For more than 300 years, New Orleans has been inspiring stories. Our Spanish, French, African and Caribbean influences create a cultural gumbo of distinctive architecture, cool jazz and celebrated cuisine that only New Orleans knows how to dish out. From second line parades to centuries old streetcars, this timeless city offers something amazing around every cobblestone corner. Start creating your New Orleans story today!
Contact Rachel Funel, Account Executive NEWORLEANS.COM/GROUPS 800-748-8695 x5018 or [email protected]
Gather Your Family and Friends for a Fabulous Reunion
2019 EDITION
NOTHER YEAR HAS elapsed and despite Editorial & Advertising Office our best attempts to stay young, 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 A the passage of time is unrelenting. If Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 F 630.794.0652 you haven’t seen some of your extended [email protected] family members or long-lost friends, perhaps www.ptmgroups.com now is the time to do so before the sands flow Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk through the hourglass any further. [email protected] What better way to rekindle your relationship with old friends and family members than hosting Managing Editor – Jason Paha [email protected] a reunion? Certainly, the planning and logistics of organizing a reunion can be daunting, but thankfully, Reunions Workbook is here to help guide you through the process. Chief of Content & Technology – Lance Harrell Now in its 19th edition, Reunions Workbook is the industry’s most trusted resource, [email protected] providing a slew of information to usher you through the process of planning, hosting and Editorial Coordinator – Danielle Golab savoring a reunion. This year’s workbook contains an abundance of features that will assist [email protected] your reunion planning, including stories on how to best use social media to plan an event Director, Design & Production – and the proper technology to utilize during the planning process. We even delve into how Martha Gazella-Taylor to use genealogy to trace your family history, which will liven up any gathering. [email protected] The 2019 Reunions Workbook also features a hotel mega section where we provide The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as tips on negotiating with hotels, offer alternative lodging accommodations to the traditional advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the hotel and take a deep dive into the world of dude ranches and glamping. For those accuracy of the information is published, but the publisher makes no contemplating a destination reunion, we highlight numerous destination locales across warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not respon- sible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts. the country with our Site InSpection section that begins on page 39. Reunions Workbook (ISSN 2155-7608) is published When you aren’t thumbing through these pages, you can get more reunions news annually by Premier Travel Media Inc. 621 Plainfield and morsels on our website, ReunionsWorkbook.com, where you can download a digital Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. This publication is distributed to reunion planners and edition of this guide, sign up for the InSite on Reunions e-newsletter, learn about reunion- may be ordered through reunionsworkbook.com. friendly destinations and download convenient forms. The regular subscription price is $9.95 per year.
Happy reunion planning! Send Address Change To: Premier Travel Media, Inc. 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527
Jason Paha Managing Editor Copyright 2019. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the CONTENTS publisher. How to Use Social Media to Plan Your Reunion 6 Have a Rollicking Good Time with a Theme Park Reunion 10 Find Your Family History for Your Next Reunion 14 2019 EDITION Have a Rollicking Bring Your Reunion Planning into the Digital Age 18 Good Time 5 with a THINGS Planners THEME PARK Should Stop Establishing a Reunion Timetable 20 OUTING Doing Now
F i v e T h i n g s R e u n i o n P l a n n e r s S h o u l d S t o p D o i n g N o w 24 Bring Your REUNION PLANNING Hotel Mega Section 26 into the DIGITAL AGE Seven Tips for Negotiating with Hotels 28 Forget the Hotel, Stay in These Spots Instead 30 Relax, Unplug at a Unplug your Reunion at a Dude Ranch 34 DUDE RANCH What is Glamping, and Why is it Great for Reunion Groups? 36 A Premier Travel Media publication $9.95 / ReunionsWorkbook.com Site InSpections 39 ON THE COVER: Photo courtesy of Goosewing Ranch and Dude Ranchers’ Association
4 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com memorable moments define your
of generations.
Columbus is full of festive energy that makes it the perfect destination for family reunions. You can feel it in historic neighborhoods. Taste it in our incredible dining scene. And experience it in our array of distinctive Metro Parks that provide stunning backdrops for unforgettable gatherings. To plan yours, email [email protected] or call 800-354-2657.
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 5
19_Columbus_ReunionAd_PTM_March.indd 1 2/19/2019 8:56:35 AM ROADMAP for your REUNION 19 SOCIAL MEDIA STEPS TO SUCCESS
EMEMBER ALL THE fun you Connect and Reconnect had with your cousins Social media sites make it so easy to R as a kid? Playing softball, connect and start the snowball effect of swimming and searching for reaching out to people who are relevant frogs? to your reunion. Whatever happened to your old 1) Start a private or closed group on high school friends? Your mates in the Facebook that’s just for people you plan military? to invite to the reunion. Start by adding Wouldn’t it be fun to see everyone your own Facebook friends and asking again, catch up and share stories? them to add others. Reunions are the perfect answer. 2) Start a group on LinkedIn. Add 4) Join related groups on Facebook and Planning them can be as simple as 1-2-3. members from your own followers and LinkedIn. When looking for classmates, Jumping onto social media can lighten also search out others and invite them you may find an older sibling on a the load every step of the way. into your group. Facebook group for their class who would Let’s run through a road map that 3) Create a # (hashtag) and use it then share the news of your reunion to takes you step-by-step through the social across all your social sites to attract their younger sibling. marketing piece of planning your next people connected to your reunion. For 5) Start gathering photos from people. reunion. Whether you’re a professional example, maybe you want to start using Photos are a great way to trigger planner or just really want to reconnect, #ClassOf1979. Use this # in postings on memories and inspire that sense of social media can jumpstart your planning Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Plus, nostalgia that drives reunion attendance. every step of the way. Snapchat and Instagram. Be sure to have permission from people BIGSTOCK
6 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com in the photo to use their image. You may available on Facebook, Instagram and Spread the Word consider creating a form that gives you Twitter. Or simply ask short questions that Once you have a basic plan of details, the right to use their image and have help in your planning process. here are steps to use social to gain more everyone sign it. 7) Go live. Live-streaming video is a great momentum and encourage registration. way to gather people together and gain 8) Create a Facebook Event once you Generate Ideas some momentum in your planning process. have your date and location set. Be sure Once you have a core group of people to During your live broadcast share ideas, to include an image that represents begin the planning process, getting input invite comments and inspire listeners to your event along with the location and and feedback from them will increase invite others. Consider live broadcasting registration info. You may want to use one interest and engagement. on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, of the images you collected (and have 6) Gather ideas using polling features Snapchat and Instagram. permission to use) in step No. 5.
