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Use search engine or bot to find information to help you...pick one tool and learn it well!:
pink dotAlta Vista
pink dotHot Bot
pink dotYahoo
pink dotWebFerret - freeware search bot
Planning
pink dot Start planning early - Organize, Organize, and Organize
pink dot If you are not the reunion organizer, ask to help plan activities that focus on your genealogy passion
Tips
pink dot Gift of Heritage
pink dot Reunion Magazine
pink dot Reunion Network
pink dot Serious & Cool
pink dot The Main Event
pink dot The Reunion Planner


Location
pink dot Where does the majority of your family live?
pink dot Rotate location each year?
pink dot Near family "homestead" (include cemetery visit & restoration/repair/clean up and tombstone rubbings)
pink dot Near resort, tourist attractions, or a shared interest such as country fairs, classes, crafts, collections, camping, RV sites, tour, guest ranch, river rafting, houseboats, cruise, bicycle trip, church retreat, train ride, Olympics, World's Fair, Ellis Island, etc.
Search Web for Key Words: "What to Do", "Attractions", "Events", "Outdoor", "Schedule", "Chamber of Commerce", "Arizona", etc.
pink dot Keep economics in mind (historical, national, or state parks are usually the most economical)
pink dot Special accommodations (e.g. handicap, ages, agility)
pink dot Secure a location as soon as possible
pink dot If hotels are used, negotiate favorable rates (and non-smoking rooms)
Tips
pink dot Internet Travel Network
pink dot Guide to Amusement & Theme Parks
pink dot CampGrounds USA
Pink Dot Family.Com Travel
Pink Dot Contact the phone company and purchase phone book for the reunion location - will come in handy when you need phone numbers & addresses of local businesses


Communications
pink dot Have 2-3 dates to choose from - usually summer time and on the weekend
pink dot Announce date for next reunion at conclusion of reunion--send out reminders frequently
Pink Dot Make it exciting, something to look forward to
Pink Dot Keep your costs down, use email as much as possible ($.015 compared to $.32 stamp & envelope)..it is faster & easier to keep everyone involved & informed
Pink Dot Prepare a 'goody bag' to be distributed at the reunion
Pink Dot Make your invitations exciting!
Remember "Power is in the Presentation".
Pink Dot Don't leave anyone off the mailing list.
Pink DotName tags are important in large groups
Pink DotPut announcement in local newspaper(s)
Tips
Pink Dot Design a Logo - One for everyone, or one for each family group, let kids design using their favorite graphic software, use caricatures (Kai's Power Goo), use old family photos, scan in photos for family trees, etc.
Pink Dot Design a Banner - Use iron on printer transfer paper, put on muslin or bed sheet
Pink Dot Family TreeMaker software can print name tags with photos, borders, fonts, and use the standard Avery forms. Many software package can also create mailing labels and postcards.
Pink Dot Include a request in invitations to bring favorite recipes, old family photos, or family story
Pink Dot Goody bag should include:
  • Include family membership list with name, address, phone, and email address
  • Schedule
  • Map/Directions
  • Favors & Souvenirs & Coupons
  • Brochures
  • Survey Feedback Form
  • Name Tags
  • Emergency Phone Numbers,Pagers, Cellular Phone Numbers
  • Freebies & Coupons from Local Businesses
  • Information on Local Attractions/Events - hours, costs, locations - request from Chamber of Commerce or Visitors Bureaus
  • Order form for video tapes before/after reunion
    • Pink DotUse one of the following to computer generate a map, directions, mileage:
         pink dotMap Quest
         pink dotCyber Router by Delorme - Example
         pink dotMap Blast - Example
    Pink Dot Weather Forecasts - Let attendees know anticipated or typical weather conditions
    Pink Dot Design a Web Site and include:
  • Location Map
  • Old Photos (especially those who have unidentified people
  • Reunion information for current year - and include 'look back' for previous reunions (including photos to remind everyone how much fun they had)
    Be sure to register your site at:
  • Cyndi's List
  • Add It!
  • Add Me!
  • Submit It!
  • The Reunion Network
  • The Big Ten Registration Site
  • Ambition Registration Site
    • Pink Dot Locate Family Members:
  • BigFoot
  • WhoWhere
  • SwitchBoard (search by busienss category)
  • Four11
  • PeopleFinder (can search for name by phone number)


