Planning a family reunion
...e time the next step is to pick a place. Decide how long you want the reunion to last and where to have it. Hold it near most family members if you're clustered in one area; or if you're scattered, pick a central location. Contact local hotels and request a block of rooms be held in the name of the reunion. Negotiate a group rate. Choose a host family, most likely the family members that reside closest to the reunion location. The host also has another responsibility to uphold for the family reunion. They will need Send an initial mailing to gauge interest and preferences and to ask for help with planning. Send invitations later, with relevant information, directions and a map. Ask for a check from each family for its part of the reunion expenses. The next portion of the process is developing a budget for family expenses. Develop a budget and decide how much each family will need to contribute. Avoid making costs prohibitively high. Set a budget and registration fee schedule. Include copy of budget in an early mailing. Request that a bank open a free temporary checking account. Title the account in the name of your reunion. You must then format family activities. Plan social activities for the reunion: icebreaker games, sports, contests and talent shows. Include activities that will appeal to all ages. Contact the local Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as the local Chambers of Commerce for information regarding sightseeing tours and other activities. Ask for printed information, and hopefully, promotional giveaways. Allow for "free" time, especially for a first reunion. This allows the family to talk, get acquainted or reacquainted and allows for informal sharing of family stories. In other words, don’t have something scheduled for every minute of every day. Provide written directions to activity locations. Tap into family talent pool for additional entertainment. The next step is to include giveaways and memoranda’s. Like Goodie Bags, with promotional giveaways and printed information from local Convention and Visitors Bureau, Chambers of Commerce, or local businesses. Provide T-shirts with designs that reflect reunion’s theme and colors. A Reunion Booklet that includes, an Outline of activities, Family history, and Family photos. Reunion prizes for family members who met certain guidelines. Like the person who traveled...