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 7 9) Share news of your event across every reunion audience. You can schedule a your reach. Use the Saved Audience social platform using the # you’ve created. live broadcast in advance and even give you created above to advertise on both Keep people in the loop by providing people a link. This makes joining in easy. Facebook and Instagram. updates and giving shoutouts to people. Don’t forget to send them a reminder an 16) Invite attendees to reach out and hour before you go live. invite others who may be missing from 12) Building your list of attendees and your lists or just haven’t responded yet. potential attendees is crucial to keep the ball rolling. Using a spreadsheet is the It’s Party Time starting point. Then create an ad audience Once the big day arrives, don’t leave using your spreadsheet as the foundation. social media on the doorstop. This Custom Ad Audience can be used to 17) Invite people to connect by setting up target social ads to just these people. It’s a Social Café where attendees can have a quick and relatively inexpensive way to a quiet space to friend and follow each share event news. other. 13) Create a Saved Audience on Facebook. 18) Create a photo-op area complete This will help you reach those that are with lighting, props and a photographer.
Encourage others to use it as well. hard to find. You can target: Remember the cardboard photo frame 10) Stories on Facebook, Snapchat and • Specific schools and graduation years with your # emblazoned on the front Instagram have a longer shelf live than • Scottish clan names 19) Extend the fun by posting photos onto regular posts. Create Stories to showcase • Military service the Group, creating Stories and continuing your reunion planning process and inspire • Employers to use the power of the #. Remember to enthusiasm. tag people using the @ symbol. 11) A well-marketed live-stream video Devil in the Details broadcast will give people the chance As the planning process evolves and you Imagine the stories you’ll share and the to help you share your reunion news. In need to build your attendee list, add these new memories you’ll help create. Planning advance of your live-stream, send emails tips to your to-do list. a reunion can be a fun but daunting task. and post socially to let others know that 14) Post your reunion agenda, itinerary Having a roadmap will keep you on track day, date and time of your live stream. and registration info into your Facebook for an unforgettable reunion. Social Invite them to share the invite with others Group. media makes it more fun and a bit less whom they know that are part of your 15) Consider social advertising to boost daunting.
8 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com
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Planning a family reunion is hard work. That’s why we created Essential Tools for the Reunion Planner, to make the process easier than ever.
Designed as a companion to the Reunions Workbook this guide provides articles, Learn How To: checklists, forms and templates • Establish a Timeline that will help alleviate the stress • Form a Reunion Committee involved with gathering the • Meal Plan for Everyone whole family together. • Send Reunion Invitations • Plan Reunion Activities Enjoy! • Budgeting & Fundraising • Deal with Hotels • Negotiate with Vendors • Setup & Preparation • Preserve Memories Brought to you in partnership with: GET YOURS TODAY! ReunionsWorkbook.com/reuniontools
ReunionsWorkbook.comReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 9 Have a Rollicking Good Time with a THEME PARK REUNION THEME PARKS WILL APPEAL TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY, EVEN GRANDPA
SUMMERTIME VISIT TO A and the businesses that sprout up around theme park is an American it (lodging, stores, and restaurants) make A institution. Call them what you it as near to a one-stop-reunion-shop as will – amusement parks, roller anything outside of an all-inclusive resort coaster resorts, adventure parks – is likely to be. theme parks and their closely-related But let’s talk about the attractions cousins, water parks, are ideal for hosting of the park itself. Of course, for most any multi-generational gathering. people, the premier attraction is going to be the rides. Nearly every theme park will Why Have My Reunion have a water ride (or several) and some at a Theme Park? of the larger water parks will also have Amusement parks don’t need much in an indoor or outdoor roller coaster, ropes the way of an introduction. From Coney course, or zip lines. Outdoor theme parks Island on the East Coast to Disneyland may also feature semi-educational things on the West Coast – and with Cedar like animal shows, science- or history- Point, Kings Island, and a bunch of Six themed areas, and special exhibits. Flags in between, not to mention dozens However, not everyone is a fan of roller of other venues – chances are there’s a coasters. What if your group contains park not too far from your crew. Plus, a good percentage of these folks? Are you’ll almost always find that the park’s theme parks still a good option? Yes!
location (handy to an interstate highway) Here’s why: BIGSTOCK
10 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 11 • They’re designed for multiple • Taking a virtual adventure. interests. There are rides for entire Sometimes, you can have fun families, for small children, for the without leaving your seat. Several average thrill-seeker, and for the large parks offer visitors a chance to hardcore enthusiast. Gentler rides sample virtual reality by strapping on like carousels and midway-style a headset and sitting in a moveable, games cater to those looking for interactive chair. Disneyland brings something a little less impactful, the Star Wars franchise to life; Busch while shops, shows, and quieter Gardens Williamsburg takes you on spaces are ideal for attendees with an Irish fantasy adventure, and other less energy or stamina. parks offer their own twists on this • Group rates. Nearly all theme genre. parks offer group rates, and most • Traveling the world (sorta). of the larger ones also offer specific Among the bigger parks, like Busch packages for families or groups. Gardens Williamsburg and Disney’s • All-inclusive can be an option. activities or worry about guests getting Epcot, you can often find areas that Some, like Disney World, offer deals that bored; they’ll have enough at the park to represent a small part of another country. include onsite lodging and food. If you’re keep themselves occupied. For example, in Busch Gardens, you can looking to simplify your reunion planning, stroll through micro-villages representing having the edibles and the rooming Four Things to Do at a Theme Park France, Italy, Germany, England, Scotland, search taken off your hands is a major 1. Go on rides. 2. Go on rides. 3. Go on and Ireland; at Epcot, Japan, Morocco, time-saver. rides … Canada, Mexico, and Norway are on the • Freedom and Individuality are built Actually, there’s a lot more than list as well. Each area is designed to in. While every reunion needs some all- just going on roller coasters and water evoke something of that country, with group activities, most guests will want slides available to theme park reunions. traditional architectures, streetscapes, some time to themselves as well. Hosting Depending on your park of choice, possible and activities. your reunion in or near a theme park non-ride activities could include: • Seeing a show. Most theme parks means you don’t have to plan too many offer live music shows; the biggest ones BIGSTOCK
12 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com also provide full-on stage shows and • Reserve a space big enough to hold the Solve this problem by making reservations extravaganzas. Plus, if you stick around whole group. This may mean reserving well in advance. until after sunset, you’ve a pretty good a meeting room or event room at your • Have a key person. Instead of each chance of seeing a fireworks display. lodging, or you may designate one suite family or person fending for themselves, • Going on a foodie tour. If you’re going as group HQ. Either way, make sure have one person in the group designated to one of the mega-parks mentioned there’s a central place to meet and hang as the liaison for all lodging and park- above, visiting each “nation” and out. Despite their size, it can be hard for related issues; if you have a large group, exploring its food is a recognized activity. theme parks to provide designated group have additional people overseeing Even in smaller parks, there’s usually a space on the spur of the moment! transportation and dining arrangements, wide variety of eats available, including • Schedule group time. That long list too. different restaurants and lots of food of activities means that most guests are • Get rooms on the same floor. This carts and trucks. Traditional American going to be busy. That’s awesome, but makes impromptu gatherings much midway favorites like corn dogs and don’t forget that the whole point of a easier. funnel cakes are now sharing space with reunion is to reunite as a group. So be • Plan well in advance. Otherwise, you tacos, seafood, sushi, barbeque, and other sure to schedule in dinner, breakfast, or might find it hard to stay, eat, or gather in delicious options. game night – whatever works to connect the same places. your whole group. • Splurge on reunion gear. It’s easy to Theme Park Reunions: • Make group dining reservations in get lost in the crowd at a theme park, so Tips & Tricks advance. Yes, amusement parks cater to consider whether buying reunion t-shirts While planning a theme park reunion large crowds. But there’s no guarantee and/or hats is an option for your group. does lighten the load on the planning that any one restaurant will have enough It’ll make spotting long-lost friends a lot committee somewhat, there are still a few open tables to seat your whole group, or faster. things to keep in mind: that your group will be seated together.
