How To Plan A Meet And Greet

A great way to kickoff the festivities held the first day of the reunion event is by arranging a Meet and Greet. The purpose of the Meet and Greet is to provide an opportunity to say a decent hello to all arrivals, give the huggers in the family a time to embrace and allow for relationship building with newly engaged, married and adopted family and friends in a relaxed atmosphere, 

How To Host A Meet and Greet

It's best to start off by introducing new ones including new born children to the family. 

While mingling will give the family at large the opportunity to get to know new guests it helps to feature some ice breakers as well. One way we've done this is by playing a friendly game. The "Getting to Know You" game. This game is played simply by having the newest family members stand in a line and asked a few simple questions. You may wish to give each player a copy of the list of questions hours or days before the game is played so they won't feel put on the spot. 

7 Good "Getting to Know You" Questions

• If you were to describe yourself using only three words what would they be?
• What is your most outstanding quality?
• Tell us one thing people would never guess about you.
• What hobbies do you enjoy?
• What sports do you play?
• What is your favorite dinner dish?
• What is your favorite dessert?

It's also a good idea to review the itinerary and point out a few exciting features of the program that will encourage all to participate.

Challenges of Meet and Greets

Some of the challenges of the Meet and Greet is getting everyone to the venue in time.  

Some miss this event as they intend to arrive the next day and stay for a few hours before heading back home. After a long drive to the hotel some may need to rest before dressing up and going to a social event. While this is typical of some attendees how can you get most of the arrival to attend the Meet and Greet? 

Getting Better Results

To get better support and attendants arrange to have the Meet and Greet later in the day or evening. Put it on the Itinerary and mention some of the opportunities the event will provide. For example; "Hug and hold the newest and youngest member of the Smith clan." "Welcome Uncle Ben's beautiful bride, Shelly." "Meet greet and enjoy a wonderful seafood buffet." Find a few good reasons that build anticipation and many will come to meet, greet and kickoff a memorable family reunion event.

Event Planning? There's An App For That

Still need more activity ideas for your upcoming family reunion event? You're in for a surprise. There's an app for that.  Get top reunion entertaining and high fun factor activity ideas attendees just can't resist using Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Social web app.

Are you planning an event within the next three to four months? Not sure where to start or how to get the ball rolling? There's an app for that. Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Social web app can help you plan the following family celebrations, club and community events in no time at all.

• Anniversary Party
• Food and Culture Fest
• Fundraiser
• Genealogy Presentation Gathering
• Graduation Party
• Group Cruise Vacation
• Homecoming
• Honorary Awards ceremony
• Pot Lick Picnic BBQ
• Talent Show
• Traditional Family Reunion 

Download planning and organizing checklists, budget lists, edit itineraries, get suggested themes and activities, event programs, suggested floor plans and more in this step by step event planning tool.

Plan just about every event of the year with one app.  Need family fun inspiration? There's an app for that. Get inspired with Fimark's Family Reunion Planning Social web app. 

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Anniversary Party, Food and Culture Fest, Fundraiser, Genealogy Presentation Gathering, Graduation Party, Group Cruise Vacation, Homecoming, Honorary Awards Ceremony, Pot Luck Picnic BBQ, Talent Show, Traditional Family Reunion

How To Make A Keepsake Reunion Booklet

There are many ways to make your family reunion a memorable one. But to make it meaningful, orderly and well arranged there is only one item that will do that and more. In addition it is the one gift you can give each household as a memento of the occasion. Consider the invaluable family reunion keepsake booklet. 

Keepsake booklets are the traditional family reunion publication. It's included in most reunion events for several good reasons. It's the one item that is in high demand by all households. No one will want to leave without one. 

How To Make A Family Reunion Keepsake Booklet

The booklet includes the reunion event itinerary complete with dates, location and activities. Most booklets contain words from the chairperson and welcome letter from local officials. The booklet may feature some family history including those who have contributed to it's survival and any notable community and social work as well as business and other notable achievements.

The following is a basic structure of a typical keepsake family memory reunion booklet. Write up, print and bind the following pages.

Page 1 Cover Page
Page 2 Chairperson
Page 3 Local Official Welcome Letter
Page 4 Our Family History
Page 5 Outline Of Reunion Activities
Page 6 Dinner Banquet Program
Page 7 In Memoriam
Page 8 Family Business Cards
Page 9 Family Address Directory
Page 10 Acknowledgements

Additional pages may include poems, the 'must have' reunion welcome package, genealogy presentation pages such as the family tree and other documents.