    • Activities
    Pink Dot Typical Schedule:
  • Friday evening casual "get together"
  • Saturday afternoon, picnic or event
  • Sunday morning brunch
    • Pink Dot Have backup plan for inclement weather
    Pink DotReunions planned around a sport or outdoors are popular, e.g. softball, volleyball, skiing, hiking.
    Pink DotLook for package deals for groups
    Pink Dot Plan activities for all age groups, some sample activities:
  • Hay rides
  • DJ or band - include dance lessons (traditional and latest line dances)
  • Skits, talent shows, or presentations with David Letterman-style Top 10 lists, or Johnny Carson's "Carnac The Magnificent" routine
    • Pink Dot Invite a celebrity, or politician, or sports figure
    Pink Dot Find out if child care is needed
    Tips
    Pink DotUse iron on transfers of logo, caricatures, large numbers, etc to distinguish teams. Be sure to laminate anything printed on paper.
    Pink Dot Use your computer to create 'awards' or 'certificates' for "Best Sport", "Funniest", "Best Story", etc.
    Pink Dot Develop a family trivia contest to get people talking to each other. Print off questions, hand out to be completed by specific time.
    Pink Dot Use your computer to print 'family money' or 'family coupons' which can be accumulated during the various activities and used to purchase auction items.
    Pink Dot Chamber of Commerce Directory
    Pink Dot Party Outfitters
    Pink Dot Total Rebound
    Pink Dot Party411
    Pink Dot Custom Songs:
  • Grillo Music
  • Song Works


    • Family History
    Pink Dot Recognition of family member accomplishments during preceding year, including births, marriage and deaths
    Pink Dot Document each reunion and make available (video or scrapbook or memory book). The history you make at one reunion, will be entertainment for the next reunion.
    Pink Dot Have members bring old photos, documents, and family heirlooms to show & tell - good opportunity for everyone to bring 'mystery' photos to help identify & document who is in picture as well as gather 'stories' associated with the item. Video and photograph the items and record the family stories.
    Pink DotEveryone is fascinated by family trees - it generates questions. Display descendent charts, pedigree charts, family history reports generated from your favorite genealogy software program. Good opportunity to update bad data, or fill in missing data.
    Pink DotSet up exhibits, displays, including historical documents, papers, books, pictures, maps, memorabilia, artifacts, tools, toys, crafts, implements - be fresh each year with something new.
    Pink DotDemonstrations from the past such as whittling, caning, quilting, hand sewing, butter churning, ice cream making, tatting, or style shows and skits using period clothing of your ancestors.
    Pink Dot Consider hiring a professional photographer and videotape professional.
    Tips
    Pink DotQuality Genealogy Wall Charts by Geneagraphx
    Pink Dot Family Photo Album - Software by Image AXS
    Pink Dot Create a family heirloom tablecloth using iron on transfers printer paper, or fabric paint, bed sheet or muslin.
    Pink DotCreate table decorations using iron on transfers, print off on paper, do mirror image, glue back-to-back, and put on a dowl.
    Pink DotHeritage Quilts
    Pink DotThe Gene Pool Oral History Questions - Interview attendees & family on video - have set of questions prepared
    Pink DotBring a scanner to scan in photos and documents - and bring (or rent) a copy machine for those who do not have computers
    Pink DotDemonstrations from the past such as whittling, caning, quilting, hand sewing, butter churning, ice cream making, tatting, soap making, and style shows and skits using period clothing of your ancestors.
    Pink DotMade in America Time Capsules - Consider a time capsule of reunion memorabilia
    Pink DotConsider hiring a professional photographer and video-tape professional
    Pink Dot Software: Shareware.Com or Download.Com - History Trivia, What Happened on This Date, History of US/Europe, Historical Quotations, various genealogy utility programs - Search on: history, lineage, genealogy, craft, organize, schedule, planning, etc.


    Fund Raising
    Pink Dot Find a project for before and during the reunion, such as:
  • Calendars (birthdays, anniversaries, significant events)
  • Cook Books
  • Genealogy related items
  • Lottery Tickets
  • Family Newsletters
  • Contests
    • Tips
    Pink Dot Make things to sell or auction off (don't leave out kids in the making process), i.e. Jelly Roll Beads, Covered Clay Pots, Clip Art Candle Holders, Make Easy Soap, Bookmarks, etc.
    Pink Dot Insignia Imprints
    Pink Dot Buttons by Bobby
    Pink Dot Video Tape Reunions for a Profit
    Pink Dot Serious & Cool Stuff - Sample of a clacker
    Pink Dot L&S Enterprises
    Pink Dot Logo Mall