REUNIONS WORKBOOK 13 Find Your FAMILY HISTORY for your Next Reunion
REUNIONS ARE ALL ABOUT TELLING GREAT STORIES. WHY NOT SHARE THE ONE THAT UNITES YOU ALL – THE STORY OF YOUR FAMILY?
VERY FAMILY HAS a story – cult as you fear. One neophyte researcher, best of times for family historians,” said this legend is emblazoned armed with only a grandmother’s maiden Curt Witcher, manager of The Genealogy E on wall art, cushion covers name, was able to track their family his- Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, one of the and innumerable web pages, but tory back to 1800. And the search took leading genealogy centers in the United it happens to be true. In fact, every about 10 minutes. As it turns out, finding States that offers extreme customer family has a million stories. Why not find your family’s roots doesn’t mean burying service to aid you in your search. “There out more about yours before your next your personal life while you spend months is so much information available on the reunion? researching – or digging yourself into a internet, there is anywhere from 20 to 30 Wait, did you just really read that? As big hole of debt! Thanks to the internet billion searchable records online. if, in the rush of planning another reunion, and to our own curious natures, it’s easier “You can also visit a library such as you have time to track down your family’s than it’s ever been before. the (Allen County Public Library in Fort
past! But hang on – it might not be as diffi- “I like to tell people we live in the Wayne) to further help your search,” BIGSTOCK
14 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com Witcher added. “Our collection of books and microfilm have more than 1.1-million physical items.” With all that in mind, here are our top tips for tracing your family’s story. They range from short and sweet to involved and ex- pensive, but the joy of family research is that you can decide how far back you want to go. However, we do have one warning before we get started: uncovering your family story can be addictive! You might find yourself digging deeper than you originally planned.
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 15 Your local library can be another place TIP 1: TIP 3: to search for online genealogical help; if Just Ask Hit Up the Internet they don’t have their own site (like Allen County, Indiana), they may be able to This is a no-brainer, but it’s surprisingly Armed with just a few names and dates, help you access HeritageQuest Online for overlooked – and surprisingly effective. you’re now ready to try your hand at free. Ask your grandparents, your parents, online genealogy. But be warned that it’s “The easiest thing is to gather in- your cousins. It’s entirely possible that not exactly easy to navigate. There are formation from living memory, relatives, someone has already done at least part of a plethora of free and paid sites that let family record pages, etc.,” Witcher said. your family history. Even if it’s not in your you dig into your family’s past using their “People fortunate enough to visit a library family’s name (like if your maternal first databases. Here are a few top picks: such as ours can then talk to a librarian cousin did it), they’ll have traced at least some of your ancestors. This will give you a place to start your own searches. If you don’t have any amateur gene- alogists in your family, don’t despair. Ask anyway, preferably starting with the older generations. Grandmas and great-aunts are treasure troves of names, often being able to recall their own grandparents’ full names, places of residence, and maybe even birth or death years. These can help you enormously in your record search later on.
TIP 2: Go on an Attic Adventure
This tip can and should be done at the same time as Tip 1. If you happen to be visiting the family farmstead, see if you can explore the attics, sheds and base- ments for scrapbooks, photo albums and family records. Even if your family’s origi- nal homestead is long gone, ask if your parents or grandparents have preserved any of this memorabilia. You might well find birth and marriage records, with their vital names and dates. Maybe you’ll even find a forgotten family tree tucked away • USA.gov’s Genealogy and Family His- that specializes in family research history. in the pages of a massive old Bible (it’s tory section has advice about where and We look at surnames they have, dates happened more than you’d think). how to search federal and state records. they have and we help people use our If you just find old photos, you’re still • Archives.gov contains free tools for online databases. We subscribe to all the in luck. Look at the backs or on the mount- amateur genealogists, including census, major ones on behalf of our customers.” ing – you might find names and dates. Ask military, immigration, naturalization and Industry leaders like Ancestry.com, older family members if they recognize land records. Archives.com and MyHeritage.com all anyone and note the names. At the very • FamilySearch.org, a service of the have paid subscriptions, but if you don’t least, look at the photos themselves: you Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day mind shelling out a modest sum each might find some good stories there, with- Saints, offers a free account that allows month, they are quite user-friendly. You out having to dig further! Or play detective you to search their massive database of may even get most of your research done by examining cars, buildings, and other genealogical information. while you’re still in the free trial stage! background information to determine • WikiTree, although smaller, is com- when and where the photo was taken. pletely free to use. BIGSTOCK
16 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com kept? In that case, you might not be able TIP 4: to trace your family story back more than Get a DNA Test a few generations. But you know what? A few generations are all you need to begin But what if you’ve tried asking relatives for your own records. Start collecting stories a genealogical leg up and gotten nowhere? now, and you’ll be building a narrative for What if your family’s story dead ends after coming generations. a generation or two? In that case, getting a If you really want to find your family’s DNA test might open some doors. history, it might be worth the expense of Genealogical DNA tests are now a professional genealogist. Make sure you quite affordable. These will tell you the find one that produces the results you general area(s) where your DNA is most expect and consider looking for a certifi- common – for example, in Central Europe, a paid monthly membership to build your cation or accreditation. If your family has Sub-Saharan Africa, Scandinavia, etc. family tree. a strong heritage in a particular culture, Some, such as Ancestry, break things you may want to ensure your genealogist down even further, tracing where in the What If You Can’t Find either has contacts in that community or USA you’re likely from, based on how Your Family Story? can speak/read the language. common your DNA is in specific regions. Of course, all of these tips presuppose Remember that genealogy is not a Because all these DNA results are stored your family has been in North America quick trip down memory lane, it’s a fasci- in a database and cross-referenced, An- or Europe for many generations. What if nating undertaking and one that can last cestry can also point you toward distant your family is a more recent arrival, or it for an entire lifetime. Finding your family’s cousins and other relatives you may not hails from a country where birth and death story is a long journey, but it’s one worth
BIGSTOCK know you have. From there, you can use records were destroyed or haphazardly taking.
