How to Plan an "All Cities Simultaneous" Gathering

Class Simultaneous Gathering

During reunion years, many classes find that a good way to generate interest for the reunion is to hold pre-reunion events on the same night at different locations across the United States and even the world. Though class gatherings may be held in any city, regional events usually work the best when they are held in major population centers like Boston, New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco. Such events can and should be run by classmates in the area having the event.

Most regional gatherings are casual events that ask classmates to stop by a local restraint or pub (after work) to see old friends and possibly make some new ones. In less populated areas, a classmate may have the gathering at his/her home. Spouses, significant others, and friends are usually invited to the event.

To facilitate such gatherings we suggest the following:

• Recruit volunteers from areas that are major population centers for your class. Information on where large numbers of your classmates are living can be obtained from of the Office of Classes and Reunions.

• Choose a day, date, and time for the gathering. It is best to stay away from holidays and long weekends. Also, try to settle on a day of the week and time of day that will be favorable to as many classmates as possible.

• The volunteers in the different areas should find a central and popular location where classmates can meet in each city. They should let the restaurant or bar know ahead of time that classmates are being invited to gather at their establishment.

• Some restaurants and pubs may be willing to offer special prices or free appetizers in order to attract a group. Others may have routine nightly specials that may be incorporated into the gathering. Volunteers should explore these options when searching for a location to have their event.

• Once the arrangements have been confirmed, information about the gatherings should be included in reunion and other class mailings. Posting the information on the class Web page and e-mail list is also a good idea. Make sure that all advertisements include the name and number of a locally based, reliable, contact person.

• It is important to get the information out to all classmates. Many people travel for business and may be in town on the day the gathering is scheduled.

• Local classmates may also organize a small scale calling campaign to encourage others who live in the area to attend. The Office of Classes and Reunions can provide volunteers with the names and telephone numbers of classmates living in the area of their event.