| A class reunion is usually considered a success if | | | | information. |
| there's a big turnout. But did you know that the | | | | 3. Create a reunion website. This is essential as your |
| average number of former classmates that attend a | | | | ongoing method to update your fellow classmates on |
| typical reunion is between 20 to 30 percent? Of | | | | all the particulars for the event. But it is also a |
| course, you're hoping to attract more than that 30 | | | | powerful tool to inspire enthusiasm for attending. |
| percent of your graduating class to your event. | | | | Scan photos from your old yearbook and put them |
| These five tips will help you achieve that goal. | | | | on the site. Ask people to email you memories from |
| 1. Send out save the date cards. These should go | | | | the old high school days and keep adding them . |
| out to every former student whose address you can | | | | Have a page for missing classmates to let everyone |
| find by regular mail as soon as you set the date. | | | | know who still hasn't been located. Add trivia from |
| This serves as your announcement that you're | | | | your graduating year, old song lyrics, anything to |
| planning a class reunion. It gives everyone plenty of | | | | spark reminiscing. Think of ways to bring people back |
| time to circle their calendars for this special event. | | | | again and again to your website, such as including |
| But most important of all, it should provide details of | | | | polls and contests. After you've sold tickets, include |
| where they can find further information. | | | | a page with a list of who's attending. |
| Your save the date cards can be simple and | | | | 4. Reduce the price of the ticket. If you want more |
| inexpensive. Your former classmates will still get the | | | | people to attend, make it affordable. This takes a |
| message. But if you want real impact, you might | | | | little effort, because you have to shop around for |
| want to go with something a little more creative. | | | | the best prices. That doesn't mean you have to |
| How about a photo of your school with a list of fun | | | | skimp on quality, just be practical. For example, a DJ |
| facts from your graduating year? If someone on | | | | playing all the top hits from your graduating year (or |
| your committee is good with computer graphic | | | | even a classmate who is an amateur DJ) may be |
| design, you could set this up yourself. Or you can | | | | more desirable than hiring a band, and probably less |
| find an online company to do it for you. | | | | expensive. You don't have to spend five dollars or |
| 2. Locate as many classmates as possible. | | | | more on reunion favors and giveaways, instead |
| Obviously, this is a logical step. The more people you | | | | browse online until you find something cool for a |
| invite, the greater your attendance. But it is easier | | | | couple of bucks. Let the bargain hunters on your |
| said than done. People move away. Female | | | | committee do the ground work. |
| students may get married and change their last | | | | 5. Generate excitement. You might decide to do |
| name. So, start with old reunion lists. Look up former | | | | something different, like build the reunion around a |
| classmates online. Make phone calls to anyone in | | | | theme, such as a tropical luau, western or winter |
| your town with the same last names of missing | | | | wonderland. Make sure you plan plenty of |
| students. They could be turn out to be parents or | | | | entertainment that will appeal to your former |
| other family members. | | | | classmates, and let them know about it. Send emails |
| But perhaps the best way to find members of your | | | | with the latest news, reminding everyone to check |
| graduating class is to offer a prize. Let the people | | | | out the most recent additions to your webstie. Use a |
| you've already found know there's a contest to see | | | | little creativity and you'll create a buzz that this an |
| who can discover the whereabouts of the most | | | | event that can't be missed. |
| former classmates. Whether you award a free | | | | Yes, it's a lot of work to get this right. But just |
| ticket to the reunion or another prize donated by a | | | | imagine the satisfaction you will have when you see |
| local business in exchange for free advertising, this | | | | so many of your old friends at your class reunion. |
| generates incentive for others to get behind your | | | | Isn't it worth it to hear your classmates say, "what a |
| cause. They have a fun and friendly competition to | | | | great turnout!"? |
| try to win and you end up with more contact | | | | |