The Northwest Forensic Conference (NFC) was created in response to decreasing budgets and fewer schools participating in forensics. The basis of the NFC is the designated tournament and yearly divisional sweepstakes awards. Special features of designated tournaments include oral critiques and seminars on forensic issues. Initially, it was assumed that the NFC could stabilize and expand the size of some local tournaments and would provide a competitive alternative to these events for programs in the area. NFC tournaments have in fact been larger than local tournaments in previous years, and NFC contestants have competed successfully in the National Debate Tournament and sweepstakes competitions. Based on the NFC experience, several conclusions about the advisability of the designated tournament format may be made. First, this format is generally effective in providing a stable and reasonably predictable tournament size. Second, the form is educationally defensible. Finally, this format demonstrates the willingness of forensics educators to adapt to changing conditions. (HTH)