This step provides judges and contestants with key resources they will need to succeed in the competition. Competing students will be given sample pitches, such as those from Georgetown University's Bark Tank competition and Airbnb's original pitch deck. A template makes sure they address each major category. Slides are also included for the judges to learn the format of the contest and how to score contestants.
Objective
Prepare students and judges to perform
Key Tasks
Finalize list of teams
Mentor students through the development of their pitches
Send teams: presentation guidelines, presentation template, sample presentation, video examples of teams presenting at pitch competitions
Inform judges of the process and their responsibilities
Toolkit
Guidelines for teams/judges
Pitch deck template
Example pitch deck
Example pitches (video)
Desired Result
Fully prepared teams and judges
Additional Guidance
Follow up and confirm that signed-up teams are definitely participating; (2-3 weeks out from the competition), use your wait list to add extra teams as needed
Specify the format that teams need to submit their presentation in; If it’s Google Slides for example, remind teams not to do their pitches in PowerPoint, Canva or anything else. Having one format makes it easier to create one master slideshow for the event.
Make a Google Classroom for contestants; when teams sign up, have them join this google classroom. This makes it easy to push out announcements and provide resources in one place.
Set a clear deadline for pitches to be submitted; also, set this deadline a few days before the competition, in case any remaining slides have to be tracked down. Be clear about this deadline on google classroom.
Share information to teams beforehand; make an announcement on google classroom that get's them excited, shares the dress code, reminds them of the location, etc.
Determine the order of presentations; this can simply be done via a sign-up sheet on google classroom. Teams can sign up for a spot in the order.
Make forms before the event; judges' scoring form, People's choice award ballot, online event program (QR code on first slide of presentation), master slides with all submitted presentations