2017 Reunions Workbook

2017 Edition

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR BEST REUNION EVER

Family Reunions at Sea

Good times for all on ships big and small

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THEMES TO SPICE UP YOUR REUNION Creative ways to build anticipation and keep people engaged

A Premier Travel Media publication $ 9.95 • ReunionsWorkbook.com

FAVORITE DESTINATIONS City escapes, mountain retreats, beach resorts

FINDING THE PERFECT GAME From bingo and treasure hunts to disc golf and pickleball

Plan the Best Reunion Ever

2017 Edition

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Editorial & Advertising Office Laurel Mink

n our increasingly digital world, it seems that interacting with extended family face-to-face is becoming a thing of the past. We may be doing more texting and video chats, but how often do we have in-person gettogethers? It may be time for a family reunion.

Mink Family Reunion

While these much-anticipated gatherings generate memories for years to come, those who do the planning know that a reunion event doesn’t just magically happen. They take months of planning and lots of legwork. Sometimes the logistics can be overwhelming—hotel arrangements, collecting money, ordering keepsakes and tons of other details.

For help in piecing the puzzle together, let Reunions Workbook be your guide. Now in its 17th edition, this step-by-step resource charts your course through the whole process, from planting the seeds and reaching out to potential attendees to setting up accommodations, meals and activities. You’ll really get in the planning mood by glancing at “7 Themes to Spice up Your Reunion,” written by family reunions expert Marilynn Stewart. How about a circusthemed reunion or one with a Western touch? Cruising is big these days with family groups, and family travel authority Nancy Schretter provides insight on both ocean-going and river cruises. For destination ideas in all parts of the U. S., see the Site InSpections section that starts on page 33.

Besides perusing these pages, check out our website, ReunionsWorkbook.com, where you can download a digital edition of this guide, sign up for InSite on Reunions e-newsletter, read up on reunion-friendly destinations and download helpful forms.

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com Staff Writer – Miles Dobis miles@ptmgroups.com Editorial Coordinator – Danielle Golab danielle@ptmgroups.com

Director, Design & Production – Robert Wyszkowski rob@ptmgroups.com The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.

Reunions Workbook (ISSN 2155-7608) is published annually by Premier Travel Media, Inc. 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. This publication is distributed to reunion planners and may be ordered through reunionsworkbook.com. The regular subscription price is $9.95 per year.

Happy reunion planning!

Randy Mink Managing Editor

621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com www.ptmgroups.com

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CONTENTS

Is There A Reunion In Your Future? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Premier Travel Media, Inc. 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527

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Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

Set Sail for a Great Family Reunion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 7 Themes to Spice up Your Reunion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Find The Perfect Game For Any Reunion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 7 Things Every Reunion Planner Should Negotiate with Hotels . . . 20 Establishing A Timetable For Your Reunion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Invitation Essentials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Your Communication Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Choosing A Date For Your Reunion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Making Destination Decisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 SITE INSPECTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 4 REUNIONS WORKBOOK

ON THE COVER An encounter with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands Photo courtesy Sven-Olof Lindblad/Lindblad Expeditions

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Is There A

Reunion In Your Future?

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1. Reunions create unity among extended family 2. Reunions help the younger generation learn about their ancestors, culture and heritage 3. Reunions nurture existing family traditions and inspire new ones 4. Reunions create new lifetime memories while sharing fond memories and reflecting upon family members who have passed.

If you decide to hold a reunion, you must be devoted to your reunion event from start to finish.

Plan early, preferably a year in advance depending on the size of your extended family and distance they must travel to the destination. You must be able to spend time on the project, be willing to take charge and ruffle feathers if need be. Some decisions are easy, other times you feel like you’re herding cats. Be eager to do everything necessary to plan a successful event and keep smiling through the process. The payoff is well worth the pain.

Don’t Do It Alone Someone must be in charge, but all successful reunions need people to help before, during and after. Ask for help immediately and start forming teams and committees to tackle the various tasks.

Schedule meetings in person if you can. If not, by conference call (try www.freeconference.com), email (can become messy with chains of email back and forth and “reply to all”), Facebook pages/posts and Skype instant messaging/internet phone service.

Stress the importance of members being involved. New people mean fresh ideas. People who work to implement reunion goals will continue to support them. Avoid burnout by sharing the workload – and make it a lot more fun.

Reunions are best ruled by consensus. Equality and ownership are great group motivators. Every 6 REUNIONS WORKBOOK

member owns a reunion equally. Every member has a voice; those who choose not to use theirs make the choice to enjoy what others plan.

Like any major undertaking, it’s important to have a designated leader – who arbitrates final decisions, coordinates details and is always willing to go the extra mile. The leader can volunteer, or be elected or chosen by consensus. Never try to do everything alone. These are job positions that may need to be filled:

Organizer/chairperson/leader Must be willing to gather and nurture reunion members. Able to harness pesky details, capable of comprehending and settling conflicts. Able to act on gut instinct. Diplomatic to a fault. Able to bear early costs such as deposits, printing, copying and postage. Loves hugs.

Treasurer Collects and spends the reunion’s second greatest asset – its money. Makes and manages budget, keeps books and pays bills. May also handle reservations, registration and purchasing reunion keepsakes.

Secretary Takes and maintains meeting minutes.

Develops and maintains member/mailing lists.

May write and distribute invitations, newsletters, registration materials.

Program chairperson Must be creative. Able to identify members’ talents, skills and desires. Able to plan and organize memorable activities involving participants of all ages. Selects entertainment. May hire photographer.

Arranges set-up and clean-up.

Historian/genealogist/ griot/storyteller Shares a passion for research and reveres the past. Collects and archives group history.

Displays family tree, historical wall charts, yearbooks, memory books, albums, historical documents, computer printouts, artifacts, and tells the story.

©iStock.com/kali9

ith an estimated quarter million reunions held in the United States annually, more and more families are reuniting. But is it right for your group? Here are some reasons why your group should consider a family reunion.

Forming Committees Committees are crucial and add to the fun and ownership of reunion organizing. Choose committee members of all ages for their expertise.

For example, a chef might be in charge of food; teachers enhance the scholarship committee or program planning for kids. Here’s a list of sample committees: Accommodations. Selects site; makes reservations, site arrangements and welcomes members.

Fundraising. Develops long-range fundraising projects. Plans and stages reunion day fundraisers.

Transportation. Sends directions, maps, instructions, lists of accommodations and restaurants along the way, airport pickup schedules. Makes arrangements to move members during the reunion (hotel to picnic, tours, off-site entertainment).

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Food. Plans, chooses and provides food, or works with a caterer or food and beverage professional.

Program. Plans and coordinates reunion activities, registration.

Scholarship. Sets rules and requirements.

Reviews and judges applications. Plans and officiates at scholarship awards ceremony.

Worship or Fellowship. Plans, presents rituals, ceremonies and memorials.

Set-up/clean-up. Works very hard on Reunion Day. Ultimately your committees will develop a consensus for all aspects of your reunion, dates, locations, activities and formal program, theme and budget. It’s important that committees share progress reports regularly and report any complications early on to avoid a disaster down the road.

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Should You Incorporate? hile most reunions operate effectively without incorporating, some incorporate as nonprofit organizations. If you want to incorporate, recruit an accountant or lawyer from your group to help. Anyone can file to incorporate, but it takes expertise to master IRS requirements and to analyze restrictions involved. Apply for Tax Identification Number (TIN) – needed to open a bank account in your reunion association’s name. The TIN is your identification number for IRS or other required government reports.

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If you choose to incorporate: ❏ Appoint a committee to draft bylaws. ❏ Develop a written statement of purpose and goals that generate enthusiasm. ❏ Elect officers. To ensure continuity, elect half the officers each year for two-year terms.

❏ Recruit reunion organizers. The best reunions are well organized and generate attendance and meaningful programs. ❏ Hold a membership meeting at the reunion.

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Today’s megaships make a big splash with families, offering every recreational amenity imaginable.

Set Sail for a Great Family Reunion 8 REUNIONS WORKBOOK

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By Nancy Schretter

Cruise ships provide the perfect venue for a hassle-free gathering that appeals to every generation

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Production shows. Carnival ships also feature attractions that families can enjoy together, including Hasbro, The Game Show and fun Seuss at Sea programs. Carnival’s standard group policy is that for every 15 full-fare guests, the 16th full-fare guest receives a credit equal to the sailing’s average cruise fare.

Beloved Disney characters, beautifully designed ships and exceptional family-style entertainment have made Disney Cruise Line a top destination for family reunions. The cruise line is renowned for its programs and venues for every generation, as well as outstanding activities designed to bring families together. Ships feature original, Broadwaycaliber Disney shows, rotational dining at multiple upscale restaurants and an entire deck for the youth clubs. Adults have their own entertainment districts, restaurants and pool areas.

Reunion groups can arrange for connecting staterooms based on availability, plus special dining celebrations and in-room amenities. Planners can make their reunions even more magical by combining a Port Canaveral-based Disney cruise with a land package at nearby Walt Disney World. Convenient transfers make these land-and-sea vacations seamless.

amily cruise vacations are more popular than ever. According to Cruise Lines International Association’s 2017 Cruise Travel Report, 46 percent of cruise travelers bring their families on their shipboard vacations. Given cruising’s strong family appeal, it’s easy to see why some travel agencies and cruise lines are seeing doubledigit growth in family reunion cruise bookings.

Cruises are an excellent vacation value and provide an ideal setting for family reunions. Among cruising’s many benefits, reunion planners highlight these: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Highly inclusive vacation packages Activities and amenities for all ages and interests Flexible daily itineraries Wide variety of dining choices Opportunities for fun, both together and apart Hassle-free planning, particularly with the help of a travel agent Exciting shore excursions and ports of call Group discounts and free perks

Cruise ships come in all shapes and sizes, from massive ocean liners to yachts, expedition vessels and river cruise ships. Today’s ships offer accommodation choices at all budget levels, enabling reunion guests to have a vacation they can afford while making great family memories together. With so many alternatives, it’s easy for reunion planners to match their group with the right ship and itinerary.

Here are some of the many cruise options that reunion planners can consider:

Lindblad Expeditions, Baja California

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Today’s ocean-going cruise ships are like floating family-friendly resorts, offering dozens of restaurants, Broadway-style shows and recreational opportunities galore. With its wide range of ships and itineraries, Carnival Cruise Line is a popular choice for family reunions.

“Carnival Cruise Line carries 4.5 million people a year, including 700,000 kids and more than a million seniors, which is reflective of our role as the leading cruise line for multigenerational travel,” says Carnival’s Vance Gulliksen. Carnival estimates that about half of all Americans live within a day’s drive of one of its 17 homeports, making it convenient and cost-effective for families to reach their reunion destination.

Carnival’s ships are loaded with fun activities for guests of all ages. Kids get their own spaces like the ships’ massive water parks and kids & teens club areas, while adults have their own amenities such as the outdoor Serenity adult-only retreat and Playlist

Sven-Olof Lindblad/Lindblad Expeditions

Carnival Cruise Line

Amenity-Rich Megaships

REUNIONS WORKBOOK 9

Matt Stroshane/Disney

Intimate Smaller Ships

For magical family reunions in the Caribbean and elsewhere, Disney Cruise Line is a natural.

Norwegian Cruise Line is ideal for family reunions due to its extensive choice of familyfriendly shipboard accommodations, amenities and activities for every age group. The line’s huge Aqua Parks, youth programs and Freestyle Dining program have strong appeal for family reunion groups.

The Haven by Norwegian, a boutique-hotel-withina-ship, provides luxurious accommodations, personalized service and privileged access for those seeking a more upscale cruise experience. Studio staterooms for single guests are available, too.

Norwegian’s generous groups program makes it popular with reunion planners. Family reunion groups receive two complimentary berths for every 14 sold, or one free berth plus two selections from a group of 10 amenity options.

A special events coordinator and onboard dedicated group services coordinator can help with reunion arrangements.

MSC Cruises provides a wide variety of programs and venues for all ages on their ships in North America and abroad. The cruise line’s extensive children’s activities, “kids sail free” program for children ages 11 and under, and discounts for military and civil servants can make it an attractive option for family reunions. Guests desiring a luxury experience can stay in the MSC Yacht Club, an all-inclusive private VIP club level with 24-hour concierge service. MSC’s dedicated groups department can help reunion planners arrange free meeting space, private parties and special packages for their event.

Family reunions on smaller ships can offer more opportunities for group bonding along with unique itineraries. "Small ships are ideal for family reunions because they offer exclusivity, flexibility and savings," said Todd Smith, founder and president of AdventureSmith Explorations. Reunions can take place on small ships in captivating destinations such as Alaska, the Galapagos, Hawaii and the South Pacific.

Paul Gauguin Cruises is seeing growth in family reunions bookings. “Sailing to exotic islands in French Polynesia is special and offers families a way to experience this unique destination seamlessly, creating unforgettable lifetime memories together,” says Paul Gauguin’s Vanessa Bloy. The line has partnered with the Wildlife Conservation Society to create an experiential family program offered during the summer months and holiday season.