The keepsake family reunion booklet is often consulted when writing the annual family newsletter. It is a reliable resource for outlining family connections. It makes for the ideal family business directory. It is a source of inspiration and serves a the basis for establishing ones unique identity in the community.

The family reunion memory booklet maker is a prominent feature of Fimark's Family Reunion Planner social web app. For more information on making your own keepsake family memory reunion booklet go here.

9 Last Minute Pot Luck Reunion Do Not Forgets

Having a pot luck reunion in the park?  May the good weather be with you. Some of your guests may be arriving early. Don't you love it when you're missing that one basic item that all those early birds are asking for? Here is a quick no nonsense list of last minute items you do not want to forget.

9 Last Minute Pot Luck Reunion Do Not Forgets

1. Ice
2. Water
3. Charcoal
4. Charcoal Lighter
5. Paper Towels
6. Scissors
7. Sewing Kit
8. Hand Sanitizer
9. Bug Repellent Spray

In addition to these often forgotten items here are other items that should not be delegated to late arrivals.  The following lists items that should be delegated to the early birds.

Early Bird Pot Luck Delegation List

1. Condiments 
2. Paper Goods 
3. Flatware 
4. Drinks
5. Coolers and Ice 
6. Music Player Batteries
7. Serving and Cooking Utensils
8. Food Heating Racks and Sterno
9. Mobile Grills with Charcoal and Lighter

Here are some catchy rhymes can help you remember those important early bird pot luck items...

"Honey, I don't relish the thought that you're all in the mustard and can't ketchup."

"Napkins and towels, wipes and tissue cleans hands and noses so germs are no issue."

"Coolers and ice don't think twice."

"The knife, fork and spoon just flew to the moon on quick dashing dishes and free flying saucers."


Brenda and I wrote the 132 page paperback book Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Keepsake complete with The Family Recipe Compiler.  Enter traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation. Record it's origins, culture and history.  http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net/family-reunion-planning-books.html

Get the keepsake book in PDF, ebook format when you access Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Social web app. Makes a great keepsake heirloom and fund raiser.   For more reunion planning reminders consult Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Social web app before you start packing for the reunion event. Get it at http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net/index1.html

June Reunion Planning Reminders

Your reunion event is just around the corner. How can you ensure that everything goes as planned? Don't leave anything to chance. Follow up and follow through. Here are some helpful and vital reminders to make your reunion event a memorable one.

1. Follow up with those who were delegated tasks now.  Make certain all preparations were finalized and materials and supplies are on hand.

2. Contact vendors regarding setup dates of the event  and get useful details regarding service requirements. 

3. Send out a reminder of date and time of rendezvous to all invitees. 

4. Prepare to offer complimentary prizes or gifts to first arrivals. 

5. Make certain elderly attendees are given assistants as needed. 

6. Wrap up and view family history documentary movie or family slideshows and prepare a welcome letter. Download free family history worksheets at http://fimark.net/genealogy/genealogy-doc.html or get Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Keepsake Book with genealogy worksheets included.

7. Wrap up craft projects such as the family reunion keepsake booklet and insert the welcome letter in the booklet. For more information regarding keepsake books go to keepsake family reunion booklet

8. Will all be wearing family reunion event t-shirts? Have extra T-shirts on hand for attendees who may not have ordered or need a fresh shirt during the photo shoot. 

9. Remember the special effects. Often what makes a reunion special are those little things like party favors, balloons, sparklers for evening outdoor activities, bubble blowing machines and such.  

10. When preparing your daily wardrobe give forethought to your own personal needs while engaged in indoor and outdoor activities

11. Having a reunion in the park or backyard? You cannot have too many condiments. Tell everyone to bring their favorite hot sauce, sweet sauce, BBQ sauce, mustered, pickles and other hot dog toppings. 

12. You can't have too many party favors. Turn everything on the table into a family reunion keepsake party favor using stickers with the family reunion event date, theme and slogan printed on them.


More reminders and tips... http://familyreunionplanners.blogspot.com/…/8-june-reunion-…

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Best Kids Outdoor Activity Ever

Looking for something fun to do with the kids on your family reunion weekend? There are scores of activities kids will enjoy this summer. Here is a partial list.

