Introducing the Judge Foundry Conferences Committee

Introducing the Judge Foundry Conferences Committee

The Judge Foundry is proud to announce the creation of the Judge Foundry Conferences Committee — a dedicated team focused on supporting, coordinating, and encouraging judge conferences of all sizes.

Our mission is to empower judges to host engaging, educational, and community-building events across all regions. Whether your event is small and local or large and multi-track, the committee is here to help you succeed.

Committee Members:

• Stephan Classen (Lead)
• Khailyn Schaefer
• PJ Wynn Moonsetter
• Graham Schofield
• Brook Gardner-Durbin

We are excited to review your applications and collaborate on your future events!  Read below on how things are changing, and how we can support you!

Supporting Conferences of All Sizes

The Conferences Committee will offer tiered levels of support based on the size of your event. While the full structure is still being finalized, organizers can be assured that every conference size — from small gatherings to large regional events — will be eligible for support.

Whether you’re hosting 10 participants or 40+, the committee will work with you to ensure your event runs smoothly and meets Judge Foundry standards.

Requirements for Hosting a Conference with JF Support

  1. Application Timeline
    1. Submit your application at least two months before your planned conference date. (If you’ve got less time, please still submit, and we can work with you to see if we can still support you!)
    2. A confirmed location must be provided at the time of application.
    3. Large events (40+ expected participants) must include written proof of room reservation.
  1. Food, Gifts, and Reimbursement
    1. Organizers are responsible for providing food and drink for attendees, supplying attendee and speaker gifts, and collecting and submitting receipts for all purchases.  
    2. Judge Foundry will provide branded JF items and conference packet gifts and reimburse approved event expenses within 8 weeks of receiving the final report and documentation.
    3. All purchased or gifted items must be listed in the application and approved by the committee before purchasing. Items without receipts are subject to approval on a case-by-case basis.

(Note: Judge Foundry is actively looking to provide your conference with support to make your conference exciting and well attended! Be creative on what you think will draw judges and prospective judges to come attend and learn!)

  1. Reporting and Documentation
    1. After your conference concludes, organizers must submit a conference report including the following:
      1. A written summary covering: how the conference was promoted/communicated, topics presented, methods of engagement with attendees, successes, areas of improvement, and any notes for future conferences.
      2. A copy of the 1-2 best presentation slides decks/script. JF will potentially archive them for potential future use, after acquiring the permission of speakers. 
      3. Photos of sessions and at least one group photo (We’d love at least 3 photos, please!).
      4. Itemized receipts for purchased food, gifts, and materials. More supporting documentation may be required for large purchases
      5. List of attendees and speakers, noting who attended or was absent and which gifts were received.
      6. For non-purchased gifts (e.g., boosters from your personal stash), provide photo proof and an itemized estimated value for reimbursement.
      7. Conference reports will be featured on the magicjudges.org blog, allowing you to share your event’s success and inspire future conferences.

Gift Guidelines and Suggestions

One of the most enjoyable aspects of organizing a conference is selecting gifts and thank-yous for attendees and presenters! Below are the approved guidelines and ideas for conference gifts.

Gift Value Ranges

• Attendees: $10–20 value
• Speakers, Organizers, and TOs: $20–40 value

Approved Gift Ideas

• Booster packs
• Specialty tokens (commissioned from local judge artists)
• Assorted singles (with JF team approval)
• New sleeve packs or deck boxes
• Gift subscriptions e.g., 1 free month of JF (Must have existing JF membership)
• Handwritten thank-you cards or personalized reviews
• Local or Magic-themed enamel pins
• Dice sets
• Judge Foundry materials (pens, hats, patches, notebooks), which JF can provide to you, shipped.

The committee encourages creative, useful gifts. Standard JF materials may be reserved for new judges.

Organizers are welcome to propose additional ideas for consideration by the committee.

How to Apply

Hosting a judge conference is a rewarding way to contribute to your community and support judge growth. Whether your event is small and discussion-focused or a large workshop-style gathering, the Judge Foundry Conferences Committee is ready to assist.

Submit your application HERE


We look forward to receiving and reviewing your conference applications; we are here to support your educational journey!