Small-ship charters offer opportunities for customization as well. “A full ship charter is appealing because it’s a one-stop shop,” says Yolanda Brown of UnCruise Adventures. The line’s itineraries in Alaska, Costa Rica/Panama, Hawaii and Baja Mexico are popular with families. Lindblad Expeditions is seeing much more demand for larger family groups and reunions across all destinations. Lindblad’s ships range in size from 28-248 guests. Groups over eight guests receive a five percent savings plus a $500 per child savings for passengers under 18.

Celebrating a 50th anniversary on a Lindblad cruise in the Galapagos

Stewart Cohen/Lindblad Expeditions

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European River Cruises Multigenerational travel and river cruising are two of today’s most popular travel trends, so it’s easy to see why more family reunions are taking place on European river cruises. Several cruise lines have been highly successful in catering to multigenerational cruisers. River cruises provide a hassle-free way to experience Europe’s enchanting cities and towns, offering families opportunities for greater cultural immersion.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has been chosen by Travel + Leisure readers as the leader in the “World’s Best River Cruising for Families” for four consecutive years and is seeing a strong increase in multigenerational bookings.

“Our multigenerational departures are catered to accommodate individuals of all ages through onboard programming and shore excursions,” says Ellen Bettridge, Uniworld’s president & CEO. On Uniworld’s

multigenerational departures, one child (age 4-17) qualifies for 50 percent savings on the cruise-only fare for every accompanying adult.

AmaWaterways has designed its river cruise experiences to suit family members of all ages. The line recently partnered with Adventures by Disney and Backroads to provide more immersive travel experiences for multigenerational groups. AmaWaterways’ newest ship design provides connecting adjoining cabins and family-friendly stateroom configurations. Group rates are offered for bookings with five cabins of 10 full-paying adults or more. Other river cruise lines, such as Viking River Cruises and CroisiEurope, are also good options.

Cruise ships provide the perfect venue for making lifelong family memories. With so many opportunities for fun for all ages, your family reunion afloat is sure to be a big success. ■

Free Online Cruise Guide Detailed guidelines, policies and perks for reunion group bookings with each of the major cruise lines are found in our easy-to-use chart at reunionsworkbook.com/reunion-cruise-spreadsheet

Download yours today!

SurfsUp Vector/Bigstock.com

Nancy Schretter is the founder and managing editor of the Family Travel Network (www.familytravelnetwork.com) and an industry consultant in family and multigenerational travel.

“Our multigenerational departures are catered to accommodate individuals of all ages through onboard programming and shore excursions.” —Ellen Bettridge, Uniworld’s President & CEO

A circus/carnival-themed family reunion suggests all kinds of possibilities for costuming, food and fun activities. You might consider game booths where children can earn prizes.

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Themes to Spice Up Your Reunion

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Reunion themes not only can get your family excited but also bring them closer together

By Marilynn Stewart

ReunionsWorkbook.com

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re you looking for a way to excite family members and stir up interest about your next family reunion? Choosing a reunion theme is a great way to build anticpation and make it more likely family members will want to attend.

Themes help drive your reunion, and, with a little imagination, food, games, activities, invitations and just about every other aspect of the reunion becomes a memorable event. Consider this: an invitation to a “Prehistoric” reunion for Brontosaurus burgers and a dinosaur egg hunt is a lot more interesting than an invitation to a family reunion at the park for hamburgers.

Themes are inexpensive to implement and can inspire your family’s creative side. Ask for their theme ideas, brainstorm and see what they come up with. Our best family reunion themes have come this way. When a Caveman, Mafia and Oz theme were suggested in one of our brainstorming sessions, I was worried about what we would do, but those themes are some of our favorites and have left us with amazing reunion memories.

Below are just a few reunion themes that you may want to consider for your next family event.

Family History or Family Heritage Reunion If your family reunion is held near where the family originated, then schedule a trip to the old family homestead, church or cemetery. You can use this as an opportunity to share family memories, or go a step further and recruit the clan to clean up the ancestral cemetery plots or research the family in old church records. Hold your reunion at the family home if available or in the town where one of your ancestors was born, raised, married or buried. You can find more family history ideas for your family reunion at familyreunionhelper.com.

Food: Use an ancestor’s home country as a theme for your meals. Use recipes from that country and set tables with a centerpiece of memorabilia and a picture of your ancestor. If your people come from Italy, serve a spaghetti dinner; from Mexico, serve tacos, enchiladas or tamales. Box lunches are also a fun idea to share an old-time tradition.

At our Family Heritage reunion, half of the family members designed and decorated show boxes at home. We provided sandwich fixin’s, individual chip packages, fruit snacks and drink boxes along with cookies for dessert. They made lunches for two and put them in their box. We gave each box a number, and the other half of the family members each drew a number out of a hat to determine which lunch they got to eat and which family member they ate lunch with.

Activities: Play classic games at your reunion such as a 3-legged race, gunny sack race or Annie I Over. Create a wall chart of your family so everyone can see how they are related. Take “old-time” photos and have everyone dress up. Make a family time capsule.

Dress: In the ethnic costume of your ancestors Ancestor Coloring Book: Making a heritage coloring book about one of your ancestors is a monumental task, but it’s a wonderful way to enrich family history for the little ones in your family. If you have an artist in the family, designing a coloring book will be much easier for you.

If you don’t have a talented artist, a great resource is http://store.doverpublications.com/ by-subject-coloring-books.html.

Get away from a boring sit-around-and-just-visit family reunion and jump into some action-packed fun with an all-sport or Olympic-themed family reunion.

Activities: Soccer, volleyball, Whiffle ball, wacky miniature golf. Hold a cheerleader and a sports camp. Go bowling or hold a family 5K. Give a family reunion MVP award.

Food: Smoothies, “breakfast of champions” or “long jump” lunch hoagies.

Wear: Favorite team jerseys and T-shirt. Make a family T-shirt fashioned after a sports jersey.

Decorations: Pom-poms, pennants, sports balls, sports posters and plastic tablecloths.

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All photos courtesy FamilyReunionHelper.com

All-Sport or Olympic-Themed Reunion

A sports-themed reunion will get people involved and help work up an appetite for all the good food.

REUNIONS WORKBOOK 13

Sun, Sand & Surf Reunion Theme

Circus and Carnival Reunion Theme

Summer is the perfect time for a Sun, Sand & Surf family reunion. Merge your beach reunion ideas with your Hawaiian reunion ideas for double the fun.

Decorations are easy for a beach-themed family reunion. Use beach umbrellas, beach towels, beach balls, paper party lanterns, paper palm trees, party lights on a string, travel posters, flowers and straw skirt table. Use pink flamingoes in your decorating and be sure to include music from bands like the Beach Boys to round out your theme.

Invitations: Consider sending message-in-abottle invitations to encourage family members to attend your family reunion or write out your invitation on a beach ball with a permanent marker.

Activities: Sand candles and castles, sand art, volleyball variations, and swimming and pool games.

Aquatic Obstacle Course: Use sprinklers, Slip-NSlides, baby pools, limbo sticks and hula hoops to create an obstacle course for wet and wild reunion fun.

Food: Sub sandwiches, fruit trays, shish kabobs, fruit kabobs, goldfish crackers.

Begin your reunion with a circus parade by inviting everyone to dress in fun costumes and march around the reunion site.

Food: Circus food like corn dogs, cotton candy and popcorn.

Activities: As your family arrives, have them guess how many circus animal cookies or peanuts are in a jar. The person who guesses closest to the actual number wins the jar full of treats. Have a carnival. Assign 6-10 family members to a carnival booth. Children earn prizes at each booth—face painting, fishing booth, fortune teller, Plinko, dart throw, etc. Consider renting a bounce house for the little ones in your family.

Decorations: Balloons, tents and circus animal cutouts.

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One theme idea is to wrap the event around a milestone birthday or anniversary. Bring photo displays of the honored guest(s).

There’s No Place Like Home Wizard of Oz Theme Activities: Design an obstacle course depicting famous scenes from the movie. Run through a tissue paper poppy field, jump over a bale of straw. Make bottle tornadoes and a yellow brick road out of scrap lumber. Plan an activity that represents each Oz character such as paper plate lions or red glitter shoes.

Decorations: Make flying monkeys from black posterboard and hang around your reunion location.

Use rainbow-colored tablecloths.

Food: Ding Dong (“the witch is dead”) cakes, rainbow lollypops, lions, tigers and bears animal crackers, and melted witch treats.

Wedding Anniversary or Significant Birthday Reunion Theme Planning a family reunion around an important wedding anniversary or milestone birthday makes for an easy but memorable family reunion.

Invitations: Put two photos of the honored couple on the invitation: their original wedding photo and a current photo.

Food: Finger foods and a wedding cake.

Activities: “When You Were My Age: A Celebration of Life’s Memorable Moments.” This fun program is fashioned after a Cosby Show episode called “When Mom Was My Age.” We have done variations of the program for 70th and 80th birthdays and 50th wedding anniversaries. Each time we do “When You Were My Age,” everyone is a good sport and excited to be a part of the celebration. Everyone has a part in the program and an opportunity to highlight world events and significant family happenings throughout the life of your loved one. Download the “When You Were My Age” from Family Reunion Helper or write a “This Is Your Life” program for your reunion celebration.

Decorations: Photos and other memorabilia of the couple’s life together.

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Western-Themed Reunion Activities: Make ponies from dollar store pool noodles and have a pool noodle rodeo. Shoot at targets with rubber band guns or PVC pipe bow and arrows.

Make a family totem pole or try to line dance.

Food: Call the food you serve vittles. Have a chili cook-off or a Texas straw hat food bar or serve barbecue, spareribs or grilled hamburgers. Use tin pie plates, Mason jars with handles and lots of bandanas.

Decorations: Put up a large ranch sign at the party entrance. Print off wanted posters, get hold of some photos of the guests and put them on the posters.

Place some paper or real horseshoes on the path leading to the party entrance.

Create a teepee out of a large sheet and some wooden dowels. Create a large cactus out of a cardboard box or even buy some inflatable ones. Cover the party food table in a red-and-white-checkered cloth and hang up a sign saying “Saloon.”

Reunions are a great way to bring the entire family together, and these themes are creative ways to announce the event and get guests excited. Choose a fitting theme and make your reunion a smash hit.

Details for all these reunion themes and many more can be found at FamilyReunionHelper.com. ■ Marilynn Stewart runs FamilyReunionHelper.com, a website and blog dedicated to helping families run better reunions.

You can download ready-made theme reunion packages directly from her website.

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REUNIONS WORKBOOK 15

Find The Perfect Game For Any Reunion A reunion is all about having fun.

These games will bring everyone closer together—and they’ll have a great time, too.

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lanning to incorporate games into your reunion may seem like a lot of unnecessary work. After all, you’re a group of reuniting friends, family or classmates; you’re already linked by genes, interests and background—or maybe all three.

Surely people will have a good time talking, laughing and reminiscing without the hassle of planning crowd-friendly and age-appropriate games. Right?

Three Reasons Why Reunions Need Reunion Games Getting the socializing going on at a reunion sometimes means giving things a bit of a head start.

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And that’s where games come in.

1. Games get people interacting. In the corporate world, these types of activities are known as icebreakers. While reunion guests may certainly share interests or even a substantial chunk of history, they may not have seen each other for several years. There is often some initial awkwardness.

Games help you get over this “shy period” quickly.

2. Games get people mixing. Like attracts like, and it’s not a problem when guests start to form their own conversational groups. But it’s also nice to mix things up and get people interacting with others outside their own comfort zone.

3. Games are fun! If you’ve got kids coming, you need to give them fun things to do. Otherwise, it’s gonna be a lot less fun for the adults. By setting up games for different ages and abilities—as well as a few games that appeal to all—you’ll make sure everyone has a good time. Plus, this will make your future reunions more of a draw.

To help reunion planners out, we’ve come up with a list of games that will get your attendees having fun in no time. We’ve organized them roughly by reunion type, but you can always pull games from different categories together to create the right mix for your crew.

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grandparents to work together as a team. Use a variety of challenges to make sure every person’s fitness level and physical conditioning are safely accommodated. Include memory or knowledge “obstacles” along with the rough-and-tumble stuff for a nice change of pace.

■ Briscola. This Italian card game is similar to euchre and other trick-taking card games, but it’s played with an exotic-looking Italian card deck. Even better, at points in the game, signaling your opponent or even straight-up table talking is part of the play. Hilarity ensues as teams try to outdo the other with elaborate plans and hand signals.

For a festive game with a Mexican twist, give kids a chance to break open a piñata filled with sweets or trinkets.

©iStock.com/kali9

Reunion Games Just for Kids

Family Reunion Games These games can be enjoyed by people from 8 to 98, and they are easily modified to suit your family.

■ Family Bingo. Make up boards with family members’ names (or pictures) on the squares. Have a caller call out fun facts about each person rather than letter-number combos and have players place a token on the appropriate person. Whichever player scores a traditional five-in-a-row wins.

■ Treasure Hunt. An old favorite. Consider dividing players into teams with a variety of ages and giving each participant a special age-appropriate gift.

This game is awesome for kids, but adults love it, too.

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■ Jigsaw Puzzle Race. Have a selection of jigsaw puzzles set out on card tables and let players choose the level of puzzle difficulty they’re comfortable with. Whoever completes his or her puzzle first wins. You can also play this as an elimination-style tournament.

