Frag Q&A Document
Registration
Q: Why don’t you tell us how many teams have registered?
A: In the past, we haven’t communicated promptly with our community about registration levels. Each year we sell out, and we’ve generally assumed that we would always have enough teams for the event.
This has been a humbling experience, and we’re now committed to being more transparent. Moving forward, we’ll provide more context around registration numbers well in advance of the event.
Q: Why can’t you tell who’s registered?
A: For security and privacy reasons, we do not list players or teams that have registered. We ask for your understanding regarding player safety.
Sponsorship
Q: How do we solicit sponsorships?
A: We maintain a core set of sponsors that we reach out to each year. Additionally, one of our board members actively contacts potential sponsors to build new relationships.
This process is long and typically takes several months.
Q: Why don’t you guys have a chair sponsor anymore?
A: We were fortunate to have an anchor sponsor who provided gaming chairs for our event. However, following COVID, there were company restructuring changes and our contacts left.
Many companies in this industry have since pulled out of Canada, and with tariffs, it has become much more challenging to bring them back.
Q: Why don’t you have X company sponsor Frag?
A: It depends on the company! We’ve reached out to several potential sponsors already, but if you have a contact or suggestion, please reach out — we’d love to explore it.
Venue / Event
Q: Why did you book Frag for Thanksgiving weekend?
A: When we booked the venue in March 2025 with Lighthouse’s new team, that was the only available fall date. We decided to take the risk rather than return to Dalhousie and the smaller SUB Building.
Q: Where is my refund?
A: As of October 10th, 2025, we’ve processed all refunds on our end. There is a processing time on PayPal’s end that we unfortunately cannot expedite.
Q: How much does it cost per day?
A: Please see the enclosed image showing the cost breakdown we were provided.
Q: Why can’t you move into X place?
A: Most likely due to cost. We’ve explored other venues in the past — such as the Cunard Centre, Halifax Forum, and the Nova Centre — but each presented challenges, including high pricing or logistical issues that would need resolution before our event could take place there.
Financials
Q: What is your status as a non-profit?
A: Our registration with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies is available publicly. We are currently registered as a Non-Profit Society.
Q: How does Frag get funding?
A: Frag primarily operates through registration fees and merchandise sales at the event. Sponsors also provide in-kind support, such as prizes.
Q: What costs, beyond primary expenses, apply?
A:Here are some associated costs with running a non-profit like Frag:
- Registry of Joint Stock Companies registration
- Storage fees
- Frag merchandise (placemats, glasses, t-shirts, medals, etc.)
- Designer
- Deposit
- Shipping
- Square payment transaction fees
- PayPal fees
- Day-of supplies (water & snacks for volunteers)
- Stationery (signage, badges, tape)
- Electrical power bars
- LAN ETS travel
- Venue fees
- Power fees
Staff
Q: How many people are on the team?
A: Our board currently includes 5 board members and 1 chair.
Q: Who are they?
A:
- Blake Smith – Registration
- Ellis Keener-LaCroix – DESS / Community Liaison
- Jaclyn Buell – Logistics / Marketing
- Jeremy Aalders – Website / Sponsorships
- Joseph Allen (Chair) – Executive Director / Sponsorships / LAN ETS Liaison
- Patrick Cairns – Logistics / Networking
Q: How do they operate?
A: Frag operates democratically — all voices are heard under the shared goal of hosting our annual event while raising funds for cancer research.
Q: How can I sign up to help?
A: Our event thrives thanks to our amazing volunteers each year!
If you’ve volunteered before — thank you! If not and you’d like to get involved, click here to access our volunteer form.
We’ll also soon open opportunities for new board members. Stay tuned for more info if you’d like to join Frag’s Board of Directors.
External Resources / Vendors
Q: Why do you pick the vendors you do?
A: Vendor selection often depends on our venue. For example, when we were at the DAL SUB, we were required to use their in-house services where possible.
Q: Why don’t you have more local vendors on-site and charge them?
A: Space is our biggest limitation. Each venue has strict fire code restrictions, and we aim to maximize attendee value within those limits.
If you have a vendor you’d like to see on-site, please contact us with your suggestion and reasoning.
Q: Why do you use LAN ETS each year?
A: We have a long-standing and trusted relationship with LAN ETS. Their extensive experience provides us with peace of mind and allows our staff to focus on other event areas.
However, we remain open to considering other vendors if circumstances make that more feasible.