Ladder competitions are the way to go (Score 1)

The key elements of a good LAN are: (1) playing lots of different games; (2) being organised; and (3) a bit of competition (duh).

To keep people happy and playing *different* organised games (not just CS), fire up liab (LAN in a Box) with a few ladders already set up. People can keep the ladders rolling on with minimal input from the people running the LAN. It's much easier than running elimination comps. I also find with elimination comps, most teams drop out after the first round and the LAN dies. With a ladder, those interested just keep on playing.