I am looking to improve a poker run that I have put on in Maryland for the past couple of years. What are the keys to putting on a great poker run? What makes someone pick one run over another? Is it price, what you get for the price, location, history of the event, distance to travel, distance of the run, amenities, number of boats, type of boats or even the reputation of the organizers?

I thought about making this a poll but I think there are gonna be way too many variables.

From the few I have done - I think it is the right mix of everything; Venue, Water, Stops, Party, Band, Attendees, Timing, Price, Benefitting Charity, Types of boats and "Entertainment".

OH - and having enough ICE. I never want to be anywhere that I run out of ice.

We enjoy alot of styles.... The 2 I have organized year to year have been benefits and much more about the party than the style of boats.... Although these are fun we find it hardto accommodate larger and nicer boats... A great poker run starts with location and goes from there... To get nice boats you need plenty of slips an open waterways for them to wind out the motors in... Pick your stops carefully and try to keep it under 100 miles. IMO when you get much over 100 miles you are looking more towards larger boats and a high entry fee... Good luck with your event and feel free to ask anymore questions. (beleive it or not I have also done polla on shirts and they play a huge role)

Long runs between stops and being organized/on time. I agree with above about keeping them under 100 miles (especially if gas hits $4/gallon). Advertisement is key too!

REGGIE !!!!!!!

The Key to a great poker run is to LET SOMONE ELSE PUT IT ON !! LOL Just kidding

Lots of work and differnt type of runs meet different boating needs

Do what works for your area

I would have to agree with you on that one

It seems no matter how organised I think I am come the day of I am running around with my head cut off and can't really enjoy the day.

I have travelled to several events across the country and try to incorporate the best parts of those events into ours.

The event we put on is in conjunction with the OPA National Championships and really makes for an awesome long weekend of boating.

Keep the ideas coming...thanx

Smitty

Do you think there is a consensus on what might be considered the 5 best poker runs?

Key West World Championships -
Great location, long run, great destination Party, Party, Party

1000 Islands -
Incredible location and scenery

Islamorada / Miami Boat Show -
Shorter run, weekend getaway with great partys, Florida in Feb.

NJPPC Atlantic City -
Great run, great destination, party all weekend, tight knit group
This is by far my favorite, it is my home run and I have a lot of close friends. Also, because so many people know each other, there is a different vibe when running. It is mellow and really enjoyable and not as tense as some of the others.

As a word of advise, be very strict with the safety regulations. Those that aren't willing to play by the rules are usually the ones you don't want around anyway.

Low stress, good slips. I won't go to one without a safe place for the boat. I did one where you had to raft right on the lake, wound up sleeping in the boat on the trailer. Moderate entry fee and a nice restraunt/bar for after. Helo pics are a nice feature too.