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 17 Venmo/PayPal: A good first step is set- ting up a digital wallet such as Venmo or PayPal. These will allow you to quickly send or request money to or from anyone else that has it downloaded, making it an excellent method for collecting deposits from reunion attendees and for keeping your reunion funds separate from your personal accounts. venmo.com/ paypal.com Splitwise: A great companion to your digital wallet, Splitwise tracks who owes Bring your who. When anyone is ready to pay what is owed, the app links to Venmo or PayPal to make it as easy as a tap on their cellphone screen. This can be especially useful for non-budgeted expenses that happen on the fly, like splitting up the bill REUNION for that spontaneous restaurant meal or deciding to take everyone on a Segway tour of the city at the last minute. splitwise.com/
PLANNING Itinerary Depending upon the length and com- into the plexity of your reunion, building, sharing and getting approval for your schedule of Digital Age events can be a major chore. Then there is the headache of confirming, tracking and coordinating everyone’s travel infor- mation. The following apps range in their FROM BUDGETING TO GAME OPTIONS, THESE depth and intricacy, but can be a real APPS WILL HELP YOU BETTER ORGANIZE, time-saver for larger, longer reunions. EXECUTE AND ENJOY YOUR NEXT REUNION Travefy: Used by many a professional travel agent and group travel planner, this app might be a bit more than most reunion planners need, however, it allows HETHER YOU ARE planning Goodbudget: Proficient for tracking your you to easily build your itinerary, combine your first reunion or you are overall reunion budget, this app allows hotel and flight information, then can W a seasoned veteran, everyone you to set up virtual “envelopes” to help share with others. This makes it easy for can use a little help here and manage your funds. You can create cat- reunion attendees to remember what there. Luckily, a myriad of tech solu- egories for each of the envelopes, such as time everyone arrives, where to meet and tions exist that can assist you in planning food, accommodations or transportation, if they are staying at the same hotel or and executing the perfect reunion. thus helping you determine how to divvy not. Travefy also offers a built-in chat and up your budget and see where you can a poll if you need to make a group deci- Budgeting move money around to squeeze in that sion on whether to include that river boat Who couldn’t use a little help with bud- extra activity or event. goodbudget.com/ tour or take everyone to the zoo instead. geting? A reunion is a major event and travefy.com/ especially during the planning phase Expenses Tripline: If your needs are on the lighter when a lot of great ideas are being thrown Once you’ve set your budget and it is side, you can try the free app Tripline. Es- around, it is helpful to have a tool to aid in time to start collecting money and paying pecially useful during the planning phase sorting out what you can realistically in- for things, these next set of apps work of your reunion, multiple people can map clude and what is just out of your budget extremely well when used in concert to out restaurants, attractions, accommoda- this time around. track both expenses and payments. tions and more and then share it. Group
18 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com members can also upload photos or text reunion. Depending upon your needs, your own playlists to fit the mood of any for locations on the map. The app then there are numerous options out there event. Groups can share, follow or make a takes the photos and creates an animation that can help. playlist collaborative so everyone can edit outlining the itinerary, which you can share Evite: If you are looking for an environ- how they like. for a more visual preview of your reunion. mentally-friendly, more cost-effective spotify.com tripline.net/ alternative to sending out paper invita- Perfect Potluck: If you’ve ever tried to Google Calendar: If you only need the tions through the mail, with Evite you organize a potluck for more than a few most basic of tools, Google Calendar can can choose from a large selection of dozen people, you’ll understand the ben- be a convenient option. Most of your at- custom-pre-made digital invitations or efit of an app like Perfect Potluck. Not only tendees will likely already have a Google create your own. RSVPs are also digitally can you coordinate who will bring what account, and if they don’t, setting up an submitted and tracked instantly, eliminat- dish, but Perfect Potluck tells you how account is quick and free. You can create ing the worry of delayed or lost mail. many people need to bring certain items events, add details, and invite friends or evite.com/ depending on the total amount of people family who have a Google account to Band: Relatively new on the scene, this and offer suggested menus starting from make changes. Other features include app was designed specifically for group 10 guests all the way up to 500 people. If video chat and mass email, to aid in keep- communication and contains multiple you happen to be short on recipe ideas, ing everyone up-to-date.
Photo Sharing Gone are the days when Uncle Rick was the only one walking around the reunion taking photos with his 35mm camera. Odds are every single person at your re- union will be snapping photos constantly with their cell phones or some other device. With so many photos being taken, it can be easy to miss that perfect candid shot your niece took of grandma or the heartwarming picture of long-parted family members reuniting. This is where our next set of apps comes in handy. Cluster: A great private way to collect and share photos exclusively within your group. You can create separate galleries to organize the photos and video by who submitted them or by the event. You can even get notified when someone sees or likes a photo. group features such as chat, calendar, they even offer them on their website. cluster.co/ board, albums, voice calling, polls and perfectpotluck.com/ Shutterfly: Digital photo galleries are great, more. If you’re dealing with a large re- Heads Up!: When it is time for some hu- but they aren’t for everyone. If you’re look- union, Band is an excellent option for morous quality bonding, this app is up to ing to print physical photos, scrapbook or connecting with everyone in one place the task. You form teams of two or more create other photo-based memorabilia, and sharing information without the need and take turns picking which category Shutterfly is for you. It offers unlimited for mass emails. you’re most knowledgeable about. From photo storage to share with friends and band.us charades to guessing accents, celebrities family, as well as an easy way to order or movie plots, you’ll have a blast and test prints, holiday cards, or even home décor. Music, Games & More what you know. shutterfly.com Let’s close out our list with some apps *Available in the Google App store that can assist with the lighter side of the Reverse Charades: Bringing a digital Communication reunion. twist or a time-honored family game, this From sending invitations and receiving Spotify: If you’re looking to have a variety app lets teams pick 30, 60 or 90 second RSVPs to the weekly planning meetings of music at your reunion, download the rounds to act out as many words as they with your various reunion committees, Spotify app. Millions of albums and songs can while one person guesses. efficient communication is key to a great are accessible for free and you can create *Available in the Google App store
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 19 Establishing a TIMETABLE for Your REUNION SETTING A TIMETABLE WILL HELP THE FAMILY REUNION PLANNER PLOT THE COURSE FOR A WELL-ORGANIZED EVENT.