■ UNO. This card game is a family favorite because it’s so easy to play, yet so much fun. It’s great for groups of all ages to play together, or you can organize a UNO tournament.

■ Obstacle Course Relay. Combining two classic group games—the obstacle course and the relay race—this game allows parents, kids and

While the adults are catching up, give the kids something to do. Naturally, a few responsible adults will need to be on hand to supervise and take Facebook-worthy photos.

■ Dance Party. Steal an idea from Wii and host a dance party. Crank up kid-preferred tunes and let them dance their hearts out. Award prizes for various dance types at the end, making sure each dancer gets something. Close with ice cream, and kids will be looking forward to the next reunion.

■ Water Balloon Toss. An old favorite, with loads of variations. For instance, a Hot Potato version could require whomever is left holding the water balloon to pop it. The Stomp version has players making a valiant attempt to locate and stomp on the other team’s hidden balloons. Your imagination is your best friend in coming up with an awesome activity here.

■ Watermelon Eating Contest. While not technically limited to kids, this is a rather more health-friendly version of a pie-eating contest. Give kids a slice of seedless watermelon, and whoever finishes theirs first gets a prize. For added difficulty, have participants keep their hands behind their backs or on the table.

■ Gone Digging. Fill up a kiddie pool with straw, sand or another kid-friendly material and hide (wrapped) small toys and other items in it.

Allow kids to excavate their own treasures.

■ Dress Up. Have a box full of old costume-y clothes, hats and accessories. Give kids a set time to come up with their best look and then hand out prizes. If you like, you can even host a fashion show with these reunion-ready designs.

■ Cleanup Hunt. Shhh, don’t tell them it’s actually cleaning. Create prizes for the most cans collected, the most wrappers picked up, the quickest to fill a shopping bag with trash, etc.

You get help tidying up, they get an award.

Win-win.

REUNIONS WORKBOOK 17

Class Reunion Games These games hark back to the ones we all used to play in the classroom and on the playground.

■ Memory Contest. Which teacher was known as The Terminator? What was the most popular song in your graduating class? What’s the square root of 144? Relive your school days with this insider quiz.

■ Red Rover. Come on, you remember this one, right? Have another go at playing it; we bet you’ll have a huge amount of fun.

■ Animal Calls. Have guests pair up and decide on an animal. One of the pair is blindfolded; the other makes their agreed-upon animal noise.

Whichever team reunites fastest is the winner.

■ Dodgeball. Love it or hate it, dodgeball was gym class for a lot of us. Revisit it again or try a variant known as Medic. One team member is secretly chosen as the medic. When a player is hit, he or she sits or lies down. The medic can “heal” the player by touching him or her, but the medic must be cautious; other teams will be gunning for him or her.

■ Class Pictionary. Step up to the board and draw out school- or class-related people, places, things and slogans. A blackboard and chalk will get you additional awesome points, but a whiteboard and colored dry-erase markers will work, too.

Special-Interest Group Reunion Games

A watermelon eating contest is a perfect way to celebrate the lazy, crazy days of summer.

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Special-interest reunion groups are a bit different.

They’re not linked by circumstance, but by a deep and mutual love for a subject, hobby, sport or cause.

Many of the following games tap into that love; others are just pure fun.

■ Apples to Apples. Ever wondered how people think? This simple board game, which has contestants making and justifying comparisons between two items, is a great icebreaker as well as an intriguing look into the human thought process.

Bring your sense of humor—some of the comparisons can be pretty outrageous.

■ Trivia Contest. Whatever your group’s uniting interest is, make it the theme of a trivia game. You can have guests play individually, in captained teams, or in a tournament or game-show format (Who Wants to Be a Millionaire is perennially popular).

■ Charades. Another old favorite with a twist. Again, use your special interest to inform your choice of charade subject material. When you choose teams, do your best to include a mixture of personalities on each team to maximize the fun.

■ Cranium. This board game has something for everyone—literally. Depending on which color square their token lands on, team members may find themselves humming a song, mimicking a

celebrity, using clay to sculpt something, spelling a word or answering a trivia question. In our opinion, this is one of the all-time best party games because every person, regardless of skill or age, can get involved.

■ Donut Bobbing. Hang donuts on a string from a tree or some other structure. The goal is to eat your entire donut first. Eyes can be open or closed, but hands must go behind the back.

■ Who Am I? A variant of the classic campfire game Psychiatrist, this game requires teams to guess the identity of a person, living or dead, who had an impact on their favorite pursuit. One person can ask (or answer) questions for their team, or team members can take it in turns.

Reunion Sports The sports you can play during a reunion are nearly innumerable. But let’s look past the old standbys of golf, softball and basketball to some other ideas.

■ Pickleball. A cross between badminton, tennis and ping pong, pickleball is easy to learn, fairly inexpensive to set up and pretty accommodating to various fitness levels. Check out the USAPA Pickleball website (usapa.org) for more information.

■ Disc Golf. Disc golf combines the mechanics of throwing a Frisbee with the precision targeting of golf. You can play at a course or set up your own targets. For more information, try the Disc Golf Association’s website, discgolf.com.

■ Tag. Another old favorite that’s sure to ramp up the excitement in players of all ages. Don’t forget

some of the more interesting spins on traditional tag, including flashlight tag, freeze tag, blind man’s bluff, amoeba tag, glow-in-the-dark tag (with glow sticks) and lots, lots more. For a comprehensive list, visit ultimatecampresource.com.

■ Bocce. This game lends itself to standing around, talking and having a relaxed good time.

Plus, it’s inexpensive and highly portable. Players divide into two teams and take turns trying to throw a ball as close as possible to a smaller ball called a pallina. For extra fun, spring for a glowing or lit bocce ball set and play in the dark.

■ Kickball. Not just for schoolyards, this game is making a serious comeback among adults. Combining something of the gameplay of baseball with the satisfaction of giving a huge rubber ball a solid kick, it’s great for kids, parents and active grandparents.

©iStock.com/BluIz60

Other Great Reunion Game Ideas

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We didn’t have room to fit all the reunion game options we found, so here are a few more “honorable mentions.” Most of them need no explanation; a few of them do.

■ Hot Potato (Variant: Use a sturdy disposable camera as the “hot potato;” the loser has to take a selfie.)

■ Piñata ■ Silly Face Competition (Have guests take pictures of themselves making silly faces; award prizes for the best.)

■ Red Light, Green Light ■ Scavenger Hunt ■ Pin the Tail on the Donkey ■ Sack Race ■ Three-Legged Race ■ War (Card Game) ■ Poker ■ Blackjack ■ Board Games ■ Card Games ■ Croquet ■ Volleyball ■ Life Stories (Have grandparents and older attendees answer questions from an audience.)

■ “Minute to Win It”-Style Challenges ■ Paper Airplane Competition ■ Egg Toss ■ Capture the Flag ■ Hide and Seek ■ Mummy Wrap (Have teams wrap one person in toilet paper. The first team to completely wrap their mummy wins.)

When you plan reunion games and activities, you’re actually building even more fun and memories into the occasion. This list should get you started, but feel free to add your own twists on these tried-and-true reunion games. ■ REUNIONS WORKBOOK 19

7 Things Every Reunion Planner Should Negotiate with Hotels Doing some initial research and knowing what to ask will help your group get the right hotel at the right price To secure hotel space on the dates you want, it’s wise to request your block of rooms as far in advance as possible.

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20 REUNIONS WORKBOOK

ReunionsWorkbook.com

By Claudia Flores

Initial Negotiation Steps Every reunion planner wants to deliver a great experience for his or her guests. Please keep that in mind as you are choosing your property. How the hotel treats you is more than likely how they will treat your guests. Pick a property that is eager to work with you and is responsive to your needs. Also, recognize that the terms of a hotel contract extend beyond just obtaining the best group rate possible, and can include anything from A/V equipment to parking, depending on your reunion needs.

After doing your research, be sure to contact more than one hotel as this will drive up the competition.

All hotels have flexibility with their rates and many sales managers will be willing to negotiate with the customer if they can. Talking to two or three hotels is the best way to get the lowest rate. If the hotel really wants your business, some hotels will come down $10-$50 per room per night, based on competition.

If your dates are flexible, you can ask a hotel for the best date they can meet your budget and meeting space requirements. Let the hotel propose dates that are a win-win for the both of you. No hotel will turn down a reasonable offer during slow periods.

Once you’ve chosen your hotel, be very specific with your meeting/hospitality space needs. It is most effective to communicate immediately regarding date, time and setup.

Even though the reunion may be months away, you’ll want to secure your block of rooms as soon as possible. You never know what other events in town will affect hotel occupancy. You do not have to know how many rooms you need right now to get the room block set up. The hotel will provide a cutoff date by which you need to book.

Make sure the hotel is offering you a courtesy block. This means you will not be responsible for paying for unused rooms in the block as long as they are cancelled by a mutually agreed-upon date.

Some properties are more reunion-friendly than others. If they are not offering a courtesy block, you do not want to use that hotel.

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Reasonable Requests

Hard-To-Gets

Obtain References Ask for references from past reunions that the hotel has hosted. Therefore, the property knows you are serious about booking. Hotels tend to negotiate more aggressively with reunions that have history, so share what you have done in the past.

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Big-City Parking Parking is often requested to be included, but it may be hard to obtain this at central-city hotels if they don’t own the space.

Lower Meal Rates Ask for discounted food and beverage rates.

It is reasonable to ask for breakfast to be included.

Hotels are open to offering meal deals unless they don’t own the restaurant. Full-service hotels typically do not include breakfast in their price, but ask if they can either provide a discounted voucher or include it in the room rate.

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Leverage Room Space Another reasonable request is asking for a banquet room for free. Hotels usually do this by either not charging for the room if a certain amount of food and beverage is consumed or offering a package deal, charging a daily fee that includes the meeting room, food and beverage and a/v technology.

Throw-Away Items Complimentary Rooms Most hotels will offer an aggressive complimentary room incentive if they really want to win your business. Usually the policy is one complimentary guest room for every 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 rooms picked up, per night. A complimentary hotel suite upgrade for every 10 rooms booked is also the norm.

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Reception Area Many hotels will offer complimentary meeting space for a meet-and-greet reception based on how many overnight sleeping rooms the group has booked.

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Bringing in Own Food and Beverage Banquet and catering can get expensive for a group. Ask if the hotel will allow the group to bring in its own food/caterer. But most hotels don’t allow it, even for kosher needs or special diets.

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3 Other Items to Consider Asking for: ❏ Hospitality space/area instead of “meeting space” for the registration desk ❏ BBQ space or an area to gather and play games, instead of renting a banquet room ❏ Local attractions are a big deal for reunions and the hotel can offer their concierge services for discounted pricing and free advice These items are not always offered by hotels, so you have to ask. It’s all part of the negotiation process.

Reunion planning can certainly be a tricky situation when expectations are not expressed. It’s important to keep your budget in mind when it comes to your list of must-haves. If you are down to one item (parking/guest room rate/hospitality space), offer to sign the contract/agreement immediately if they can meet the request. ■

Claudia Flores is the digital content and communications manager of HotelPlanner, the largest provider of online group hotel bookings.

©iStock.com/zoranm

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hen planning a reunion, negotiating with hotels can be an intimidating and challenging task if you don’t know what to ask for or how to ask for it. By researching properties well in advance, you’ll have a better understanding of how to approach the process, specific items to request and what can be bargained in your contract.

To help out, we have listed seven important tricks from reunion planning experts on how to successfully negotiate with hotels. This will help you determine what you can reasonably ask for, learn throwaway items you can typically get for free, and negotiate certain requests that can be hard to get, even for the most seasoned reunion planner.

REUNIONS WORKBOOK 21

Establishing A

Timetable For Your Reunion

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Months Prior

❏ 18-24 months in advance determine if there is enough interest in holding a reunion ❏ Talk to other reunion organizers about their experiences, positive and negative ❏ Attend a reunion organizing class, workshop or conference, often hosted by a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) ❏ Inquire with CVBs and hotels about familiarization (fam) trips to scout potential locations and facilities ❏ Start a mailing and email list of potential reunion attendees ❏ Form reunion committees; establish responsibilities and schedules ❏ Consider hiring professional reunion planner if your group is large, complex or recruiting committee members is proving difficult ❏ Develop budget so everyone on your guest list is able to participate ❏ Create bookkeeping system, keep copious records and notes of exact time and monetary expenditures

©iStock.com/GlobalStock

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Months Prior

❏ Choose your reunion location, keeping in line with your budget and the geographical radius your reunion attendees may need to travel ❏ Reserve hotel room block ❏ Set your dates. Summer is often best because kids are out of school, but prices may be higher at popular destinations.

22 REUNIONS WORKBOOK

❏ Create a simple website, Facebook page, Twitter and Pinterest account ❏ Hire entertainment, secure caterer, photographer, videographer, printer ❏ Send save-the-date cards, first mailer or reunion website information.

Include tentative plans, suggestions for tours, souvenirs, memory books, theme, approximate cost, memory book contributions, missing persons list.