    Food
    Pink Dot Contact caterers and compare prices (and do they take personal checks, or credit cards?)
    Pink Dot Less expensive to handle food yourself if you are having a one day/one picnic, otherwise, use a caterer so you are free to have fun
    Pink Dot Find out if anyone has a special diet that will be attending
    Pink Dot Local soda and beer distributors can be less expensive than a caterer
    Tips
    Pink Dot KFC
    Pink Dot Reynolds Kitchens


    Finance
    Pink Dot Calculate all your costs before the reunion - set one charge for the entire reunion and communicate to all family members BEFORE the reunion.
    Pink Dot Try to have enough money left as 'seed' money for the next reunion
    Pink Dot Keep accurate records, especially of those who pay in advance - if possible, try to collect as much money in advance for deposits to caterers, expenses, etc.
    Pink Dot Open a reunion checking account and keep accurate records - keep all receipts and correspondence.
    Pink Dot Find out about use of credit cards with various vendors and advise family members before arriving.
    Tips


    Post Reunion
    Pink Dot Make a checklist as soon as possible while it is fresh in your mind
    Pink Dot Do a Post-Reunion Feedback Survey
    Tips
    Pink Dot Post digitized photos on web site
    Pink DotThank you notes


    Other Resources
    Pink Dot Family-Reunion.com - Best reunion resource site on the Internet, launched in 1999 by Bruce Buzbee. He has also developed has a wonderful sofware program to help with your family reunion planning!
    Pink Dot Family.Com Travel - Search for travel by topic and age of child
    Pink Dot It's a Family Affair - Use your computer to create family reunion items
    Pink Dot Aunt Annie's Crafts - Craft ideas
    Pink Dot Craft Exchange - Craft ideas
    Pink Dot Reunion Net - Search for reunions
    Pink Dot Tom's Tips - A listing of useful books, catalogs and other resources for reunion planners compiled by Tom Ninkovich, author of Family Reunion Handbook.
    Pink Dot FinnFest USA - Reunion Planning Check List
    Pink Dot PhotoBytes - Calendars and on line photo albums
    Pink Dot American Heartland - Reunion planning assistance for website, supplies, billboard service, etc.
    Pink Dot Insignia Imprints - Imprint on mugs, mousepads, business cards, t-shrits, license plates, plaques, coasters, etc.
    Pink Dot FamilyTree Maker Reunion Kit - Kit of 5 products: books, software and coupon for GeneagraphX
    Pink Dot Family Keepsake Recipe Book - Each cookbook is a one of a kind
    Pink Dot Reunion Buttons - Buttons, poems, calligraphy services, personalized poems of popular tunes
    Pink Dot The Memorabilia Corner - Hints for copying old photographs, taking photographs, and video
    Pink Dot Dennis Transfers to CD-Rom - Transfers old 35mm movies, VCR tapes, photographs to CD-Rom and adds music, collages, and titles
    Pink Dot Puzzles for Reunions Commemorate family milestones, trivia, memories
    Pink Dot The Seeker - Site to post messages when looking for someone
    Pink Dot Family Photo Historian - Preservation tips
    Pink Dot Logo Mall - Big selection of logo merchandise and prices
    Pink Dot Reunion Research - Various resources including reunion planning & idea book by Tom Ninkovich (first 3 chapters)
    Pink Dot Hot Dates & Rates - Search for meeting space and rooms by date and location
    Pink Dot Free Stuff - Diapers, Keri, Alka Seltzer, Boston Knish Co, Viractin, Barleans Organic Oils, etc.
    Pink Dot Freebies On Line - Food samples, stickers, greeting cards, coupons, etc.
    Pink Dot Ghost Towns & Historical Sites
    Pink Dot Mayflower Rent A Car Specializing in family vacations & group outings
    Pink Dot Reunion Services by Dunning Souvenir memory books, name tags,searches,portraits,etc
    Pink Dot Reunions R Us Will post your reunion notice free
    Pink Dot State & Regional Visitors Bureaus Search by state
    Pink Dot Universal Packing List Great reminder list
    Pink Dot On the Road Computing while on the road & other aids
    Pink Dot Crafts Links & Projects Various instructions for candles, wreaths, note cards, pins, lampshades, etc.
    Pink Dot Family Reunion Book by MaxMedia - "How to plan an affordable family reunion"
    Pink Dot FinnFest USA - Useful planning check list
    Pink Dot Curtis Media - Helps organizations or individuals publish family history books
    Pink DotMemory Book Supplies - Free color catalog available
    Pink Dot Photo Cards - Similar to sport trading cards
    Pink DotDave's Nerd World - Big variety of promotion products & services