With all do respect, it seems like you may be in over your heads. Invitation only on the L-1 scramble? Why do rocketeers from all over the country want to sit and watch you and your pals play? If the hangup was only 6 kits, then simply ask for an entry fee to cover the cost of the parts. I am sure LOC would have gladly provided more "kits" as long as they were getting paid for them. The club I belong to had 3 teams ready to participate, but we have no relationship with you or your club so I guess the 12 of us are out.
Let's see, 6 teams of four people each = 24.
That is six tables, six canopies, and at least seven volunteers to watch them and do the saftey check in. Not to mention the fact that there will be spectators who might want to watch. Never mind the fact that there is an actual rocket launch going on at the same time that all this is going on.
When I limited it to six teams I had logistics in mind. Please understand that this was never going to be open to all comers. We still have the Saturn mass launch and the secret payload duration events open to everyone. Enjoy the launch and have some fun.
As far as vendors, I would sure hope you had a variety of vendors, not just Wildman. This is the premier sport event for NAR, not a club or Regional launch. Maybe those launches are better for you and you cohorts to play your rocket games. I am sorry that I sound negative about something that should be an awesome and enjoyable experience for everyone, but I am not sure your chapter has the right mindset for hosting a launch of this size. At NSL 2008, there were no less than a dozen vendors, several of which were selling motors. There was a great sense of inclusion, enjoyment, and excitement, and the build up for several months prior to the launch had the same feel.
You must be joking.
Perhaps you missed NARCON 2004, 2005, 2006.
In closing, I want to reiterate, by hosting this launch, you are the face of NAR for the entire year to sport flyers. That is a pretty large responsibility. I think it is important for you to have open lines of communication and inclusion. A fellow rocketeer has said he has e-mailed you with some of the same concerns I have and you have not responded. Again, you are representing the National club we all send our money to each year, not just your local chapter. Please keep that in mind as you plan the rest of your NSL activities.