"This is by far the best regular season tournament in the country." - Carol Green, The Harker School, as quoted in the Charlotte Observer, January 4, 2013
www.lairdlewis.org The Laird Lewis Invitational prides itself on a few distinct factors that make it a great event:
Size: The tournament has attracted nearly 1200 competitors, judges and coaches each year. Quality Competition: We are not a 'local' tournament. We attract high quality competitors from large and small programs around the country. TOC Bids: We currently offer PFD TOC (Octas!), Congress TOC (Finals!) and LD TOC (Finals) bids. Low Cost: Unlike most national tournaments, we charge very reasonable entry fees. And we work with schools that are struggling to raise funds to travel to Charlotte...just ask and we will help you out! Quad Entry in IE: Students in speech events may enter in up to 4 events. We even give a special award to the competitor who earns the most sweeps points for his or her team! Free Transportation: For teams flying in, we work with you to provide free transportation between our tournament hotels and Myers Park High School. Highly Qualified Tab: The tabroom is run by COACHES not college students. And the coaches are some of the best in the country! Speed: We run a full-scale national tournament in one and a half days rather than three! We get you in and out! Awards: We spend a good portion of our entry fee revenue on our awards because we want you to walk away with something you are proud to display! Hospitality and Fun: We pride ourselves on improving our hospitality every year. We are routinely described as the most friendly tournament on the circuit!