Months Months Months 24 Prior 12 Prior 6-9 Prior o 8-24 months in advance determine o Choose your reunion location, keep- o Visit hotel, meet with key sales and if there is enough interest in holding a ing in line with your budget and the geo- catering staff, and review pick-up on reunion graphical radius your reunion attendees room blocks o Talk to other reunion organizers about may need to travel o Begin souvenir directory/list of attend- their experiences, positive and negative o Reserve hotel room block ees/memory book o Attend a reunion organizing class, o Set your dates. Summer is often best o Send formal invites with full event workshop or conference, often hosted by because kids are out of school, but prices details and any TBA info a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) may be higher at popular destinations. o Keep your reunion website updated o Inquire with CVBs and hotels about o Create a simple website, Facebook and post regularly to social media to familiarization (fam) trips to scout page, Twitter and Pinterest account build interest potential locations and facilities o Hire entertainment, secure caterer, o Schedule events and activities – o Start a mailing and email list of potential photographer, videographer, printer establish your program, confirm any reunion attendees o Send save-the-date cards, first mailer speakers o Form reunion committees; establish or reunion website information. Include o Plan reunion activities for adults responsibilities and schedules tentative plans, suggestions for tours, and children, awards ceremony, tours, o Consider hiring professional reunion souvenirs, memory books, theme, ap- entertainment, games for kids planner if your group is large, complex or proximate cost, memory book contribu- o Distribute order forms for family recruiting committee members is proving tions, missing persons list. memorabilia like T-shirts, mugs, hats and difficult o Choose a reunion theme. Themes are keepsakes o Develop budget so everyone on your great icebreakers for reunion members o Send second mailer: registration form, guest list is able to participate who do not know each other well and can cost and updated list of missing persons o Create bookkeeping system, keep also trigger ideas for activities, food and (along with souvenir ordering information copious records and notes of exact time invitations. above) and monetary expenditures
20 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com Months Months 4 Prior 1-2 Prior o Contact missing persons and send o Contact missing persons and send “time is running out” card “time is running out” card o Email your reunion announcement to o Email your reunion announcement to media sources for press coverage media sources for press coverage o Reserve rental equipment such as o Reserve rental equipment such as tents, tents, chairs, porta-toilets chairs, porta-toilets o With your theme nailed down, select o With your theme nailed down, select and order decorations, signs, banners and order decorations, signs, banners o Choose menus for group events o Choose menus for group events o Confirm reservations with entertain- o Confirm reservations with entertain- ment, photographer, caterers ment, photographer, caterers o Calculate rental needs like tents, chairs, o Calculate rental needs like tents, chairs, tables, coolers tables, coolers o Submit personalized souvenir order o Submit personalized souvenir order (T-shirts, mugs, caps) (T-shirts, mugs, caps) BIGSTOCK
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 21 Week Prior o Contact missing persons and send “time is running out” card o Email your reunion announcement to media sources for press coverage o Reserve rental equipment such as tents, chairs, porta-toilets o With your theme nailed down, select and order decorations, signs, banners o Choose menus for group events o Confirm reservations with entertain- ment, photographer, caterers
Reunion Day of Event o Set up registration and decorations early (day before if possible) o Have contracts handy for rental equipment, displays, caterers o Set up children’s activities/games early so they can start/finish on time o Manage details of volunteers, food, photographer, games, tours, entertain- ment, ceremonies o Encourage participants to post photos and memories on social media o Salute volunteers and committees o Enjoy the day!
Post-Reunion Follow-up o Reflect and evaluate – note what worked, what didn’t o Consider an evaluation form to get honest, not anecdotal feedback o Complete event bookkeeping, settle all accounts o Write thank you notes to volunteers, committees, hotel staff, caterers and entertainment who excelled How’s your mom and them? o Send follow-up mailing/e-newsletter to Many founding families in JoCo settled here in the late 1600s, entire family, including those who could so why not bring your family for a visit. Reunion planners not attend may choose from restored school houses, new barn meeting o Post reunion recap on social media, venues, a host of fun events, and outlet shopping. send to family members who could not attend Our location along I-95 is easy to reach – tell the family, o Start planning your next reunion! Exit 95 on 95. Plan your reunion today with help on johnstoncountync.org/reunions 1-800-441-7829
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ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 23 Stop Sending Invitations email is awesome, grandma and grandpa responsible for a jumbo-sized family Through Snail Mail and great aunts and uncles may still need game. Our game was one of six games For more than a century, the a physical invitation that arrives in their we played at the reunion and one of six 1 mailbox and the rotary dial phone mailbox or a call they can answer on their activities the reunion planner didn’t have were how we communicated. But times rotary dial phone. to worry about. have changed. We no longer have eight Many years ago, we planned a cruise- track tapes, floppy disks, typewriters Stop Trying To Do themed reunion. Each of the family groups and no one is using shorthand. Family Everything Yourself choose a port of call and planned activities reunion planners should embrace the This one is huge. As a reunion and a meal that represented the culture of advances in technology when sending 2 planner, you have enough to do that port. Because there were six families, invitations and keeping in touch with without worrying about every detail of we sailed to six countries, including Mexico, family members. your reunion. Form a committee and give Alaska, Africa and Paris, France. I’m all for sending thank you cards, Christmas and Stop Spending birthday cards and wedding Your Own announcements by snail Money mail, but when it comes to 3 No matter how much family reunion invitations you love each other, it still and flyers, using email and costs money to hold a family texts just makes sense. reunion. First off, consider the You may charge reunion- cost. At almost 50 cents Five Things goers a fee for attending the for a stamp, the cost of reunion or you may ask them mailing every family an to donate food or other invitation adds up quickly, supplies, but if you are a especially if you have a large reunion planner, I guarantee family. Also, factor in the cost that you are spending your of paper and the ink to print it REUNION own money (probably more on or the cost of taking your than you think) to make your invitations to a print shop to reunion successful. have them professionally For many families, printed. You also need to putting someone (or a figure in the labor involved, PLANNERS committee) in charge of sorting, stapling, folding and managing the money is putting your invitations into Should a huge help. This person envelopes. should be responsible for all A reunion planner Stop Doing Now things money including any can sit at her computer, fundraising that takes place. BY MARILYNN STEWART compose a quick message Our family does a family or create a beautiful custom invitation and out assignments or, if working solo, make auction to help with reunion expenses. The send it off