EventPro Magazine Fall 2014 Spring 2014 | Page 31

Catering - Many families are avoiding the hassle of preparing the food and opting for local restaurants or caterers. Using a caterer leaves more time to catch up with family members and participate in reunion activities. Plus most catering services will also take care of clean up, which means no dishes to do! Shared Responsibility - Planning a successful reunion around today’s busy lifestyles is challenging. It’s becoming more and more popular for organizers to delegate responsibilities so that one person isn’t left doing everything. Take advantage of family talents for: venue coordinating, mailings, data collection of addresses or family history. Group activities create new family traditions, and a way for the younger generations to bond with older members of the family. Activities/Adventures - Activities like golf, geocaching, skiing, and amusement parks have replaced games like bingo and charades at family reunions. This is a great way to create new family traditions, and for the younger generations to bond with older members of the family. Annual occasion – Family reunions are becoming an annual event for many groups. Families are finding a venue that works for them and booking it annually on a given weekend or date so that the occasion becomes a family holiday of sorts. Theme –Themes used to be reserved for children’s birthday parties, but now we’re embracing the fun for all events and family reunions are no exception. Consider a cultural theme to go along with your family heritage, or choose an era like the 50s or 80s. Other theme options could be a luau, super heroes/ villains, rustic, modern, or carnival- the options are endless! Plus your activities, food, venue, decor and even attire can coordinate with the theme. Just be sure to choose a theme that everyone can have fun with and embrace.