Site Selection Process
Thank you for your interest in hosting. You will find that the National Mock Trial Board of Directors will be very supportive of your hosting efforts, from the time you declare your intent to bid until the last day of your event and beyond. Check out the video from some of our past hosts discussing some of the great reasons to consider joining the ranks of National High School Mock Trial Championship hosts.
Before You Bid
Here are some questions to consider before you begin the bidding process that will help you understand how to make your hosting experience successful.
- Community Buy In: How excited is your local legal community to support your event? Do you have a volunteer base large enough to cover judging and other competition needs?
- Infrastructure: Where will you hold events? Where will people stay? Do your local courthouses have sufficient space for a national event and the interest in supporting your efforts?
- Funding: Have you conducted any outreach to secure financial pledges to support your event?
- Planning Committee: Who are the key people who will help pull your event together? Do you have volunteers who will commit to helping with all aspects of planning?
- Case Writing: What experience do you have with case writing? What help will you need from the National Board?
Remember, we are here to help. If you would like assistance sorting through any of the items above, reach out to the Site Selection Chairs at siteselection@nationalmocktrial.org.
Bid Process
The Board accepts bids twice a year. We recommend submitting your bid three years before you intend to host. Please note that a bid submitted after the listed deadlines will not be considered until the next cycle.
| Intent Form | Full Bid | Bid Presentation | |
| Spring Submission | January 15 | April 15 | May Board Meeting |
| Fall Submission | June 15 | September 15 | October Board Meeting |
Step 1: Submit your intent form
Your process starts by filling out the Online Intent Form to let us know you are ready to begin the process.
Step 2: Meet with the Site Selection Committee
Once you’ve submitted your Intent Form, someone from the Site Selection Committee will schedule a meeting to give you more detailed information about the bid process and answer any questions you have.
Step 3: Submit your bid
After your meeting with the Site Selection Committee, you should be ready to submit your full bid. You will use the documents below to help you develop your bid. Keep in mind that the Site Selection Committee will be available to answer any questions you have during this process.
Step 4: Meet with the Board of Directors
One or two people from a bidding state will make a short (~15 minute) presentation to the Board during its May or October meeting. The presentation can be made either in person or through an online meeting.
Step 5: Get ready to host
Once your bid has been approved, you will start your preparations. The timeline and task list below outline what you’ll need to do to get ready. You will also be assigned a Board Host Director who will meet with you on a regular basis to help you keep moving forward.
