Some calcs on timings below, based on 32 players in a straight knockout, with all matches as best of three (assumed 2.5 frames per match average).
Pools of 4 would be tough if all 32 turned up and we would need at least 6 tables to get through in under 3 hours, based on each match being only 1 frame all the way to the final.
This is worst case scenario - timings would decrease with any byes.
Have assumed 10 minutes per frame (should be ample, and would include a bit of contingency or arguing time)
Remember, this is only a gap fill event before the poker - in two to three hours, we"re always going to struggle to make it an exceptional event with lots of play for everyone.