Look at it this way:
If you convince them to come and the executives notice how popular it is, then they will be more convinced to fully support the concept at the next lan, offering prizes and possibly seeking out sponsorships from console companies, etc. If people play in tournaments only to win prizes and such and not the “fame”, “glory”, and sheer fun of it all then they don’t deserve to be playing in the first place IMO. If they want to be competitive gamers and only play in tournaments for prizes and money, tell them to go move to Korea where gaming is an actual profession.
Convince people to come play, show off how much of a populous there is and popularity there is for console gaming as well as Smash Brothers.