveourshores.org) that is organizing/managing a beach clean up the day of the event too. We have received a lot of interest in this event from participants and local shops alike and I'd like to use the momentum to really push our agenda, which is to promote, educate and encourage sustainable fishing practices.
So here is the question: What can I do, outside of a press release and local media, to help put the word out (not necessarily for more competitors, but for a larger platform to market our message and perhaps gain a couple sponsors/donors along the way which will continue to add legitimacy to the event as a whole). PM me for more info on the specifics of the event, I'm happy to share them before they go (more) public.
I'd value your thoughts, advice and input.
BIG UPDATES WITH THE COMPETITION (and reasons why you should come to participate even if not in the cooking portion):
1) Dwight Hwang (world famous Gyotaku artist - www.fishingforgyotaku.com) will do a live fish print demo at the event as well as a custom print for one lucky winner.
2) Jack Kim graciously offered to do a custom metal fish trophy for the biggest fish winner along with their other prizes (so if you don't want to cook, you could always go after a big fishy).
3) The prize packages and raffle items are insane (and not just dive related - so your friends and fam will dig them too). Dinner for 2 at several high end restaurants like WildFish & 7D, top of the line pedal kayak, roller guns, extremely high end chef knives, freedive wetsuits, personally signed Gyotaku book from Chris Dewees, family experiences around Monterey, shark shield... you name it. We want you and your family to be there, win and enjoy. Participate in the Beach Clean up to get prizes too!
4) Pacific Bowls (a folktale eatery on Alvarado st) wants to do a pop-up eatery at the event to give food to all the participants of the comp and raffle.
5) We have amazing executive chefs on the judge panel including Danny Abbruzzese from Portola Hotel and Spa (https://www.portolahotel.com/jacks-monterey) as well as Todd Fisher of Seventh and Dolores (one of the best restaurants in Carmel https://www.7dsteakhouse.com/).
YOU GOTTA SIGN UP IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY! Spread the word. The raffle alone is worth travelling to the event!
The event is coming along nicely!!! I love it! Keep us posted and let us know how the club can help.
LOOK AT THESE PRIZES!! I can't believe all of the support we've received so far! Huge thank you to our premier sponsors and sponsors alike! The list keeps growing with dive, culinary, family experiences, etc. Prizes for all walks of life! Bring your family to help with the beach clean up. The inaugural Monterey C3 is a family-friendly event organized by ocean lovers to raise funds for ocean conservation while encouraging sustainable fishing practices. All proceeds will go to Save Our Shores, and they will be organizing a beach cleanup on the day of the event for anyone who would like to join.
Facebook Event Link Event Bright Event Link
Special Shout Out to #BambooReef #Omer #MontereyBayKayaks #suunto #gannet #diveR #Saveourshores and many more!
Awesome dude! Thank you!
Eric,
I am really stoked this is working out and progressing.
My suggestion is to reach out to Nick Rahaim from the San Francisco Chronicle. He is a freelance writer and waterman. His contact info is: nrahaim@gmail.com and his phone number is 510-621-8213
I think he would be very interested in this.