to the entire reunion family in a a list of activities and divide them up responsibility for the auction, including matter of seconds. No stamp is required, among family members. A simple way to encouraging family members to bring no trip to the post office and no time is make assignments is by family group. donations to be auctioned off, is up taken to physically fold, staple and lick. There are six children in my husband’s to our reunion financial guru. She keeps Just send it out and your whole family family. They are all over 60 years old now track of all winning bids and collects the can be reading your reunion information and have adult children of their own. For money. She also deposits the cash in our in a matter of minutes. most reunions, each family group receives family reunion bank account and pays all Our family has enjoyed sharing an assignment to do an activity and plan the bills. It’s one less thing the reunion our news and information on our family and cook a meal. When my family is given planner needs to worry about. Facebook page and I know some families an assignment, my children help with I suggest every reunion organizer that have created their own family the planning and implementing of that purchase a notebook to record each websites. Both are convenient, instant assignment. purchase they make for the reunion. and inexpensive ways to keep in touch. The theme of our last reunion was, Glue an envelope in the back of your Although sending reunion information by “Game On.” Every family group was notebook for keeping receipts and at the
24 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com completion of your reunion, review your what you say or do. reunions in my early years, I’m sure reunion purchases and submit your receipts to Focus instead on all the wonderful planners never considered planning a the money manager. people that come to the reunion like reunion with a Caveman, Western or Keep in mind that the purchases cousin Toby, who planned his wedding so Wizard of Oz theme, but today, families you make are made with precious funds that his anniversary would never fall on have thought up some pretty amazing and take care to spend wisely, but if there the reunion weekend, and Aunt Jean and reunion themes and activities. As a doesn’t seem to be enough funds for Uncle Mack, who save their work vacation reunion planner, you will want to talk with one of your activities, unless you pay for every year so that they can attend. Those friends and co-workers to find out what it, then it’s time to cut it from the list or are the people that need your attention their favorite family reunions are. The find a creative way to pay for it. and are probably the families that are experiences of others is a great jumping- most excited to lend a hand. off point for creating the perfect reunion for your family. Search the internet for the thousands of reunion ideas you can find there. You might not find exactly what you’re looking for, but reading about other reunion planners’ experiences can help get your creative juices flowing. After you’ve done your online research, put your own family’s spin on the ideas you found there. AmazingReunion.com is a simple, free online service helping people plan their next family reunion. They can help with registration, hotel reservations and collecting fees. Familyreunionhelper. com is a website that offers reunion-themed packages that are packed full of reunion ideas, activities, games, recipes, printables and templates Stop Worrying About To encourage attendance at the next that take a lot of the “planning” out of Family That Doesn’t reunion, send out a nice, personalized email reunion planning. Attend the Reunion or text to those that didn’t attend letting A family reunion is a huge 4 responsibility for reunion planners but as When you’re the one that has them know that they were missed. Be worked so hard to plan and implement tolerant and patient with those that don’t you work through the reunion process, a reunion, it’s pretty hard to not take make the time or put forth the effort to be keep in mind the reason you’re having it personally when someone tells you at your reunion. Perhaps you’ll see some a reunion. Don’t wait for a funeral or they can’t attend. of the non-attenders next year when they wedding to get your family together. Over the last 40 years of family hear how much fun everyone had at the When you plan a reunion, you give reunions, I have heard some pretty reunion they missed. your family the opportunity to play and ridiculous reasons and excuses that have fun together. The work you do will someone can’t attend a family reunion, Don’t Reinvent the Wheel assure that children will get to know their but I’ve also learned that if someone We live in an age when everyone distant cousins and is a way for families doesn’t want to come to the reunion is sharing their expertise and to reconnect with their roots and find a
BIGSTOCK they’re just not going to come, no matter 5 experiences on the internet. At sense of belonging.
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 25 Your Guide to BOOKINGBOOKING ACCOMMODATIONSACCOMMODATIONS CHOICES, CHOICES AND MORE CHOICES. IT’S WHAT REUNION PLANNERS FACE AS THEY NAVIGATE THE EVER-COMPLEX ARRAY OF ACCOMMODATIONS IN TODAY’S MARKETPLACE. LUCKILY, CHOICES TRANSLATE INTO OPTIONS AND BOY, DO REUNION PLANNERS HAVE OPTIONS IN 2019!
Traditional hotels still dominate the landscape chains have embraced this newfound source of revenue. The supply of new hotels in the U.S. grew by more than These factors have forced reunion planners to look at 100,000 rooms in 2018. This is the largest number of new ways to keep their costs in check. Check out our article on rooms to enter the market since 2009. New hotel develop- 7 Tips for Negotiating with Hotels to help your group get the ments put pressure on existing properties who are forced right hotel at the right price. to renovate and remain rate competitive. In 2019, CBRE Hotels Americas Research is forecasting the nation’s hotels Alternative to Tradition will enjoy a 10th consecutive year of growth with U.S. hotel Changing consumer preferences has brought alternative occupancy expected to rise to 66.2 percent this year, a fifth housing into the mainstream. Over the last decade, apart- straight record level. The growth in occupancy is primarily ment and home rental sites like Airbnb (4 million listings the result of a projected 2.1 percent increase in demand, worldwide) and VRBO have opened up a new level of clever more than enough to offset an estimated net increase in choices never thought possible. Not to be overlooked, supply of 1.9 percent for the year. university housing (school is out during summer reunions), Buoyed by a strong economy and fresh competition, religious monasteries and hostels all offer unique housing hotel chains are spending furiously to update their proper- choices and a memorable experience. Read our article on ties to the tune of over $7 billion this year. Properties are Alternative Accommodations to learn why timeshares aren’t refreshing their units with a wide array of features and ame- nearly as bad as some make them out to be. nities patrons now expect, such as ergonomic work spaces, The great outdoors beckons generations of families look- upscale retail shops and keyless room entry. ing to reconnect with nature. What better way to create new Despite the increase in room inventory, hotels are rais- memories than a scenic dude ranch or glamping (high-end ing rates and adding new fees. The industry is expecting a camping) adventure? Our team gives you the inside scoop on 2.3 percent lift in average daily rate (ADR) to $133.04 while these two trending areas. unpopular resort fees are now creeping into urban luxury and Armed with insider intelligence and plenty of choices, full-service hotels across the United States. They may be called you’re now better prepared to select the right style of ac- amenities or facilities fees and cover less glamorous goods commodations for your group. or services like internet access and bottled water, but major Ready to book?
