On February 20, the Poker Tournament Directors Association (TDA) will gather at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas for its third annual summit. Tournament directors from around the world are encouraged to participate and invited to discuss standardized poker tournament rulings. Director of Poker Operations Kathy Raymond has graciously offered the use of the Venetian
poker room and VIP players lounge for the gathering of this year's attendees.
"The 2007 meeting will truly be an event," says celebrity TD Matt Savage. "If you are a tournament director or cardroom manager who is interested in continuing the efforts of the TDA, it's not to be missed."
TDA board members David Lamb, Linda Johnson, Jan Fisher, and Savage founded the association in 2001, and today membership has grown to over 400. The TDA's mission is to adopt basic standards, rules, and procedures that will positively affect the poker industry by inviting tournament directors, players, and media representatives to discuss, evaluate, and review proposed rules. The current rules represent the evolution from the original 14 created by 31 distinguished poker industry professionals several years ago. Today there are 38 official published rules to help standardize tournament play.
"It was difficult to get a consensus on the rules we have thus far," said Savage. "We ask that you come to the summit with an open mind and the ability to compromise so that we can come to an agreement for the good of the industry."
Tournament directors from around the world are encouraged to attend the 2007 summit, but you must be a TDA member to participate. Membership is free. Just register by visiting the TDA website at www.pokerTDA.com and clicking on "membership." To RSVP for the summit, click on "Summit 2007" and compete the form.
The summit includes a meeting on Tuesday, February 20, at noon, to review old rules and discuss new ones, with a buffet-style dinner scheduled at 6 p.m. in the back room of the Venetian's Grand Lux Café. There is no charge for the summit; however, dinner is $45 for those who wish to attend.
The evening will be capped off at 8 p.m. with a limited-seating $200 + $25 TDA poker tournament directed by Venetian's TD Tim Mix.
On Wednesday, February 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a follow-up question-and-answer session featuring the industry's top tournament directors.
Attendees are responsible for their own transportation and accommodations. Poker room rates are available on February 20 for $169 by calling the Venetian at 702-414-1000 and providing the code CPK220. Reservations are limited and not guaranteed.
For more information, or to become a TDA member and to sign up for the summit, visit www.pokerTDA.com.