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Months Prior

❏ Visit hotel, meet with key sales and catering staff, and review pick-up on room blocks ❏ Begin souvenir directory/list of attendees/memory book ❏ Choose a reunion theme. Themes are great icebreakers for reunion members who do not know each other well and can also trigger ideas for activities, food and invitations. ❏ Send formal invites with full event details and any TBA info ❏ Keep your reunion website updated and post regularly to social media to build interest ❏ Schedule events and activities – establish your program, confirm any speakers ❏ Plan reunion activities for adults and children, awards ceremony, tours, entertainment, games for kids ❏ Distribute order forms for family memorabilia like T-shirts, mugs, hats and keepsakes ❏ Send second mailer: registration form, cost and updated list of missing persons (along with souvenir ordering information above)

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Months Prior

❏ Contact missing persons and send “time is running out” card ❏ Email your reunion announcement to media sources for press coverage ❏ Reserve rental equipment such as tents, chairs, porta-toilets ❏ With your theme nailed down, select and order decorations, signs, banners ❏ Choose menus for group events ❏ Confirm reservations with entertainment, photographer, caterers ❏ Calculate rental needs like tents, chairs, tables, coolers ❏ Submit personalized souvenir order (T-shirts, mugs, caps)

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Months Prior

❏ Complete directory of participants/memory book; deliver to printer ❏ Send out follow-up email reminder, mail to those who don’t use email ❏ Keep social media updated with attendees, comments and photos ❏ Create checklist of reunion day tasks and assign tasks to reunion day volunteers ❏ Secure non-perishable items like name tags, raffle tickets, craft supplies ❏ Check with committee chairs to confirm plans, arrangements, progress report ❏ Reconfirm all meeting, sleeping and eating arrangements

1 Week Prior

❏ Contact facility managers and department heads to obtain staff contacts for your reunion days ❏ Juggle last-minute logistical or transportation issues ❏ Review final details with reunion committees ❏ Assemble welcome packets, name tags and goodie bags ❏ Send one week out notice to all participants, tying up any loose ends and provide “in case of emergency” contact information to all attendees

Reunion Day of Event ❏ Set up registration and decorations early (day before if possible) ❏ Have contracts handy for rental equipment, displays, caterers ❏ Set up children’s activities/games early so they can start/finish on time ❏ Manage details of volunteers, food, photographer, games, tours, entertainment, ceremonies ❏ Encourage participants to post photos and memories on social media ❏ Salute volunteers and committees ❏ Enjoy the day!

Post-Reunion Follow-up ❏ Reflect and evaluate – note what worked, what didn’t ❏ Consider an evaluation form to get honest, not anecdotal feedback ❏ Complete event bookkeeping, settle all accounts ❏ Write thank you notes to volunteers, committees, hotel staff, caterers and entertainment who excelled ❏ Send follow-up mailing/e-newsletter to entire family, including those who could not attend ❏ Post reunion recap on social media, send to family members who could not attend ❏ Start planning your next reunion!

REUNIONS WORKBOOK 23

23 Essential Tools for Planning A Family Reunion lanning a family reunion is hard work.

That’s why we created 23 Essential Tools for Planning a Family Reunion to make the process easier than ever.

This series of checklists, forms and templates will alleviate the stress involved with gathering the whole family by helping you stay on budget, keep track of who’s bringing the potato salad, and even keep the kids entertained.

These forms will help simply the process, leaving you with more time to appreciate what the reunion is all about: creating lifelong memories with loved ones.

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Forms Include ❑ Activity Planning Sheet ❑ Budget Chart ❑ Buy, Borrow, Rent Charts ❑ Certificate of Award ❑ Committee Members & Responsibilities ❑ Family Interview Questions ❑ Family Reunion Record

❑ Family Reunion Survey ❑ Human Scavenger Hunt ❑ Invitation & RSVP Log ❑ Master Committee List ❑ Post-Reunion Diagnostic Chart ❑ Post-Reunion Evaluation ❑ Potluck Coordinator’s Chart ❑ Reunion Timetable

❑ RSVP Form ❑ Sample Itinerary ❑ Sample Invitation ❑ Scavenger Hunt List ❑ Sign-in Sheet ❑ Site Inspection Checklist ❑ Supplies Checklist ❑ Vendor Checklist

©iStock.com/AlpamayoPhoto

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY TODAY!

www.ReunionsWorkbook.com/23EssentialTools

CREATE A

Reunion BETTER

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Mobile-Friendly ReunionsWorkbook.com

✓ Downloadable ❒

Forms ✓ E-News&Video ❒ ✓ Planning Tools & Resources ❒ ✓ Destination Site InSpections ❒

Site InSpection

See For Yourself at ReunionsWorkbook.com

Managing Your

Invitation Essentials

Invite Photo by ©iStock.com/rasslava

Budgeting for sending invitations: For each mailing you should count Paper x (#) = $ _______________ Printing x (#) = ______________ Envelope x (#) = _____________ Labels (material + printing) x (#) = ________ Postage x (#) = ________ Total $ ________

©iStock.com/IPGGutenbergUKLtd

on’t worry whether feuding cousins or black sheep will come. Let them decide.

Eccentric members always entertain and give everyone something to talk about. If yours is a class or military reunion, your invitation goes to all known members. Finding them may be your challenge. Members of family reunions can be endless combinations, like descendants of David and Angela Cabrol who emigrated from Germany in the 1800s and settled in Hometown, USA. That could be thousands by now. Family reunions are often three generations (parents, children, grandchildren) or cousins who grew up together but have scattered around the world, or anyone with the same first or last name or your own definition of family.

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How to Communicate Consistency is key. Deliver regular email or snail mail updates. Mailings (letters, fliers, postcards, newsletters) get most people’s attention. Some get posted on refrigerators.

Email reduces costs and can be used for surveys, announcements, recruitment of volunteers or donations and registration.

26 REUNIONS WORKBOOK

Don’t Forget Facebook Facebook pages provide another level of communication and community. Post information before and summaries and pictures after your reunion. There are free or super cheap ways to create websites for reunions—check out the resource section at ReunionsWorkbook.com.

Word-of-Mouth Ask members to talk up your reunion as they get together in person or as they are communicating on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest.

Publicity If you are searching for members or simply want the world to know about your reunion – publicize it with local papers or press release services found online. Send a notice – or better yet an invitation to local or specialty newspapers and associations. Invite them to come and cover your event.

Invites - What’s Inside?

Your invitation must publicize dates, details and deadlines. Include prices, accommodations, special events, themes, contests, any special

guests, programs or activities. Your goals are to encourage early registration and build anticipation for your event.

One of your greatest challenges will be getting members to respond to your communications.

Always include deadlines and stick to them. Stuff keepsake orders, accommodation instructions, meal choices, directions, maps, special requests and events (tours, parties, auction, raffle) inside the invitation envelope.

If your members respond instantly, skip this.

If not, offer incentives for responding early. Set two deadline dates and for the earlier offer a 5% discount, priority rooms, preferred seating or something free or discounted. Celebrate the first response by sending an email to the group or posting on Facebook, “…This year for the 11th consecutive reunion, Auntie Kirsten got her reservation in before anyone else!”

Final Pre-reunion mailing Your last correspondence before the reunion should include final details and deadlines, an updated program or schedule, any costs or fees – especially outstanding fees, accommodation information, directions and instructions. ■ ReunionsWorkbook.com

Your

Communication

Getting organized

While some reunion records are still kept on index cards, computer databases can be easily created using programs like Excel or Google Docs to keep necessary reunion member information accurate and updated. Alternatively, there are free or low-cost software programs designed specifically for managing reunions.

Regardless of what you use, each person, couple or family should have a record that includes name, address, phone, email address and other numbers. Set up your database to sort by zip code for mailing; by last name for a directory; by city, age, interests.

Staying in touch Once your reunion becomes a tradition, it should be each person’s responsibility to make sure his or her information is up-to-date, so ask for help to fill in details of your database. Rely on members or social media to find others. There is often one person who stays in touch more than anyone else: a genealogist, historian, classmate, aunt or uncle who has kept careful records about everyone can help.

Searching is an ongoing process often delegated to your most curious and detail-oriented members.

Genealogists and family historians are notorious for starting family reunions and they never stop searching. Technology is exciting, constantly changing and makes searching easier. Websites and national phone directories provide instant access to many databases that put endless information at your fingertips.

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Keeping everyone in the loop There will be no reunion until you announce it. All reunion communications should include dates, times, location and contact information. As you learn more, include information about fees, payment/cancellation/refund, maps and party instructions.

How often should you communicate? As often as necessary! A note in your Christmas card or a postcard sent in plenty of time to make reservations might be sufficient for some. A series of letters, e-blasts and newsletters build momentum, share planning progress, keep members informed and updated, generate enthusiasm and increase attendance, but make sure every communications piece has an action item. Here are a few tools you have at your disposal.

Postcards Postcards are a quick and easy, graphic-friendly and inexpensive way to communicate. Pre-printed postcards that announce “Save the Date” and remind folks that time is running out are inexpensive to produce. Consider printing overruns and mailing “Save the Date” cards twice.

Phone Share phoning and follow-up responsibility with committee members. Use a phone tree where volunteers agree to call and notify a list of others until everyone is called. A good division of labor is to have one person from each generation/branch/class/ unit/group take responsibility to notify others in their “line.”

Budget for staying in touch If staying in touch is your responsibility, count on donating your time and creativity to the cause. Costs include printing, postage, phone, fax or web hosting.

Letter/email announcement

Websites

This is how you kick off your formal reunion plams. If you’re mailing the initial communication, no one minds photocopied letters.

Creating a website used to be a complicated, expensive task, but no longer. There are a host of low-cost or free services that help you create a professional looking, easy-to-use website.

E-newsletters Regularly published newsletters are popular for reunion communication. Keep a schedule and invite everyone to submit news. When your members look forward to reunion information, they learn to respect your deadlines.

Social media Many reunions have turned to social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to announce and report changes and progress, as well as post photos, calendars, agendas and so forth. ©iStock.com/RonTech2000

Choosing A

Date Reunion s illustrated under the Reunion Planning Timeline, planning a reunion takes a lot of time and dedicated effort from a host of people. Therefore, choosing a reunion date one to two years in advance will give everyone enough time to plan their participation, ask for vacation time and save the money needed to attend.

It also gives you time to carefully choose a destination, and negotiate discounts and special amenities. Destinations and hotels generally prefer business that’s booked far in advance and they will reward you for booking early.

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Four seasons of reunion fun Equally important as advance planning, seasonality will have a huge influence on your reunion destination and participation. A lot of family reunions occur over the summer when kids are out of school and parents have the greatest flexibility in their travel schedules. This is logical.

You want to plan your event to appeal to the greatest number of participants, but consider that in popular family vacation destinations, rates can skyrocket over the popular summer months. And if you’re traveling down south, the mercury and humidity will rise as summer kicks into high gear.

While the majority of family reunions happen

For Your

over the summer, consider the benefits of other seasons when making plans.

Fall is a pleasant time of year weather-wise, and in many parts of the country the trees’ change of colors is worth the trip alone. You can find bargains as popular destinations tend to discount rates during this traditional shoulder travel season. Balance this against the negative influence of families reluctant to pull kids out of school.

In winter, ski destinations welcome groups of all types with special amenity packages, discounted lift tickets, equipment rentals and cozy gathering spots for reunion members. Don’t worry if all members of your group don’t ski – today’s modern resorts have activities and entertainment for skiers and non-skiers alike.

Of course, the Sunbelt and Caribbean make pleasant winter reunion diversions; any time spent away from the cold and snow is a blessing for Northerners.

Still other reunions look to spring to beat the winter doldrums and take advantage of strategic periods when kids have time off school.

Beware, however, that spring-break periods differ from one school district to another and getting advance schedules (over a year out) can prove troublesome. Also, some destinations cater to the

rowdy college spring-break crowd, so ferret out your options and find something that’s familyfriendly, too.

Regardless of seasonality, long holiday weekends are popular choices for reunions. You’re going to pay a little more here, but with built-in vacation time for your attendees, getting time off work won’t be such a challenge.

Memorial Day, Labor Day, 4th of July, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day and Thanksgiving all present extended weekend travel options.

How do I choose a date?

The most important aspect of choosing a date is to stick to your decision. If your group is larger than two, someone will always have a conflict.

If you do an annual reunion, consider setting dates two reunions in advance so people who are unable to attend this time can plan to be at the next one. Poll your group to avoid conflicts, get consensus for several choices and if desired, coincide with holiday weekends.

Another popular option? Reunions planned around major milestones – grandma’s 90th birthday, mom and dad’s 50th anniversary, a high school or college graduation, or a long overdue retirement make great gathering occasions.

Photos from ©iStock.com/Jani Bryson

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ReunionsWorkbook.com

Spring break can be a convenient time for families with school-age children. The winter-weary will look forward to the reunion with great anticipation.

How long should my reunion be?

If you’ve not reunited before, poll your group members to determine if they have a preference, but keep in mind, responses just may be all over the board. Rule of thumb, geography and demographics rule. If your reunion members are all local to the area, then a one-day reunion may suffice. Coming in from a day’s drive? Probably a weekend is in order. Have a lakeside resort retreat in mind? Might need up to a week for that.

If you have hosted a reunion before, past performance IS an indicator of future results.

Study how you’ve performed attendance-wise and where members came from to determine how a new destination and different set of days are going to influence attendance.

Summer is the most popular time for family reunions.

How often should we reunite?

