Big Class Reunion Turnout - 5 Proven Ways to Increase Attendance At Your Reunion Party

                                                                                         

A class reunion is usually considered a success if there's a big turnout. But did you know that the average number of former classmates that attend a typical reunion is between 20 to 30 percent? Of course, you're hoping to attract more than that 30 percent of your graduating class to your event. These five tips will help you achieve that goal.

1. Send out save the date cards. These should go out to every former student whose address you can find by regular mail as soon as you set the date. This serves as your announcement that you're planning a class reunion. It gives everyone plenty of time to circle their calendars for this special event. But most important of all, it should provide details of where they can find further information.

Your save the date cards can be simple and inexpensive. Your former classmates will still get the message. But if you want real impact, you might want to go with something a little more creative. How about a photo of your school with a list of fun facts from your graduating year? If someone on your committee is good with computer graphic design, you could set this up yourself. Or you can find an online company to do it for you.

2. Locate as many classmates as possible. Obviously, this is a logical step. The more people you invite, the greater your attendance. But it is easier said than done. People move away. Female students may get married and change their last name. So, start with old reunion lists. Look up former classmates online. Make phone calls to anyone in your town with the same last names of missing students. They could be turn out to be parents or other family members.

But perhaps the best way to find members of your graduating class is to offer a prize. Let the people you've already found know there's a contest to see who can discover the whereabouts of the most former classmates. Whether you award a free ticket to the reunion or another prize donated by a local business in exchange for free advertising, this generates incentive for others to get behind your cause. They have a fun and friendly competition to try to win and you end up with more contact information.

3. Create a reunion website. This is essential as your ongoing method to update your fellow classmates on all the particulars for the event. But it is also a powerful tool to inspire enthusiasm for attending. Scan photos from your old yearbook and put them on the site. Ask people to email you memories from the old high school days and keep adding them . Have a page for missing classmates to let everyone know who still hasn't been located. Add trivia from your graduating year, old song lyrics, anything to spark reminiscing. Think of ways to bring people back again and again to your website, such as including polls and contests. After you've sold tickets, include a page with a list of who's attending.

4. Reduce the price of the ticket. If you want more people to attend, make it affordable. This takes a little effort, because you have to shop around for the best prices. That doesn't mean you have to skimp on quality, just be practical. For example, a DJ playing all the top hits from your graduating year (or even a classmate who is an amateur DJ) may be more desirable than hiring a band, and probably less expensive. You don't have to spend five dollars or more on reunion favors and giveaways, instead browse online until you find something cool for a couple of bucks. Let the bargain hunters on your committee do the ground work.

5. Generate excitement. You might decide to do something different, like build the reunion around a theme, such as a tropical luau, western or winter wonderland. Make sure you plan plenty of entertainment that will appeal to your former classmates, and let them know about it. Send emails with the latest news, reminding everyone to check out the most recent additions to your webstie. Use a little creativity and you'll create a buzz that this an event that can't be missed.

Yes, it's a lot of work to get this right. But just imagine the satisfaction you will have when you see so many of your old friends at your class reunion. Isn't it worth it to hear your classmates say, "what a great turnout!"?

About the author:
Linda Kling, as the owner of www.photo-party-favors.com, has offered ideas to people planning parties and celebrations since 1992. Visit her website for more information on inexpensive, unique class reunion favors, plus free printables, party recipes, quotes, trivia, more.

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