In our interview with Will Savage, also known as Willz within the Smash community, we discussed his role as the Managing Director and Team Regen Event Organizer.
How’s Team Regen’s first event since moving?
Willz shared that the experience has been spectacular. In their quest to scale up, they had to find a new venue, which led them to Leicester. Being familiar with the area, Willz found Leicester to be the perfect location logistically, making it a special venue for Team Regen.
They highlighted the unique atmosphere of the venue, which has been transformed into a spectacular events space.
Willz: It’s the start of something special and greater for Team Regen and the Regen series.
What’s the main big change that you found since moving?
Willz emphasized the need to step up in every aspect of their operations. The production team, led by Cara, worked on enhancing the stream production for the event. They also incorporated movie reference posters into their marketing campaign, giving the event a unique touch.
The idea for the posters stemmed from the venue being an old theater, and they wanted to align the theme with that concept. The posters, created by Zach, added a creative and film-like element to the event’s branding.
Willz: We’ve had a whole campaign with posters for the past 4-5 months where lots of movie reference posters has been the key marketing point. It’s given a unique touch to it.
What does it mean to be the biggest UK major now?
Willz expressed his surreal feeling at the event becoming the de facto major of the UK. He highlighted the initial intention of Regen to regenerate the Midlands scene and how it has now grown to be comparable to European majors. He acknowledged that there’s still work to be done to reach a 1000 person attendee capacity.
Willz: People will look at this event especially, and I feel like it will compare to some of the top events in France, maybe some of the top events in the US and Japan as well.
What’s your motto for growing as a TO?
Willz emphasized the importance of receiving feedback and learning from mistakes to improve future experiences. He mentioned that constant positive feedback doesn’t necessarily lead to growth, and it’s essential to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process.
Willz: Sometimes it’s good to make mistakes along the way. So the next experience is even better.
Do you have tips for a burgeoning TO that wants to try and escalate from a local to anything bigger?
Willz advised finding the right people within the community and discussing goals and scaling strategies. He also recommended reaching out to venues and starting small to gradually build momentum and grow the event over time.
We’re in top four. Who’s going to take it all?
Willz expressed his admiration for Leo and his hope for Leo’s victory. He reminisced about Leo’s impact in the Smash community and his excitement at the prospect of Leo winning the tournament at Regen.
Willz: The fact he’s finally here is incredible. And in my city, which is the craziest thing, so definitely awesome.
This interview has been edited for brevity.