In a poll of Reunion Workbook readers who have hosted multiple reunions, 49% of them met annually, 23% met every two years, 9% every three, 4% every five and 15% had no set timetable.

How often you plan a reunion is ultimately up to the participants and their desire to travel to reconnect. That being said, the best time to celebrate life is while we’re all still alive - not at a memorial service, not at a funeral – so get out there and reunite! ■ ReunionsWorkbook.com

REUNIONS WORKBOOK 29

Making

Destination Decisions

hen considering reunion site possibilities, factors like climate, proximity to reunion members, airports, train stations and major highways all factor in to the decision-making process. Does your group prefer an urban center, or a remote lakeside retreat? Like the convenience of suburban or airport locations,

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or do you prefer a rural bed & breakfast or farmhouse. Want something close to home, or a true getaway retreat?

You may want to plan your event around concurrent events like festivals, sporting events, concerts and conventions. The challenge here is that often schedules are released a few months before

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the scheduled event, less than the recommended 12-month window for booking reunion space.

Regardless of where you reunite, local amenities are important to the enjoyment of your guests and success of your reunion. Decide what’s important by marking your requirements and be certain each is available.

These choices will go a long way in making everyone happy. ❏ Ball fields/parks ❏ Boating/water sports ❏ Casinos/bingo halls ❏ Fishing/hunting ❏ Golf courses ❏ Hiking and biking trails ❏ Local entertainment venues ❏ Museums/galleries/historical sites ❏ Restaurants ❏ Shopping ❏ Skiing/snowboarding ❏ Spas ❏ Swimming/water parks ❏ Tennis/pickleball/racquetball ❏ Theme parks ❏ Water parks ❏ Zoos/animal parks

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Narrowing in on your destination locations, you’re faced with a new choice – accommodations type. Surprisingly for some, lodging choices are plentiful. ❏ Bed & breakfast/inn ❏ Campground, RV Park ❏ Church/monastery ❏ College dormitory ❏ Condominiums ❏ Conference center ❏ Cruise ship ❏ Hotel – limited-service, full-service, luxury ❏ Houseboat ❏ Private homes ❏ Ranch/farm ❏ Resort/Spa

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Convention and Visitors Bureau Services Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVB) are nonprofit organizations that represent cities, counties or regions. Their mission is to promote tourism to their area, and services are often free. Once you have narrowed your destination choices, contact local CVBs found in this guide or on ReunionsWorkbook.com.

CVBs can help orchestrate a successful reunion by providing information/advice on the area’s major attractions and obtaining accommodation costs and other services based on your requirements.

It’s important to note that CVBs operate under a certain jurisdiction and are therefore bound by that. For example, a CVB representing a specific

city, county or region will only be able to help you with arrangements in their area. While some CVBs are community-based, representing the entirety of tourism interests in their service area, others are membership bureaus where local businesses pay a fee to have the CVB represent them. In this case, recommendations given will be those of members.

CVBs typically have a person assigned to work with reunions in facilitating these requests: ❏ Discounted group rates for housing, attractions, entertainment, transportation ❏ Maps, brochures ❏ Mailing assistance ❏ Registration assistance ❏ Official greeting by the mayor or public official ©iStock.com/pastorscott

❏ Name tags ❏ Banners ❏ Children’s/spouse programs ❏ Services for special needs ❏ Sightseeing tours ❏ Souvenirs, promotional giveaways, door prizes CVBs can be helpful in setting up familiarization visits, often called fam trips or site inspections, of their destination. This allows you to get a feel for the area, visit hotels, tour attractions and meet service providers. This is often done at no or little cost to the planner with the understanding that you are serious about bringing them a piece of business.

While most reunion planners are legitimate, the underbelly of the market uses fam trips as a free vacation, so be prepared for lots of questions about your group’s history and intentions. Fam trips are a lot of work to set up and the bureau is putting up money and spending time to host you. Choose the trips you accept wisely.

Absent of a formal fam or on-site inspection, CVBs often have elaborate websites that paint a great picture of their area. They may have video tours and inspection reports, and can provide you with referrals of others who have hosted events similar to yours.

Nobody has their pulse on the local market like a bureau and they can be an invaluable ally throughout the process. Look to them for recommendations and RFP (request for proposal) help with: ❏ Audio-visual equipment ❏ Auto rental/charter buses ❏ Caterers ❏ Entertainment ❏ Florists ❏ Local media contacts ❏ Photographer/videographer ❏ Speakers ❏ Tours and excursions

Using Tour Operators and Travel Agents In our rush to book everything online, we have forgotten about the invaluable services travel agents and tour operators provide. It’s worthwhile if you're organizing complicated travel or taking a cruise. Many travel agents now specialize in group or cruise travel and will not charge to book a cruise or tour package because they earn commissions. A good tour operator/ travel agent can save you hours of research time learning about destinations, and negotiating discounts, special amenities, parties and meeting space. ■ ReunionsWorkbook.com

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Take a Virtual Site InSpection of Your Next Reunion Destination

side from the myriad of planning details involved in organizing a reunion, it’s critical to pick a destination that’s a great fit for your group. While location is important, so are amenities and sticking to a budget!

Throughout this edition of Reunions Workbook you will find destinations, hotels and resorts not only eager to, but able to help you orchestrate a phenomenal reunion gathering.

The following section features Site InSpections of reunion-friendly destinations across the country. Here you can take a closer look inside; discover new details, insights and angles that help you make the right destination decision.

Each of these organizations and dozens more are profiled online at ReunionsWorkbook.com.

From the home page of the website, click on the Site InSpections tab, or search by keyword or state to hone in on specific resources that fit your needs.

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New Orleans CVB

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34 36 38 39 40 42 43 44 45 46 48

Gillette-Wright, Wyoming Atlanta Airport District, Georgia Chicago Southland, Illinois DeSoto County, Mississippi Columbus, Ohio Historic East Coast of Florida, Florida Fort Worth, Texas Garrett County, Maryland Gettysburg Foundation, Pennsylvania The Greystone Lodge on the River, Tennessee Harrison County, Indiana

49 50 51 52 54 56 58 59 60 61 62

Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, Florida Joplin, Missouri The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, Florida Kissimmee, Florida Lake County, Illinois Mall of America, Minnesota New Orleans, Louisiana North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Ocean City, Maryland Atlantic City, New Jersey Greater Akron, Ohio

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Gillette-Wright, Wyoming

A Monumental Reunion in Gillette-Wright, Wyoming

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ring the family together in northeast Wyoming’s scenic Campbell County, where the two towns of Gillette and Wright are just 40 miles apart, with Gillette providing easy access to the famed Devils Tower.

In Gillette-Wright, the activities are as unique as the surroundings, offering incredible experiences that will create memories for years to come. You simply can’t miss a visit to Devils Tower National Monument. Rising 1,200 feet above the Belle Fourche River, this geological wonder, the country’s first national monument, leaves visitors in awe.

On the Coal Mine Tour, visitors can get an eye-opening look at some of the largest surface mines in the world. Another iconic local feature is the image of bison roaming 34 REUNIONS WORKBOOK

the plains. Want to see these animals up close?

Schedule a visit to Durham Buffalo Ranch and be sure to have your camera ready. While in town, pay a visit to the Campbell County Rockpile Museum, which provides a look at the history, culture and people of the region.

Car and antique lovers will want to check out the Frontier Auto Museum, and history buffs will be fascinated by Wyoming lore at the Wright Centennial Museum. On a reunion, you don’t want to stay cooped up inside, so take advantage of the countless parks, golf courses, pools and the charming Main Street of Gillette – all perfect places for family bonding.

In Campbell County, the flavors of the great American West are alive and well, from barbecue chicken and ribs dripping in tasty sauces to classic ribeye and local

microbrews. Pokey’s Smokehouse & BBQ, Boot Hill Legendary Steakhouse and Prime Rib Restaurant and Wine Cellar are some of the big names in town that are also perfect for large groups.

While small, Gillette-Wright is definitely not short on hotels, motels, RV parks and campgrounds, all with a great list of amenities.

Arbuckle Lodge, Hampton Inn, Wright Hotel and Wingate are just some of the hotels offering large meeting spaces and other reunion-friendly features. I

GILLETTE-WRIGHT, WYOMING Terry Sjolin, Sales Manager terry@visitgillettewright.com 307-686-0040 VisitGilletteWright.com

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ATL Airport District, Georgia

Reunions Take Flight in the ATL Airport District

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he ATL Airport District is based around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with world-class hotels and restaurants perfect for reunions of any size. Your group can save over 30 percent on accommodations by staying 10 miles outside downtown Atlanta while enjoying the charms of the metro area’s southern neighborhoods. The district includes 45 hotels with over 8,000 hotel rooms that include free airport shuttle service. Your group will find an intersection of history and hospitality in the cultural capital of the South.

Minutes away from the airport is the Delta Flight Museum, housed in the airline’s original headquarters and a host to numerous exhibits on aviation and the company’s history.

Nearby, the Chick-fil-A Home Office Backstage Tour leads your group through the fast food company’s headquarters while revealing 36 REUNIONS WORKBOOK

the history behind the famous “Eat Mor Chikin” cows. Car enthusiasts should make a beeline to the Porsche Driving Experience, 25 acres of test tracks and exhibits where you can try a German-engineered sports car for yourself.

Located in Atlanta’s historic Luckie Marietta district, Pemberton Place is home to many of Atlanta’s top attractions and is 10 miles away from the ATL Airport District.

Inside, The World of Coca-Cola guides visitors through a history of the world’s bestknown soda company. Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the country, is the only place outside of Asia to see a giant whale shark, seven times larger than an average human and housed in a 6.3-million-gallon tank. The Center for Civil and Human Rights focuses on civil rights history in Atlanta and ongoing fight for human equality across the globe.

Across the street from Pemberton Place is Centennial Olympic Park, built for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and host to weekly concerts and cultural events. Here you’ll also find SkyView Atlanta, a Ferris wheel that rises over 20 stories along the city’s skyline.

Blending affordable accommodations and meals with access to meeting spaces, the district ensures your reunion is completely on-site and within your budget. With Atlanta’s attractions minutes away and Southern hospitality in all our services, you may never want to leave. I

ATL AIRPORT DISTRICT DMO Todd Neal tneal@atldistrict.com 404-334-7505 ATLDistrict.com

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SI Chicago Southland, Illinois Plan the Ultimate Family Reunion in Chicago Southland, Illinois

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hicago Southland provides family reunions with a diverse array of activities, convenient accommodations, delicious dining options and worldclass attractions, making it easier than ever to plan the ultimate family gathering.

You can catch the horse racing action at the first show jumping facility in the Midwest, HITS Balmoral Park. A premier equestrian facility, it features 12 competition rings and events that run from May to September.

HITS also offers Show Hunting, where competitors show their skills in the fox hunting field, and are tested on manners, fluid movement and correct jumping style.

History buffs in the family can stroll through some of Chicago Southland’s iconic neighborhoods, including the Pullman Historic District, now a national monument, filled with buildings and houses that were once part of a company town created by the

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famous rail car manufacturer. If you have young kids in your group, head over to Odyssey Fun World. Youngsters will be entertained for hours at the 45,000-squarefoot indoor facility, which features rides, a laser trek arena, gaming lounge and exploration adventure.

The location of the best pizza is hotly debated, but you won’t find a better slice than in the Chicago Southland favorite.

Aurelio’s Pizza in Homewood has been specializing in thin crust since 1959 and is the oldest Chicago franchise. The restaurant prides itself on its signature sauce, brick pizza ovens and family-oriented atmosphere.

Chicago Southland features a number of full- and select-service hotels, all of which can accommodate family reunions. For small family reunions, you can opt for a boutique hotel, like LaBanque, which offers only 17 rooms—so book it up quickly if you’re a fan

Pullman National Monument

of smaller venues. Many larger chains can be found in Chicago Southland if that’s more your style. With the many options available, you’re sure to find a place that suits your needs and fits your budget.

Planning a family reunion should no longer be something to dread. Pick Chicago Southland for your reunion, and you’ll feel confident in your choice. I

CHICAGO SOUTHLAND Kristy Stevens sales@visitchicagosouthland.com 888-895-3211 GatherInTheChicagoSouthland.com

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SI DeSoto County, Mississippi Charming and Hospitable DeSoto County, Mississippi

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ust miles from the big city but with all the charms of small-town America, DeSoto County provides the perfect setting for coming together with family and friends.

History buffs, nature lovers, foodies, sports fans, art lovers – if any of these sound like members of your group, you’re in luck.

Plan to attend an event at Landers Center, where each month offers an incredible variety, from hockey games and reptile shows to concerts and monster truck rallies. Another great option for groups is Snowden Grove, which features famous musical guests, so be sure to check the calendar and see who’s in town. For a fun afternoon of shopping or just escaping the heat on a hot summer day, Tanger Outlets has great deals at nearly 100 stores. And for outdoor fun, why not bond over a friendly game of golf at one of DeSoto County’s four championship golf courses?

With over 300 restaurants dotting DeSoto County, you can find something to fit every palate and budget. Try some Memphis-style barbecue fare, stop in at a family deli, enjoy a casual and fun pizza night, experience fine dining or explore cuisines of the world such as Chinese, Japanese and Mexican. You’ll have fun seeking out the hidden gems and classic eateries throughout the county, many of which are prepared to host groups.

