Planning a chapter reunion-advice?

[amandadyer]

I've recently been entertaining the idea of putting together a reunion for my chapter for fall 2005, during our University's Homecoming weekend. Our chapter is only 12 years old, so the number of alumnae and actives would be manageable, (I think.) Any advice from those who have planned a chapter reunion? For those of you who have attended one, what was great, and what could you have done without? Also, I would appreciate any opinions on the following: The chapter was founded by a local, and then absorbed another local in 1996. Should all alumnae members of the two locals be invited also, or just those who chose to be initiated into DG? Thanks in advance for any and all advice/insight!

Amanda Dyer
Delta Gamma

[33girl]

DEFINITELY invite the members of both locals, whether they intiated into DG or not.

What was great: having a campus tour

What was not great: the hotel not getting back to me on things.

If it's over Homecoming weekend, make sure there is ample hotel space for everyone to stay.

[Little E]

If you are serious, get the word out now, and book a block of rooms in the hotel ASAP, especially if your Homecoming is a big deal. Stay on top of the hotel like no other to make sure your rooms are reserved at whatever rate they'll give you and make sure that contract is signed. We had some issues with that.

If you are going to do a formal dinner, seriously consider doing it at whatever hotel you have people stay at. (Good to consider before you book a block of rooms) I would also suggest doing the dinner at the hotel for other reasons, like transportation. If your insurance is like ours you have to provide it to attendees where ever your event is, you can really cut the cost by doing it at the hotel cause you'll only need to transport the actives.

ASK ASK ASK for help and suggestions. Survey both almunae and actives for what they would like to see as part of the weekend. This is just a little, but if you need help feel free to ask, I just finished our 5 year reunion and def have things I'd do different.


eta: cause i can't spell

[Tom Earp]

LittleE, oh god it is tuff to set everything up for a lot or few people.

amandadyer, try to set everything up at a certain Motel and I mean everything.

Have everyone stay there so dont have to drive, have Banquet there, also, may give you a break on rates.

LXA when we did our Regional Confrences did that, but, they used expensive Hotels.

If you can find a Hotel that is Cheaper, has Banquet Facilities then, that is the way to go. In season or off?

Cost may be a factor whether Alums come back or not.

If they can afford it, they may come!

[TxAPhi]

I am in the process of putting together a reunion for my collegiate chapter. I have found some great resources on the internet, but was wondering if anyone knows of any more?


chapter centennial reunion websites:
http://www.utchiomega.com/Centennial/Default.aspx
http://www.texasdelts.com/centennial/
http://www.utphipsi.com/
www.acacia-unl.org


Other tips:
Alumni Event Planning - http://www.bsu.edu/alumni/article/0,...9-9799,00.html
Greek Newsletters Tips - http://www.bsu.edu/alumni/article/0,...9-9796,00.html



Guides and tips from NPC group websites:

Alpha Phi guide - http://www.alphaphi.org/alumnae_info/reunion.html

Kappa Kappa Gamma guide - http://www.kappakappagamma.org/Conte...pa_Reunion.htm

Alpha Gamma Delta - http://www.alphagammadelta.org/conte...s/IRD_info.htm

Delta Delta Delta - http://www.tridelta.org/REPOSITORY/U...ies%20Info.pdf

Delta Gamma -
http://www.deltagamma.org/reunion_reports.shtml
http://www.deltagamma.org/reunions.shtml
http://deltagamma-region6.com/reunion.htm

Alpha Sigma Tau - http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alumnae/tips.html

[hoosier]

As a former alumnnnni/alumnae professional:

1 - set the date ASAP

2 - set the details ASAP

3 - get the word out ASAP, including all possible details.

An invitation to come back for a reunion won't cut it, but an invitation to the DG reunion, Sat., Oct. 12, headqtrd. at the XYZ Hotel, with a no-host reception at 6:00 and dinner at 7:00, costing $14 per person. The more details, the better, and the longer notice the better.

4 - get a committee. If the invitaton/announcement can list a committee of 10 - 20 people, from all eras, it's more effective. List the committee members email and phone numbers, so people can talk and plan.

5 - if it's the 10th, plan to recognize members of the class of 2000 and 1995, so they are especially inspired to attend. Maybe the 1995 reunion bunch can plan a special party for Friday night, or a breakfast Sun.

6 - if your GLO allows it, how about offering initiation to the people from the local who never crossed over.

7 - make the current undergrads mix with the oldsters.

8 - think about a non-football weekend. You'll have more things available, and cheaper too.

9 - pick a date for the 2006 reunion soon, and get a new committee planning for it.

[TSteven]

Originally posted by hoosier
8 - think about a non-football weekend. You'll have more things available, and cheaper too.

I know this from personal experience.

If it is a football weekend, be sure that your events do not conflict with other university scheduled events. Like with the actual game, pep rally, or parade. Alumni may like to attend those - and other events - as well.

And note that if you attend a Division I Football school, the kick-off time may be changed due to telecast. Just because your team may not be good, it doesn't mean that the game won't be picked up by a network the week before for telecast. It happens every week. UK (Kentucky) doesn't have the best football team around and UK's homecoming game is often picked for telecast (ESPN, CBS, JP Sports) about 12 days before game day.

So perhaps plan any formal event (dinner) Friday evening, with a more causal event (tailgate, picnic, barbecue what have you) the day of the game. This allows you the flexibility to move the time of the tailgate (casual event) if the kick-off changes on you.

One additional thing. If you plan to have something outside, have a fall-back provision for inclement weather. This may include rain during the game. Many members may skip the game in the rain and just want to hang out. Again, I've experienced that too.