1. Pool party
2. Beach party
3. Hiking
4. Aquarium
5. Theme Park
6. Horseback riding
7. Visit the Zoo
8. Whale watching
9. Miniature Golf
10. Skate Boarding
11. Go cart racing

The best thing about this list is that it won't break the bank. But just to make things interesting... What's the best dirt cheap kids outdoor activity with the highest fun factor rating? Fun factor determined by highest degree of excitement gauged by decibel of screams, awes and oohs. Add to the equation the amount of non-stop running, jumping and applauding. Include the longest duration of smiles, happy grins and laughter. What activity could possible have that great an impact on kids? Watch this video featuring 10 kids and then you'll know.

This activity keeps kids mesmerized for two hours straight. We're talking non-stop fun in the sun. Kids can run, jump, chase and catch a constantly moving, morphing giant bubbles while being totally awe struck at the wonder and beauty of it all. 

Brenda and I had a ball entertaining the Maplewoods residents with our Live Bubble Show. It was a beautiful spring day in Baltimore and a wonderful family affair. The kids were in awe and they just couldn't stop chasing those bubbles.

Parents were just as entertained as the kids were, after all they were the real performers. We put it all on for this outdoor Jazz at the Woods event. We're looking forward to the next show in June. If you're planning an outdoor event in Baltimore look us up. We'll be glad to put on a Fantastic Bubble Show for your family and friends. To contact us or book a Baltimore bubble show go to http://bubbleshow.fimark.net.

How To Speed Plan A July Family Reunion

Whether you're in the US of A, Canada, France or the UK, summer is just around the corner. No time to dally. If you're planning a family reunion this year it's time to kick it and get that ball rolling!  Here are a few tips to make your reunion event a most memorable one.

Speed Planning Your July Family Reunion

If you read the last three articles we discussed the process of speed planning. Speed planning is the process of considering the essential elements of planning an event and getting them down in stone within 15 minutes. Here's what you need to speed plan your family reunion.

1. A Phone (preferably with texting capability)
2. A notepad (digital app or paper and pen)
3. Access to a family reunion planning checklist (follow suggested link in this article)
4. A few family contacts (three or more will do)
5. A large backyard or available park or outdoor recreation area
6. An all-you-can-eat banquet restaurant (preferable with a private room)
7. Family History Video/ Slideshow movie (Consult the family genealogist for content of history video or show pictures or video of all special events provided by each family)

Now create a group text message to be forwarded to all family contacts.
"We're speed planning a family reunion this summer
July 20__." Where, when and what activities would you enjoy?

Synchronize Your Stop Watch App

1. Those who reply within the next 10 minutes with doable ideas will be considered.
2. Put the suggested date, location and activities, down in your notes.
3. Ask the family to vote on their favorite date and activities within the next 5 minutes.
4. The first three or four to respond can be considered as members of the family reunion committee.
5. The date, location, and activities most favored get written in stone.

Calculate the Cost

A wise man once said, "Who would build a tower without first sitting down and calculating the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?" That said, consider if the suggested activities are financially reasonable and feasible for all households involved. Read previous articles for more speed planning ideas and methods.

Checklist, Activities, and Ideas

Need a family reunion planning checklist? Looking to get inspired?  How about some ice breaking jokes and activity ideas. Get the Fun Family Reunion Ideas Book

Fun Family Reunion Ideas

In Depth Family Reunion Planning Book

Want practical money saving reunion planning tips? Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Keepsake and Guidebook. Family reunion planning at it's best. Everything you need to plan organize and manage a family reunion event. Scores of fun family activities. This complete family reunion event planning guide is a workbook and keepsake heirloom for generations to come. The reunion guide includes a timeline planner, checklists, budget list, themes and associated itineraries and dinner programs. 

The keepsake features include a signature of ownership page, an event details page, an event planning journal and a family recipe compiler complete with sections to record the history behind the family recipe. Other keepsake features include an heirloom record, family tree worksheets, and other genealogy worksheets. The reunion planning workbook includes planning tutorial for individual planners, groups, and committees. There are recommended games and activities, itinerary, survey letter and luncheon/dinner programs. Worksheets also include site evaluation, possible locations and activities, committee organization and departmental worksheets. Recommendation: Get the print copy for keepsakes, recording recipes and notes and the PDF copy to print the digital worksheets.

Family Reunion Planning App

Get the complete family reunion planning checklist and vital event planning tips using Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Social web app. This app has everything you need to plan a memorable family reunion. Themes, activity ideas, itinerary and more. See details here.

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