With over 40 hotels of varying sizes and levels of luxury, planning is easy. If your group is up for adventure or looking for a way to bring the natural surroundings into your retreat, choose from one of the various campground options. What better space for a reunion? In addition to beautiful accommodations, there are venues ideal for hosting groups, and the DeSoto County CVB is ready to help make your next gathering a success. I

DESOTO COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI Margaret Devine margaret@sodesoto.com 662-393-8770 SoDeSoto.com

DeSoto County, Mississippi is the perfect place to hold your reunion.

For more information, call 662-393-8770 or visit SoDeSoto.com.

Charming B+B’s

Reunion Facilities

Golf

Shopping

In Northwest Mississippi, minutes from Memphis and Tunica.

With 40+ hotels, 7 B+B’s, 300+ restaurants and lots of fun activities, a great reunion is just a phone call away.

INTRIGUING!

DeSoto County, Mississippi H E R N A N D O · H O R N L A K E · OLIVE BRANCH · SOUTHAVEN · WALLS

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SI

Columbus, Ohio

What You Need to Know to Plan a Reunion in Columbus, Ohio

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convenient, entertaining destination for your reunion, Columbus, Ohio offers family-friendly attractions, a diverse dining scene and comfortable accommodations.

Looking for something educational for the young ones? Head to COSI (Center of Science and Industry) for some interactive entertainment. This museum features over 300 exhibits for all ages, including the Energy Explorers and Meet the Innovators.

Another fun attraction for the whole family is the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, which showcases animals from all over the world.

Your family can take a camel ride in Heart of Africa, wander the misty jungle trails in Congo Expedition, or come face to face with manatees at Shores & Aquariums.

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For something a little more active, check out Scioto Audubon Metro Park. The 120acre park used to be a field of industrial structure, but it has been transformed into an oasis filled with wildlife and exciting activities.

The park is located next to the Scioto River, where you can take the family out on a boat, kayak or canoe. Put your family to the test at the Columbus Rotary Obstacle Course, which offers a quarter-mile running track, a tire run and flip, tunnel crawl, monkey bars and more.

For families that love sports, make a trip to Huntington Park, home of the Columbus Clippers, AAA affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Catch a game there during the season and enjoy special games, promotions, songs and mascots through every inning. Find some

different sports action at Game of Western Columbus, which features bowling, laser tag, video games and pool.

To get a little taste of local cuisine, try Columbus Food Adventures, which takes you and your family on fun tours through Columbus’ food scene. The offerings—samples included—range from walking tours of the Short North Arts District, German Village and Old Worthington to visits to the best taco food trucks. I

EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS Sarah Doodan CTAsdoodan@experiencecolumbus.com 614-222-6146, 800-354-2657 ExperienceColumbus.com/reunions

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What does an armadillo feel like?

Where does fun run in the family?

Finding something for everyone isn’t easy. But with can’t-miss festivals, nationally ranked attractions and unbeatable shopping, Columbus is full of things your whole group will love. Find out more about this affordable, easy-to-get-to destination at experiencecolumbus.com/reunions or by calling 800-354-2657.

Where do family reunions become family events?

SI St. Augustine, Florida Take Your Next Reunion to Florida’s Historic Coast

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hether you dream of days spent lounging on the pristine beach, exploring the charming old town of St. Augustine or checking out the natural beauty and attractions, the region is ideal for reunions because of the incredible variety it offers.

Are there golfers in your family? If so, don’t miss Ponte Vedra Beach: The Players Stadium Course. Its world-renowned 17th island hole at TPC Sawgrass should be on the bucket list for golfers no matter what level they play. Your trip won’t be complete without a visit to the World Golf Hall of Fame, which gives visitors an opportunity to learn more about the history of the sport and the region’s place in it.

Learn together as you and your family visit Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the U.S. Dating back to 1695, the fort features daily demonstrations of Spanish military life for visitors. You can

also go back in time at the Colonial Quarter, a living history attraction right in the heart of St. Augustine. At the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, climb 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse for breathtaking views and learn about the town’s maritime and World War II history.

If you’d like to be in the heart of St. Augustine with access to the charming town and nearby beach, be sure to check out the historic, Spanish-influenced Casa Monica Resort & Spa, the centrally located Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront, the quaint bed and breakfast Bayfront Marin House, the new, upscale Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens or the homey St. George Inn. About 30 miles up the historic coast, check out the beachside resort and amazing views at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club or the luxurious and family-friendly Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at the local visitor’s bureau are ready to make

planning simple and convenient, so you can spend your time enjoying family knowing the details are taken care of. Start planning today for your next reunion – at the beach. I

ST. AUGUSTINE, PONTE VEDRA AND THE BEACHES VCB Jaya Dillard, Sales & Service Manager jdillard@floridashistoriccoast.com 904-209-4429 FloridasHistoricCoast.com

B ACK IN TIME, I F O N LY F O R A L I T T L E W H I L E .

Here, battle-worn walls and brick streets hold centuries of stories. Quaint inns nestle in old-world charm. And glamorous resorts stretch along the shore.

Versatile venues inspire memorable events.

Legendary landmarks are perfectly preserved. And 42 miles of beaches beckon barefoot explorers.

To download your free travel guide, visit FloridasHistoricCoast.com or call 800 - 418-7529.

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SI

Fort Worth, Texas

Round Up Your Family for a Texas Reunion

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ort Worth is a North Texas city with an authentic cowboy and culinary culture.

Part of the larger Dallas-Fort Worth region, the city contains enough hotels, restaurants and attractions to engage your group for weeks, and it’s minutes away from the amenities in America’s fourth-largest metro area. The Fort Worth CVB can offer you assistance in organizing an unforgettable Texas family reunion. Complete with a welcome greeting and a souvenir for each member of your family.

Established as an army outpost in 1849, Fort Worth is surrounded by history. Your group can walk into the Old West in the Stockyards National Historic District. The area is now an entertainment hub, with restaurants such as Riscky’s Barbecue ReunionsWorkbook.com

serving hand-rubbed ribs and saloons perfect for adult evenings. Visitors can see the twice daily Longhorn Herd Cattle drive and buy authentic leather boots at M.L. Leddy's.

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is home to interactive exhibits designed for younger visitors; they can excavate ancient bones at the DinoLab, simulate an earthquake in Energy Blast and run their own ranch at the Cattle Raisers Museum. At the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, your group can learn about the incredible women who contributed to ranching and Western culture.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is 10,000 square feet of explorative conservatory space.

An elevated boardwalk with 13 interactive stations guides visitors through a native

Texas forest, while guests can find serenity in the Japanese or tropical gardens. Group members of all ages will enjoy the Fort Worth Zoo, home to Raptor Canyon, Parrot Paradise and a recreation of the Australian Outback.

At Six Flags Over Texas, you can save Gotham on Batman: The Ride or experience Titan, the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster in the Lone Star State. Group rates are offered at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. One of the largest stadiums in the NFL, this state-of-the-art venue features massive video screens, diverse concessions and private boxes for rent. I

FORT WORTH 1-800-433-5747 ext. 214 FortWorth.com

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SI Garrett County, Maryland Explore the Natural Beauty of Garrett County, Maryland

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ear-round, Garrett County never fails to offer a fun experience to all its visitors. Getting close to nature, teeing up for a round of 18 holes, enjoying the waterways by kayak or boat, shopping, wintertime fun in the snow, hitting the ski slopes, playing at the arcades and just simply relaxing in this rural paradise make for a perfect family-friendly destination.

Deep Creek Lake State Park is a major draw for visitors to Garrett County. Canoes, kayaks and other boats dot Maryland’s largest lake, the perfect place to spend days with family and enjoy each other’s company in one of the state’s most beautiful natural areas. Swimming and fishing are popular, and in winter you can try your hand at ice fishing. A number of state parks are scattered throughout the area, including the popular Swallow Falls State Park, which offers some of Maryland’s most breathtaking scenery and the state’s highest waterfall: Muddy Creek Falls.

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In Garrett County, you will find all sorts of options from casual to fine dining, local to international. Grab a bite by the lake at restaurants like Deep Creek Seafood and Boardwalk Bar & Grill. Dig in to a piping-hot pizza at Brenda’s Pizzeria, which is home to beautiful views just off the lake. Also popular among visitors and groups are Cornish Manor Restaurant and Dutch’s at Silver Tree, both on the lakefront. At the northern end of Garrett County are some favorites like Cornucopia Cafe and Penn Alps Restaurant.

Does your family prefer tents to hotels?

Then you’ve indeed picked the ideal reunion spot, with campgrounds at Deep Creek Lake and in parks around the region. The area abounds with vacation rental homes, one of the most popular options for reunions.

Of course, there are plenty of hotel and motel options for every budget. Check out the Lodges at Sunset Village, a Log Cabin Suite

Hotel with rooms that can hold up to 10 people, or the LakeStar Lodge, where all 20 rooms offer lake views. I

GARRETT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Jen Durben, Heritage Area & Groups Director jen@garrettchamber.com • 301-387-5238 DeepCreekReunions.com

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Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Reunite at Historic Gettysburg

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ettysburg provides reunions a glimpse into the past with intriguing tours and exhibits. The Gettysburg Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the preservation of Gettysburg and advocating for its importance as a historical site. Reunions can spend hours exploring the battlefield and many significant attractions on the grounds.

Your reunion group will begin the experience at the Visitor Center and Museum at Gettysburg National Military Park. Be sure to peruse the 11 exhibits at the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War, which features artifacts and interactive displays.

The most recent exhibit, “With Brush, Mold, Chisel, and Pen: Reflections on Civil War Art,” opened in June 2016 and showcases some of the most celebrated artists of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The center also hosts showings of A New Birth of Freedom, a film narrated by Morgan Freeman. The film documents the many causes and consequences of the Civil War and the battle that would be fought at Gettysburg.

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The Cyclorama should not be missed. This breathtaking canvas, created by French artist Paul Philippoteaux, measures 377 feet in circumference and 42 feet high—longer than a football field. The oil painting features lights and sound effects that immerse guests in the ferocity of Pickett’s Charge, which took place on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Licensed Battlefield Guides are welltrained and knowledgeable resources for battlefield tours. You can reserve a guide for your vehicle or take a Battlefield Bus Tour.

Your group will learn more about the battle as you make stops at monuments and recognize those who served there.

If you come in the summer, you have the opportunity to visit the George Spangler Farm, the best surviving example of a farm that was used as a corps field hospital during the three days of fighting. Groups also can tour the nearby Eisenhower Farm—the only home President Dwight Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie ever owned, preserved as

it was in the 1950s. Children can become Junior Secret Service Agents.

Gettysburg is a wonderful spot for a reunion. There’s plenty for the whole gang to enjoy and discover. Groups of 16 or more will receive a discounted rate. To complete your reservation or for additional information, contact the group sales and reservations department. I

GETTYSBURG FOUNDATION Toll Free: 877-874-2478 reservations@gettysburgfoundation.org GettysburgFoundation.org

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SI

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Families Gather at Gatlinburg’s Greystone Lodge on the River

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he charming town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee has for decades been attracting groups of families and friends who love the variety of accommodations, range of attractions and natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Choosing Gatlinburg as your reunion destination is the right move in beginning to plan your reunion, and Gatlinburg’s Greystone Lodge on the River is ready to welcome your family with warm and welcoming facilities.

Nature, music, arts—there is so much to choose from, and you’ll love the variety of options for the ideal itinerary to fit your reunion. Make time to stroll along the Little Pigeon River, which winds through town and is lined with a gorgeous parkway, gazebos and plenty of greenspace. The quaint downtown is walkable and dotted with shops and eateries open for business year-round.

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The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is a craft lover’s dream; you’ll find over 100 shops full of artists and craftspeople waiting to share their work on this eight-mile loop, making it the largest gathering of independent artisans in North America. Other visitor favorites include the Cherokee Grill, Smoky Mountain Candy Kitchen and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

Smoky flavors that bring out the best of the region’s fare, eclectic recipes and local favorites can all be found in Gatlinburg.

There are over 100 dining options to choose from, so there is sure to be something to keep everyone happy and far from hungry.

Stop by Pancake Pantry, a local favorite famous for breakfast. You can choose from upscale dining, family-oriented restaurants, small local establishments and cozy

riverside cafes.

You’ll find that the peaceful oasis in Greystone Lodge is the perfect place to unwind. Rooms, mostly located on the river, are cozy but spacious and reflect the natural feel of the Great Smoky Mountains that are in Gatlinburg’s backyard. Rooms range from standard to executive two-bedroom family suites, and there are cottages with the conveniences of home.

You’ll feel right at home at this charming Appalachian retreat in the Great Smoky Mountains, so reserve today and make 2017 a year to remember. I

THE GREYSTONE LODGE Avi Elyse McCullah groupsales@greystonelodgetn.com 800-451-9202 GreystoneLodgeTN.com

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SI Harrison County, Indiana Harrison County, Indiana Offers Fun for Everyone

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n the heart of Southern Indiana lies a county known for its beauty and recreational offerings – but you have to look below the surface to see some of its most intriguing features – the caves.

