Family Reunion Series: Herding the Masses

For part two of the family reunion series, I’m going to tackle a big challenge – how to keep everyone informed, organized and entertained leading up to and throughout your events. Let’s jump right in!
I’m guessing that at least a few of your guests will be out-of-towners. Welcome them with open arms and goodie bags:
- Get local. Supply maps of the area, tourism guides and pamphlets on special points of interest. If the city is known for something unique – from a type of food to a historical site – include a sample or trinket.
- Chow down. Provide small snacks such as granola bars, dried fruit, popcorn, etc. Homemade goods are always a plus (even more so if they come from a family recipe or are a known favorite).
- Be safe. Throw in a quick reference document that includes information about the nearest hospital, pharmacy and 24-hour store as well as contact information for the reunion planners.
- Make it memorable. Consider giving out mementos that family members can continue to use after the event is over, such as personalized T-shirts, picture frames or customized sticky notes (as an organizing pro, I can’t get enough of these!). You can commemorate the event by customizing gifts with the family name, your crest or date of the reunion.
A common test for reunion planners is coming up with activities that will work for all personalities and ages. Some cool ones I’ve found are:
- The “Find Someone Who” game helps break the ice and get everyone re-acquainted. Just create a list of some of your reunion attendees’ most unique traits or experiences and tell all the players to Find Someone Who studied abroad in college. Or the family member who speaks three languages. And the family member who married an identical twin. The things you’ll learn about each other are sure to be more than entertaining! Check out our template and instruction sheet to begin creating your game.
- Trivia can be a ton of fun by mixing up history, pop culture and sports questions. Make sure each team has an even spread of ages to keep the competition lively.
- Create a family tree with thumbprints. I got this idea from blogger Kellie, who used it for her wedding but I think it’s a perfect activity for a reunion, too.
- “Then and Now” games that have players match photos of family members as kids and adults can also be a lot of fun – and funny, as you check out the fashion trends and hairstyles from decades past.
To cut down on your planning stress levels, keep in mind that you can use FedEx Office Print Online or go to your local FedEx Office to print and copy all of the materials (maps, itineraries, instructions, etc.) that you need to keep everyone organized during the reunion.
As always, feel free to comment with any additional tips!
Related FedEx Office Solutions: Design & Print Center, Sticky Notes, Oversized Prints, Signs & Banners
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