26 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com Your Guide to BOOKINGBOOKING ACCOMMODATIONSACCOMMODATIONS
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/MALLOFAMERICA @MALLOFAMERICA @MALLOFAMERICA BLOOMINGTONMN.ORG ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 27 HEN PLANNING A REUNION, negotiating with hotels W can be an intimidating and challenging task if you don’t know what to ask for or how to ask for it. By researching properties well in advance, you’ll have a better understanding of how to approach the process, specific items 7 Tips Every to request and what can be bargained in your contract. To help out, we have listed seven Reunion Planner important tricks from reunion planning experts on how to successfully negotiate Should Use When with hotels. This will help you determine what you can reasonably ask for, learn throwaway items you can typically get for free, and negotiate certain requests that can be hard to get, even for the most NEGOTIATING seasoned reunion planner. Initial Negotiation Steps with Every reunion planner wants to deliver a great experience for his or her guests. Please keep that in mind as you are choosing your property. How the hotel HOTELS treats you is more than likely how they will treat your guests. Pick a property DOING SOME INITIAL RESEARCH AND KNOWING that is eager to work with you and is WHAT TO ASK WILL HELP YOUR GROUP responsive to your needs. Also, recognize GET THE RIGHT HOTEL AT THE RIGHT PRICE that the terms of a hotel contract extend beyond just obtaining the best group rate possible, and can include anything from A/V equipment to parking, depending on your reunion needs. There are multiple negotiation points. After doing your research, be sure to contact more than one hotel as this will drive up the competition. All hotels have flexibility with their rates and many sales managers will be willing to negotiate with the customer if they can. Talking to two or three hotels is the best way to get the lowest rate. If the hotel really wants your business, some hotels will come down $10-$50 per room per night, based on competition. If your dates are flexible, you can ask a hotel for the best date they can meet your budget and meeting space requirements. Let the hotel propose dates that are a win-win for the both of you. No hotel will turn down a reasonable offer during slow periods. Once you’ve chosen your hotel,
be very specific with your meeting/ BIGSTOCK
28 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com hospitality space needs. It is most Leverage Room Space allow it, even for kosher needs or special effective to communicate immediately Another reasonable request is diets. regarding date, time and setup. asking for a banquet room for free. Even though the reunion may be 3 Hotels usually do this by either not Big-City Parking months away, you’ll want to secure your charging for the room if a certain amount Parking is often requested to be block of rooms as soon as possible. You food and beverage is consumed or included, but it may be hard to never know what other events in town offering a package deal, charging a daily 7 obtain this at central-city hotels if will affect hotel occupancy. You do not fee that includes the meeting room, food they don’t own the space. have to know how many rooms you need and beverage and a/v technology. right now to get the room block set up. 3 Other Items to Consider The hotel will provide a cutoff date by Throw-Away Items Asking for: which you need to book. Complimentary Room Make sure the hotel is offering you a Most hotels will offer an aggressive • Hospitality space/area instead courtesy block. This means you will not be complimentary room incentive of “meeting space” for the responsible for paying for unused rooms if they really want to win your 4 registration desk in the block as long as they are cancelled business. Usually the policy is one • BBQ space or an area to gather by a mutually agreed-upon date. Some complimentary guest room for every and play games, instead of renting properties are more reunion-friendly than 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 rooms picked up, a banquet room others. If they are not offering a courtesy per night. A complimentary hotel suite • Local attractions are a big deal block, you do not want to use that hotel. upgrade for every 10 rooms booked is for reunions and the hotel can also the norm. offer their concierge services for Reasonable Requests discounted pricing and free advice When negotiating with vendors for a Reception Area reunion, be friendly and personable. It’s Many hotels will offer complimen- important to start off on the right foot and tary meeting space for a meet- These items are not always offered establish a good relationship. It’s also a 5 and-greet reception based on how by hotels, so you have to ask. It’s all part good idea to find some common ground, many overnight sleeping rooms the group of the negotiation process. something that you both can relate to. For has booked. Reunion planning can certainly be example, you want to host a successful a tricky situation when expectations are reunion, and they want to provide the Hard-To-Gets not expressed. It’s important to keep services for a successful event. Creating an Bringing in Own Food and your budget in mind when it comes to understanding will make the negotiation Beverage your list of must-haves. If you are down process much easier because you both Banquet and catering can get to one item (parking/guest room rate/ want to work towards that common goal. 6 expensive for a group. Ask if the hospitality space), offer to sign the hotel will allow the group to bring in its contract/agreement immediately if they Obtain References own food/caterer. But most hotels don’t can meet the request. Ask for references from past reunions that the hotel has hosted. 1 Therefore, the property knows you are serious about booking. Hotels tend to negotiate more aggressively with reunions that have history, so share what you have done in the past.
Lower Meal Rates Ask for discounted food and beverage rates. It is reasonable to 2 ask for breakfast to be included. Hotels are open to offering meal deals unless they don’t own the restaurant. Full- service hotels typically do not include breakfast in their price, but ask if they can either provide a discounted voucher or include it the room rate.