Explore the famous Indiana Caverns, Squire Boone Caverns or Indiana Cave Trail. Cave tours can be booked as a multi-day trip for families interested in really getting to know the cave system. For more outdoor fun, visit Squire Boone Caverns Zipline Adventures and soar through the trees on a ride that will get your adrenaline pumping and take you through Harrison County’s gorgeous scenery. The whole family will love Golf Shores Fun Center, which features two 18-hole mini golf courses, an arcade, coffee shop and even party rooms perfect for reunion planners.

For adult members of the group, a tour of the local wineries is a perfect way to spend the day, and Harrison County has five of them.

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Or adults can head to Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino, which offers more than 100 gaming tables and 2,000 slots.

Why not learn something new while you enjoy your reunion with family? At Zimmerman Art Glass in Corydon, visitors can watch demonstrations of glassmaking and purchase beautiful pieces including ornaments and paperweights. Learn about Indiana’s history in Corydon, its first state capital, at the Old Capitol and see where Indiana’s first constitution was signed.

Harrison County offers everything from casual and family-style to fine dining, quick service and sweet treats. Check out a locally owned favorite like Point Blank Brewing Company, Beaver Street Tap Room, Frederick’s Cafe and Bill’s on the Hill for meals that are sure to leave you satisfied.

Choosing where to lay your head at the end of a fun day with family is one of the biggest decisions to make when planning a

reunion. Harrison County offers a range of lodging styles – from camping and RV sites in gorgeous forest settings to traditional hotels with full amenities. Consider a cozy bed and breakfast, or check out the cabin and cottage options. I

HARRISON COUNTY, INDIANA Stacy Pirtle stacyp@thisisindiana.org 888-738-2137 ThisIsIndiana.org

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SI Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, Florida Reunions are a Breeze at Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront

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ocated on Central Florida’s Atlantic coast and steps away from a pristine white sand beach, Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront offers every possible amenity for your reunion. Recently renovated guest rooms, spacious meeting areas and a lush tropical atmosphere will bring serenity and luxury to your gathering. A simple ramp is all that separates your family from the Atlantic Ocean, with a private beach that will delight swimmers, snorkelers and sunbathers.

If Cocoa Beach’s year-round sun and sand aren’t enough, the Hilton’s central location is ideal for day trips. The resort is 45 minutes from Orlando, Daytona Beach and Port St. Lucie and six miles south of Port Canaveral, a major hub for cruise ships if your group wishes to add a leg to the reunion. Nearby is Exploration Tower, a seven-story architectural wonder filled with interactive exhibits, several companies that can charter a deep-sea fishing excursion and various waterfront

restaurants. Groups can learn about the Apollo program at the Kennedy Space Center, watch a rocket launch from Banana Creek Viewing Area and pose next to a Space Shuttle that flew to the International Space Station. Seaworld, Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World theme parks are a short 75-minute drive away and famously accommodating to groups.

The Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront houses so many restaurants that your group will never need to leave the property. Salt Restaurant & Lounge offers unobstructed beach views to accompany a variety of fresh seafood options. For a more casual atmosphere, groups will love Longboards Tiki Beach Grille. Direct access from the pool deck makes eating and keeping track of family members a cinch, and a diverse menu of tacos, sandwiches and flatbreads will please even the pickiest eater in your party. Cool Beans Market offers wraps, sandwiches and a

variety of fresh-brewed Starbuck's beverages 24 hours a day.

Tastefully decorated with nautical motifs and painted in soothing blue tones, the Hilton’s 295 guest rooms are the ideal place for a restful evening. If you want to rent a private meeting area for your group, there is 10,000 square feet of outdoor oceanfront deck ideal for activity space, and if you want to keep your reunion out of the sun, there is an additional 10,000 square feet of banquet space for receptions. Recently renovated, the spaces provide A/V service, customized meal menus and a variety of table arrangements to best serve your reunion size. I

HILTON COCOA BEACH OCEANFRONT, FLORIDA Jennifer Odom jennifer.odom2@hilton.com 321-613-9058 CocoaBeach.Hilton.com

If you’re seeking quality time and adventure for your next reunion, then the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront is your destination!

As the Space Coast’s premier hotel, you can rest assured that friends and family will create fond, everlasting memories. Imagine viewing a rocket launch directly from our beach, soak up the sunshine while playing volleyball, catch waves on a boogie board or finally take that surf lesson. Experience a refreshing blend of sunny ambiance and fine cuisine at our Salt Restaurant or enjoy live entertainment oceanside while dining at Longboards Tiki Beach Grille. Sip on a refreshing beverage from Castaway Beach Bar while you take an invigorating stroll along our pristine coastline.

Relaxation is unavoidable with our famous Hilton Serenity Beds and impeccable customer service anticipating your every need. Call today to see what awaits your reunion!

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• Group Rates available for 10 or more guest rooms • Banquet Space and Hospitality Rooms Available • 45 Minutes from Orlando International Airport and Theme Parks • Lori Wilson Park located right next door, perfect for BBQs • Local destinations include Kennedy Space Center, Brevard Zoo, Victory Casino Cruise, Deep Sea Fishing, Wildlife Tours, Exploration Tower, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Dinosaur Digs, Aerial Adventures, and Cruises from Port Canaveral

Jennifer Odom • Jennifer.Odom2@Hilton.com

321-613- 9058 CocoaBeach.Hilton.com 1550 NORTH ATLANTIC AVENUE COCOA BEACH, FL 32931

REUNIONS WORKBOOK 49

SI Joplin, Missouri Reunion Groups Find Happiness in Joplin, Missouri

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oplin, Missouri (or JOMO, as the locals call it) provides reunion groups all the necessary amenities and fun-filled activities found in a big city, but with more affordable prices and a slower-paced ambiance.

History buffs can visit George Washington Carver National Monument for a one-mile, self-guiding tour through woodlands, across streams and along a tall grass restoration area to gaze upon the Boy Carver statue, the 1881 Moses Carver house and the Carver Family Cemetery. Nature lovers will enjoy Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center, with over four miles of hiking trails and indoor and outdoor facility rentals ideal for large reunion groups. Outdoor picnic areas overlook scenic Shoal Creek. Reunion group members can partake in outdoor activities such as golfing, floating, fishing and disc golf.

Adult reunion members can take a trip to Keltoi Vineyard, located just six miles east of Joplin in Oronogo. With approximately 43 acres of land and seven different types of

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grapes, the winery offers visitors a firsthand look at the fermentation process with the option to taste some of the wines.

Joplin’s thriving art culture provides art aficionados a variety of hands-on activities and fantastic shopping. From painting and pottery to jewelry and furniture, Joplin’s best art studios include Crackpot Pottery, Urban Art Gallery and the Spiva Center for the Arts. For shoppers, check out the expansive Northpark Mall or the boutique offerings at That One Place and Simply Vintage.

Joplin restaurants are sure to provide reunion groups with mouthwatering meals.

With one-of-a-kind breakfast and brunch joints, Chicago-style pizza pubs and an array of ethnic eateries, Joplin’s dining options are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Whether your group is looking for an economical motel, a charming bed and breakfast or a campground, Joplin has a wide array of accommodation options for groups big and small. Many of these options include in-room

kitchens, complimentary breakfast, pools, areas for recreational activities and public spaces for large groups to congregate.

From historical monuments to picturesque wineries, art studios to endless outdoor activities, JOMO will leave your reunion group wanting more. I

VISIT JOPLIN Erin Slifka eslifka@joplinmo.org 800-657-2534 VisitJoplinMO.com

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The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, Florida

Soak up the Sun with Family on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

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inding yourself lost in the countless destination options for your family trip? The search ends here, as The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel is the ideal location for any reunion or family getaway. From shelling on the beach to kayaking alongside dolphins, this location doesn’t fall short when it comes to group friendly fun.

Interested in history? Edison & Ford Winter Estates is home to nine historic buildings, including Edison's Botanic Research Laboratory and the Edison Ford Museum.

Learn about marine wildlife through Sanibel Sea School courses that are fit for the entire group. With half- and full-day courses offered daily, the school provides opportunities such as going on a bird walk, learning about alligators and searching for ReunionsWorkbook.com

sea turtle tracks.

For dinner, check out Pinchers, the family-owned restaurant that offers a wide array of fresh seafood and island-themed drinks. Located on Fort Myers Beach, Captiva Island and Sanibel Island, Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille is a local favorite that serves up a variety of seafood dishes. Dine out on the patio with a view overlooking Tarpon Point Marina and the Caloosahatchee River at Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro.

Looking for a comfortable and fun place to stay? Fort Myers & Sanibel offers numerous options that fit any budget. Voted a Top 10 Beach Resort for Families by Parents Magazine and located on Captiva Island, South Seas Island Resort offers countless activities available on- and off-site, including fishing and sailing. The Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina is located at

the end of Fort Myers Beach. This gorgeous hotel offers 12 acres of white-sand beaches, a full onsite spa and an event venue that can accommodate up to 140 people.

Outrigger Beach Resort, a Polynesianthemed resort nestled on Fort Myers Beach, offers two onsite restaurants, a Tiki bar and live music. Recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the “Best Places to Stay in the World,” Casa Ybel Resort is fitting for reunions. Known for its white-sand beaches, this resort offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

Visit us on Twitter: @FtMyersSanibel, Facebook: FtMyersSanibel, and Instagram: ftmyerssanibel. I

THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS & SANIBEL Candice Cocco, Tourism and Sales Manager CCocco@Leegov.com • 239-338-3500 FortMyers-Sanibel.com

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SI

Kissimmee, Florida

Gateway to the Best Florida Reunion

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ith a wide array of exciting attractions and activities, Kissimmee, Florida has something for everyone in your family—from theme parks and golf courses to shopping areas and outdoor adventures.

Groups that register their gathering at www.ReunionsInKissimmee.com and then choose a Kissimmee resort will receive customizable T-shirts for everyone staying overnight at the resort.

The children in your family reunion will enjoy the magic of Walt Disney World® Resorts’ Magic Kingdom®, while adults will like taking part in the culture of Epcot®, and everyone will love the animal encounters at Disney’s Animal Kingdom®. Your fam ily can literally ride the movies at Universal Studios Orlando, featuring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ experience with Diagon Alley™ and Hogsmeade™, as well as many other film-themed rides. Kissimmeebased attractions include the classic car cruise at Old Town, Fun Spot America’s 52 REUNIONS WORKBOOK

pulsating rides for thrill seekers or the chance to satisfy your senses at Chocolate Kingdom, a factory adventure tour.

Introduce the family to Florida nature on a thrilling airboat ride through the Headwaters of the Everglades, including Boggy Creek Airboat Rides, Wild Florida Airboats & Wildlife Park and Spirit of the Swamp.

Another way to see animals is to visit Gatorland, a 110-acre animal theme park with the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, an exciting option for the thrill-seekers in the group.

If you enjoy some entertainment with your meal, check out Capone’s Dinner & Show, a mock Prohibition-era speakeasy where diners are encouraged to interact with the actors.

At Medieval Times your group can watch knights joust and swordfight in an English castle. A swashbuckling experience waits nearby at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, where your family will be seated in a ship floating on a lagoon and cheer on their respective pirate mascot. Disney Springs, the famous

resort’s entertainment district, features over 40 restaurants, including House of Blues, T-REX and Rainforest Café. Many of the eateries cater to large groups, with the dining rooms often attractions unto themselves. Nearby, Cirque Du Soleil® La Nouba™, is a one-of-a-kind mixture of circus and theater.

After a fun-filled day of activities, your family will want to have a comfortable and convenient spot to kick up their feet and recharge. With more than 50,000 accommodations, Kissimmee is the vacation home capital of the world.

With three international or regional airports serving the area, Kissimmee is accessible from all over the country. Most major airlines fly into Orlando International Airport, just 20 minutes away. I

EXPERIENCE KISSIMMEE FLORIDA Jadeine Shives JShives@ExperienceKissimmee.com • 407-569-4855 ReunionsInKissimmee.com

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SI

Lake County, Illinois

Family-Friendly Amenities Right on Lake Michigan

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erfectly located between the Chicago and Milwaukee metropolitan areas, Lake County combines the recreation opportunities and hospitality of the Upper Midwest with all the cosmopolitan amenities and facilities of the big city.

If you need space for a large reunion, Independence Grove offers over 1,100 acres for your group to gather. The park has individual pavilions and picnic spaces for groups of any size, and the visitor’s center can be rented out for larger parties and other private functions.

The Lake County Forest Preserves have recreation opportunities for groups of any ability and picnic pavilions along the pristine shores of Lake Michigan and the Fox River.

At Illinois Beach State Park your group can gather in the many campsites and pavilions near the Lake Michigan shoreline and enjoy 54 REUNIONS WORKBOOK

the natural dune atmosphere.

One of the premier theme parks in the country, Six Flags Great America features both edge-of-your-seat thrills and a place to catch a tan. Adrenaline junkies will love the X-Flight wing coaster, Superman: Ultimate Flight, and the park’s newest coaster, THE JOKER. For those in your group who prefer wet over wild, Great America’s Hurricane Harbor water park has slides, lazy rivers and the 500,000-gallon Hurricane Bay. Lake County also has the world-class Chicago Botanic Garden with 23 separate plant collections and a model railroad garden to explore. Lambs Farm can host the family picnic on site and family members can enjoy the petting zoo, train ride, mini golf, thrift shop, bakery and other attractions at the farm.

