The happy hour idea is a great way to get them to come. We did it for years and had a pretty good turn out.
The problem of "not knowing anyone" is a common one, we see it all the time.
We had a BBQ over the summer at an alum's house with spouses and children welcome and we weren't expecting many people (since it was summer) but we got 11 alumnae plus some husbands and kids so it turned out to be one of our best attended events. And about half of the attendees were new.
It takes patience and perservence, we've been at this for 6 years now and we are only just getting good at it.
What She and all of the above said.
Keep it positive and inexpensive. If many of the Sisters are in town working, what a better way for them to miss the crowd. "Happy Hour"!
We do a a Monthly Meeting and I cannot make them all, but is more Social, but does get into GLO or Chapters problems. So just tailor it as it were and let it run its course in the discussion.
Everyone will want to talk about problems in one form or another!
Just keep a positive spin on it and be smiliey Face about it!