TIPS FOR ORGANISING A SUCCESSFUL CLASS/FORM REUNION

The webmaster Mr.TW Kang sent an email pertaining to the subject matter.
Thank you sir, for the assistant and willing to share with us your experience.I find it informative thus we could learn from it.It comes handy.

By TW Kang

To organise a successful and memorable Class/Form Reunion for your Class/Form takes sweat, time, commitment and sacrifices. You also need to be diplomatic, persistent and sometimes aggressive in order to get your old schoolmates committed to the forthcoming event.

With each of us pursuing our careers, dreams or bringing up our families, you will be surprised how fast time has gone past since you and your classmates/form mates left the School. This was the place where you all used to study, play, fight and bond together.

However, all the effort and sacrifices made in organising the event, will be rewarded when you meet and catch up with your long lost friends whom you have not met for the past 20, 30 or 40 years.

How to get Started

1.Organising such a daunting event can be difficult at the beginning BUT if certain actions/tips are taken in advance at least 1 year ahead before the event, the event can be organised successfully. Getting a core group or Pro-tem organising committee at the beginning is important as they have to set a date for the Reunion at least one year ahead.

2.This is important as advance notice of the Reunion must be given to old friends residing overseas via email so that they can plan ahead, should they want to attend the Reunion with their spouses/children. If not, too short a notice will negate their plans for attending the Once-a-lifetime Reunion.

3.Old Class Photos can be handy
A tool I find useful in locating old friends is to have a copy of the Class photos of different classes. Nominate a person of each class to seek out their classmates and obtain their email addresses or handphone numbers. A person conversant in Excel should be appointed to collate and update all the names, email addresses, contact telephone numbers and place them into the correct Classes. At the beginning, the list will be short but rest assured, as the time of the event nears, the list will grow with time.

4.Notifying the Event
Using the growing list of names and addresses, notices can be sent out via email or via SMS firstly to inform of the forthcoming Reunion and to confirm their attendences or not. By getting their confirmation or rejection will help your committee to plan for the number of expected participants, work out the costs involved and later book the venue and beverages for the Reunion.

5.Draw up a simple but comprehensive Programme
As the event nears, the Pro-tem committee can draw up supplementary itinararies before leading to the main Reunion event. Some classmates may want to visit their Alma mater, or some may want to have a game of Golf. Some of the spouses may want to enjoy themselves by going to a Spa or some long lost friends who reside overseas, may want to tour around the city before the Reunion. Small gatherings can be organised for various groups in order to satisfy their needs.

During the Event

For the main event proper, a few important things must be undertaken namely:-

1.Do have a jovial Master of Ceremony for the Reunion. Hire one if necessary so that all of you can enjoy and catch up with your classmates. A good MC can ensure the Reunion go on smoothly during the night as everyone will be busy talking to old friends and tend not to follow any set schedules, if any.

2.Hire a competent photographer or video photographer so that the historic event can be recorded in print or in digital format. These digital photos or video captures the event and can be presented to those who have attended the function later via compact discs.

3.Food and drinks are important but it is not necessary to order too much as most friends want to catch up with one another. Eating and drinking are secondary activities.

4.If old teachers or principals are invited, honour them by asking them to speak a few words to all those present for the night. They will feel honoured if given, to say a few words.

5.Getting a simple Welcome Banner stating the venue and date made and strung across the entrance, can make your friends feel good as they have come a long way to attend the event.

Moreover, a Group Photograph can be taken under the banner to mark
the historic occasion before the Reunion comes to an end.

6.You will be surprised how time flies and very soon, all your classmates will say “Adieu” and “Be seeing you Again in the next Reunion” before the night is out.

LETS DO IT BOYS.