Gurnee Mills has over 200 retailers and

restaurants, and its Tilt Studio at Rink Side offers ice skating, mini-golf and arcade games for children in your group. For a unique shopping experience, Long Grove Historic Village has boutiques and cafes in buildings dating back to the 1800s. Tour art galleries and antique stores while sampling fresh baked goods and stop by the village’s historical society to learn more about Lake County’s past.

With history, attraction and amenities to spare, why not host your next reunion in Lake County? Our website provides maps, hotel guides and more travel tips to help plan your reunion. I

LAKE COUNTY CVB Kimberly Ghys • kimberly@lakecounty.org 847-662-2700 • 800-525-3669 VisitLakeCounty.org • LakeCountyReunions.com

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Mall of America®, Minnesota

Who Wouldn’t Love a Reunion at Mall of America ? ®

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verything you could possibly need for a fun-filled reunion can be found at Mall of America®. There are rides and games for the young (and young-at-heart), tons of shopping, casual and upscale dining and affordable accommodations—all conveniently under one roof.

Nickelodeon Universe® is a one-of-a-kind theme park located in the center of the Mall.

It offers seven acres of rides, including roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, bumper cars and much more. Families shouldn’t miss the Dutchman’s Deck Adventure Course, where they can ride along the longest indoor zip line in the U.S. and hang 55 feet above the ground.

Bring the whole family to SEA LIFE® Minnesota Aquarium to get close to sea creatures, sharks, turtles, rays and jellyfish.

Reunions will find fun interactive activities throughout the aquarium, including touch 56 REUNIONS WORKBOOK

pools, stamp stations with dive books and WOW! facts. SMAAASH is a world-class gaming and entertainment center that brings together sports, virtual reality and dining into a highly interactive and innovative social experience for families. FlyOver America is a flight simulation ride that gives guests a tour of landmarks and regions throughout the U.S. It’s a fully immersive experience, with wind, mist and even scents that put you right in the moment.

Adults in the group can head over to Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy for a night of laughter. Enjoy stand-up comedy from some of the country’s top touring comedians, sip on comedy-themed concoctions and munch on plates of appetizers as you burst out laughing all night long.

After a long day of shopping, exploring, eating and fun, your family needs a

comfortable, convenient place to rest and relax. Luckily, there are two wonderful hotels attached to the Mall.

The newest is the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, which offers a sophisticated experience. Grab a meal at Cedar + Stone, Urban Table, where the dishes are inspired

by Minnesota’s natural roots and local culture.

At the Radisson Blu Mall of America, the Solimar Spa & Salon can pamper your family with massages, body wraps, facials and manicures. FireLake Grill House + Cocktail Bar offers a farm-to-table concept that serves dishes made from local produce. I

®

MALL OF AMERICA

Samantha Sommers samantha.sommers@moa.net 952-883-8499 or 800-346-4289 MallOfAmerica.com/Groups

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SI

New Orleans, Louisiana

A City Custom-Made for Reunions

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hen you visit New Orleans, you’re not going to be lining up for the same old food, games, and activities; you’re going to be experiencing one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the country.

The French Quarter is an excellent example of everything tourists look for: food, history, art and music. But why not step beyond its bounds and experience some of the city's other neighborhoods? Algiers, for example, is just a short ferry ride from Canal Street, but it has a quiet and relaxed vibe. Along the riverfront, you'll find plenty of room to walk, bike or have a group picnic. Afterwards, stroll through the streets and enjoy the renovated buildings and parks.

Treme, America's oldest African-American neighborhood, offers visitors a chance to 58 REUNIONS WORKBOOK

explore one of the city's most important cultural heritages. Visit museums dedicated to black history and culture, dance along with a second-line parade and revel in the place that invented jazz.

New Orleans is home to the NFL Saints, NBA Pelicans, New Orleans Baby Cakes baseball team and the New Orleans Jesters (pro soccer team). Throughout the year, the city also hosts numerous events, including college football's Bayou Classic, the New Orleans Bowl and the Sugar Bowl. And if golf's your game, you’ll find a clutch of excellent courses open to the public.

Finally, we can't leave New Orleans' attractions without mentioning the festivals —of which there are too many to list here.

Whether your group is into food, music, history, holidays, art, literature or theater, you'll likely find a festival to celebrate it.

After all, this is a city that has an entire festival dedicated to a sandwich (the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival).

While you can get both Cajun and Creole food in the Big Easy, the city is actually the home to Creole cuisine. This style of cooking combines French, Italian, Spanish and Caribbean influences to create delicious layers of flavor. Look for regional dishes like gumbo (a Creole favorite), beignets (sugared fried doughnuts) and crawfish etouffee, or check out New Orleans "native" dishes like red beans and rice or muffaletta (a Sicilian-inspired super-sandwich). I

NEW ORLEANS Rachel Funel rfunel@neworleanscvb.com 800-748-8695 ext. 5018 NewOrleansFamilyReunions.com

ReunionsWorkbook.com

SI North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Beach Bonding on the South Carolina Shore

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orth Myrtle Beach is an affordable, beautiful site to host your next reunion. Located on South Carolina’s Grand Strand stretch of resort towns, North Myrtle Beach offers dozens of outdoor activities. Most properties offer access to pools and public beaches, where visitors can swim, surf, boat and fish. Adventurous family members can visit Shark Waterpark 843, a 25-acre wakeboard pool and floating obstacle course. Ten golf courses wind between rental communities, with courses designed

by Robert Trent Jones, Arnold Palmer and Greg Norman available for family competition or private lessons.

A more relaxing day can be spent horseback riding at Inlet Point Plantation Stables on nearby Waites Island. Experienced guides offer basic instructions and lead groups through over a thousand acres of untrammeled wilderness, with the option to explore the beach or plantations farther inland.

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Groups looking for Southern charm will want to visit Barefoot Landing, an entertainment district along the Intracoastal Waterway. Specialty shops and boutiques offer sundresses and handcrafted jewelry, while your family can enjoy a seafood dinner and watch passing riverboats at the area’s many restaurants. Across the parking lot is the Alabama Theatre, North Myrtle Beach’s premier live entertainment venue. Shows are produced by Gaylord Entertainment of Nashville, and throughout the year they bring comedians, holiday shows and Broadwayquality productions to the stage. Group discounts are offered, and all shows are family-friendly.

Dozens of hotels dot the area’s coastline, and most come fully equipped with air conditioning, wi-fi and pool access. Many also feature adjoining conference centers or reception halls for family meals or bonding time. For more homey amenities, your group

should consider one of the many condominium communities or beach house plantations.

Condos are great for longer visits, as they include kitchens, multiple bedrooms and increased storage space, while beach houses are ideal for large groups. These fullyfurnished homes often feature large living rooms and wraparound porches perfect for large social gatherings.

Contact the North Myrtle Beach CVB, and experienced group travel planners can make this South Carolina dream your family’s reality. I

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH CVB Shafran Fields, Group & Sports Tourism Sales Manager 843-361-3047 ExploreNorthMyrtleBeach.com

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SI

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City, Maryland: Made for Family Fun

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hen you choose Ocean City, Maryland for your next reunion, rest assured that planning an event here means fun, sand and sun for everyone.

See why this coastal destination should be at the top of your list.

Located on the eastern shore of the Delmarva Peninsula, this beach town is a popular reunion destination for groups across the country. Reunions should be relaxing and memorable, not stressful, and Ocean City feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Getting a large group together means you’ll need plenty of space to roam, so take advantage of 10 miles of beautiful free beaches. Kids can spend the day building sand castles and wading in the cool waters, while everyone will enjoy a relaxing stroll through the clean sands or a game of Frisbee.

Enjoy arcades, amusements and a great selection of eats up on the boardwalk.

Take advantage of the coast’s natural beauty with a deep-sea fishing trip or nature

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cruise, or explore the waterways by kayak or paddleboard. And up on dry land, shop ‘til you drop at the many outlet malls of Ocean City or take your pick from dozens of miniature golf courses, which are always a good time for kids and adults alike.

For meals, take advantage of delicious coastal fare such as rich Chesapeake Bay crab cakes and fresh seafood caught just offshore.

Or feast on juicy Eastern Shore fried chicken, smoked ham or smoky ribs dripping with sauce. And on Ocean City’s boardwalk – named by USA Today as one of America’s best boardwalks for food – there’s never a shortage of the classics: french fries, cotton candy, pizza, burgers, saltwater taffy, ice cream and more.

For lodging, your group can choose from classic hotels and motels, charming B&Bs, spacious vacation rentals and even campgrounds. Ever-popular choices among reunion planners are the Fenwick Inn, Days Inn Boardwalk, Harrison Properties and the Clarion. You can count on Ocean City’s

accommodations to be the perfect place to rest your head after a day of family and fun.

Contact Ocean City through one of the methods below for all the help you’ll need in making your upcoming reunion one that everyone talks about for years to come. I

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Norma Dobrowolski ndobrowolski@ococean.com 800-626-2326 OCOcean.com/group-travel

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Atlantic City, New Jersey

Beaches, Boardwalks and Gaming Fun in Atlantic City

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ffering sky-rise resorts, extensive sandy beaches and entertainment for all ages, Atlantic City demonstrates why reunion groups should “Do AC.” The oldest and most famous boardwalk in the U.S., the five-mile Atlantic City Boardwalk is lined with beautiful sandy beaches and is a perfect place for group members to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the wooden way, surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, fishing and parasailing. The Steel Pier is an Atlantic City staple where groups can take a spin on the illuminated 220-foot Ferris wheel and new Observation Wheel. Adults can enjoy a night of gaming at any of the seven major casinos along the boardwalk, including Resorts Casino Hotel, Tropicana Casino and Resort, Golden Nugget Atlantic City, Bally's Atlantic City and Showboat Hotel.

To get away from the hustle and bustle of ReunionsWorkbook.com

the popular tourist town, visit Sharrott Winery in Hammonton, just a 30-minute drive northwest of Atlantic City, for a day of wine tasting and relaxing. The winery can take groups of up to 50 people with reservations made in advance.

Atlantic City undoubtedly has a wide variety of dining options to choose from. Carmine’s, an Italian spot, has a fashionable private room with a 25-foot bar and a dining area that can seat up to 200 dinner guests, 300 for buffet-style meals and 350 for cocktail receptions. Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City offers reunion groups flexible spaces, stateof-the-art audiovisual equipment and a wide variety of catering options. Seating up to 450 guests, Hard Rock Cafe offers seasonal outdoor events on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Other dining options around Atlantic City include Margaritaville and local favorites

Angelo's and Kelsey's.

When groups book five or more rooms at Bally’s, they receive complimentary amenities, including exclusive dining reservations, show tickets, VIP entries and chef table dinners.

Golden Nugget guest rooms offer modern key systems, an in-room safe, refrigerator, iPod docking systems and 24-hour room service.

Tropicana Casino and Resort provides reunion groups full-service event planning, catering services and decor and staging services. Talented professional consultants will handle every nuance of an event, making reunion planning stress-free. I

ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY Heather Colache hcolache@meetac.com 609-449-7151 TourAtlanticCity.com

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SI Greater Akron, Ohio A Place to Make Family Memories

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rom a vibrant arts scene to stunning outdoor beauty just outside of town and some incredible options for foodies – this town has it all. Whether you’re a group of five or 500, a reunion in Greater Akron is sure to be a hit.

At the Akron Art Museum view the impressive collections, including a stunning display of modern art. Also check out Akron Glass Works and witness glassblowers creating colorful works. What better place to purchase a small memento of your time together? In the evening catch a performance at the Akron Civic Theatre.

Everyone will enjoy the nationally recognized Akron Zoo, where 700 animals from continents around the globe fly, swim, roam and graze. Hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic RR, which offers special packages throughout the year including the popular Polar Express train during the holidays.

If you’re more in the mood to watch sports, the Akron RubberDucks play at Canal Park, while the Akron Racers call Firestone Stadium

home. There’s nothing better than lounging there with family, snacks in hand, to watch professional baseball and softball respectively.

Explore Greater Akron’s influential past at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, the former 65-room manor estate of Goodyear Tire & Rubber founder F.A. Seiberling or visit Hale Farm & Village to see life as it was circa.

1850 in the Old Connecticut Western Reserve admist this living history venue.

At Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park, dining isn’t the only thing on the menu. In addition to a wide selection of food, there are a casino, shows and entertainment galore.

Be sure to allot plenty of time because there is no shortage of food and fun to be had.

Enjoy nostalgic carside-service at Swenson Drive-In or Skyway Drive-In, with runners taking and delivering your order the old-fashioned way. The area also boasts intimate wineries and is proud to announce the launch of the Summit Brew Path, where beer enthusiasts can taste the best beers from 14 local breweries.

Akron offers a relaxing charm that is just waiting to host your next reunion. For a mix of fun, relaxation and adventure, you don’t have to look any further than this industrious Ohio town. An ideal meeting point for friends and family, it’s sure to leave everyone talking about your reunion for years to come. I

AKRON/SUMMIT CVB Karen Harris, Destination Sales Manager kharris@visitakron-summit.org • 800-245-4254 Akron.travel, PlayEatShop.org

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