Planning the Party

1. Financing the party

*No University subsidies
*Create value for cost!
*Bear in mind total weekend cost outlay per person
*Set a budget which is all-inclusive
*University will sign all contracts and pay invoices for classes

2. Creating an entire package

*Consider recreational activities for Saturday afternoon (keep in mind the all-class 5K Fun Run/Walk Saturday morning and the Tiger Tennis Ball in the afternoon)
*Private class social hour before dinner
*Unique class programming
*Dinner program and/or entertainment
*After-dinner receptions

3. Food and beverage

*Saturday lunch and dinner need to be planned

General

*Venue possibilities (first-come, first-served, AND based on estimate class size)
*Determine the meal ambiance (formal, picnic, barbecue, etc.)
*Review and decide menu choices with class liasion

Reunion Dinner

*Venue (click for a complete list of venues around DePauw's campus)
*Master of Ceremonies a must - to thank committee, ensure the evening stays on
  schedule
*Audio-visual needs
*Disc-jockey (click for contact names)
*Printed dinner program handout (will be cordinated by the Office of Alumni Relations beginning in February, be ready)
*Special decorations, flowers
*Invite special guests (faculty, staff)

4. After dinner special options

*Coffee bar
*Piano
*Cocktail bar

5. Favors

*Purpose: to remember the reunion
*In order to save on cost and waste, we are offering an annual favor.  That is,
  every year, the 5th reunion attendees will receive the same favor, 10th reunion
  attendees will receive another favor, etc. Reduced cost by more than 80%.
*List of favors (click each favor to see a sample picture):

5: Vinyl business card file
10: Personal business card carrier
15: DePauw umbrella
20: Silver picture frame
25: Beach towel
30: Coffee traveler thermos
35: Leather pad-folio
40: Silver desk clock
45: Collapsible beverage cooler
50: Embroidered fleece blanket
55: Black tote

6. What you can expect from the Development and Alumni Relations Offices

*Expert event-planning resources
*On-side representation to oversee execution of events
*Present menu options and secure food contract
*Help secure favors
*Sign vendor contracts
*Pay vendor invoices
*Represent class interests with all campus departments and outside vendors

7. Building the anticipation

*Class letters
*Personal telephone calls
*Promotion in The DePauw Magazine
*University mailings (Reunion Gazette, questionnaires)
*E-mails
*DePauw website
*@depauw Online Newsletter