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 29 30 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com FORGET the HOTEL Stay in these Spots Instead
WHEN YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS COME TO TOWN, THEY HAVE MORE LODGING CHOICES THAN EVER
HEN ORGANIZING A reunion, Apartment and home rentals one of the biggest With more than five million listings W obstacles planners face is the worldwide, Airbnb is a popular company accommodation of those pesky in the travel world. While Airbnb might be out-of-town attendees. the fastest growing player in the vacation With the average daily hotel rental market, it’s hardly the only one. room rate increasing annually, booking Other websites like homestay.com, vrbo. multiple people in a hotel is a pricey com and 9flats.com also enable guests to venture. And you certainly don’t want rent a room in someone’s house, apartment your messy cousins staying in your guest room, which makes finding a suitable lodging situation for them a challenging prospect. These reasons are, at least in part, why many planners opt for alternative accommodations for their guests. From Airbnb to religious housing, reunion architects often forego placing their family and friends in traditional hotels in favor of potentially cheaper options. Here are some of those choices and how to book them. BIGSTOCK
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 31 or cottage, typically for affordable rates. available tend to be during summer, term you can reach out to a university directly. These options are attractive alternatives breaks or weekends. When contacting the university, ask about to hotels because the properties often While it may be difficult to envision the rates, how to complete the booking offer a more welcoming vibe than hotels, your Aunt Helen roughing it in a dorm and whether you need to bring your own giving guests a home-away-from-home room littered with Animal House posters, linens and towels. Some colleges require feel. in truth, many colleges offer stays in you submit an application for short-term Using Airbnb as an example, here’s higher-class locales with rates that are housing, and availability tends to be how to book a room in a vacation rental: cheaper than hotels of comparable posted two to three months in advance, • Before requesting a reservation with quality. so book early. a host, guests need to complete a profile Perhaps the most festive time to that includes photos and verifications. book an on-campus room is when your Religious Housing • When searching for a property to family or friends have gathered for a For those family members that are faithful
rent, make sure to include your dates and the number of guests using the room in order to get the most accurate pricing. Read reviews, descriptions, house rules and amenities for each establishment to determine which place best fits your needs. You can also contact the host by sending them a message on Airbnb. Once the message is confirmed, you can message, email or call the host to communicate until the trip has concluded. • Once you are primed to book your place, you can choose from a pair of university sporting event. Booking guests churchgoers, giving them the chance to options. You can Instant Book, in which on campus will most likely ensure they are stay in a convent, monastery, temple or you confirm a reservation at your place within walking distance of the stadium synagogue could enhance their reunion on the website immediately or you can and can avoid battling the massive glut of experience considerably. Request to Book, in which you submit a traffic that will accompany the big game. While religious retreats are reservation request and hosts have 24 To find academic housing options, distinctively cultural experiences, they hours to accept your request. websites like universityrooms.com can also tend to fall on the economical side, help you select rooms from across the with many locales offering free meals. Academic Housing globe. The site lets travelers book unused The best sites to find religious housing Along the lines of Airbnb is academic rooms at more than 400 universities and include goodnightandgodbless.com, housing, in which college dormitories rent more than 100 cities across the world. If monasterystays.com. and brigidine.org/. out rooms to travelers when students have universityrooms.com doesn’t suit your Using goodnightandgodbless.com as an vacated the premises. The most popular needs (the site features considerably example, here’s how to book religious time periods in which these rooms are more rooms in Europe than in the states), housing:
32 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com • When visiting the site’s home page, type them from hostile sales tactics by booking made up of a younger crowd that wants in your preferred destination, check-in a timeshare directly from its owner. to spend their disposable income on food and check-out date, the number of adults Sites like redweek.com and and liquor, this choice might appeal to and children and what type of room you sellmytimesharenow.com will help you rent them. Plus, with hostels offering six, eight would like. a property for whatever amount of time and 10-person rooms, it will give your • Once your information is inputted, the you need. On those sites, you can view fraternity brothers a renewed chance to site will show you available locations available properties and learn about their bond, just like the old days. including a summary, photos, room prices, amenities before making a rental offer. Sites like hihostels.com and hostels. capacity and a map of the location. com have thousands of properties around • Click on the Book Now button to place Hostels the world. To utilize these sites, click on your reservation. These no-frills accommodations tend to the destination of the hostel, select your fall on the cheapest side of the ledger, as check-in and check-out dates and the
Timeshares number of guests. Timeshares have gotten a bad rap for It’s recommended you do your the notoriously aggressive nature of research before booking because a their salespeople. Take that element subpar hostel could be filthy and bug- away though and timeshares often offer ridden. On the flip side, some of the best luxurious accommodations with a full hostels offer flexible check-ins, meaning kitchen, living room and a washer/dryer if your guests arrive in town at noon, they inside the unit, not to mention on-site may be able to check in then rather than pools and tennis courts. tooling around town for hours with their In other words, timeshares can be a luggage in tow. When you have narrowed considerable step up from hotels. And they offer dormitory-style rooms often down your hostel options, call each with so many timeshares going unused at with shared bathrooms. establishment and ask if they offer flexible various points of the year, you can provide While that option might not suit check-in times. The one that does should your guests lavish quarters and shelter your rich Uncle Herbert, if your reunion is be the one that earns your business.
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 33 Unplug your
• Have the place to yourself. Depend- ing on the venue, groups as small as 10 REUNION people can book the entire property for themselves. Other ranches may be able at a to offer groups semi-secluded areas for their reunion. • Simplify planning. By hosting your reunion at a dude ranch, there’s less transportation and outside activities to DUDE organize. Plus, food is usually part of the package. • Enjoy the view. Dude ranches special- ize in natural, unspoiled beauty. RANCH • Interact with animals. Dude ranches – even those that skew more toward resort and less toward working ranch – SEARCHING FOR AN ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL REUNIONS? often provide animal-themed activities. DUDE RANCHES MAY BE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR Horseback riding is a popular draw, while others offer a chance to groom, feed, and care for a multitude of other species. Some even allow you to bring your own UDE RANCHES conjure up sively on hosting guests, others provide four-legged friends along. images of the open range, a more agritourist-like experience (where • Get a feel for the past. Traditional dude D the bunkhouse and the chuck guests help out with ranch activities), and ranches gave guests a taste of cowboy wagon – which is both fairly ac- others provide a mix of lodging, food life – serving authentic grub, singing old curate and a long way from reality. and traditional activities (e.g. horseback folk songs, and even providing a sample- However you imagine a dude ranch, it’s a riding, hiking). sized portion of cattle herding. This is still great place for a reunion. very much available, and it’s a fun and What exactly is a dude ranch? Basi- Why Have My Reunion manageable way of bringing family or cally, they’re ranches that take in paying at a Dude Ranch? group history to life. guests – that’s why some are called guest While a memorable reunion can be had ranches. The term “dude ranch” was just about anywhere, a ranch reunion Top Five Things to Do coined early in the last century, when offers some very special advantages. on a Dude Ranch dude meant “city person.” Your group can: With so many things to choose from, it Today’s dude ranch is a place where can be hard to winnow down the list of groups can get out into the wilderness, • Unplug. Convenient as they are, our dude ranch activities. Here are a few clas- but it’s not a one-ranch-fits-all proposi- devices often get in the way of connect- sics – and a few that might be a surprise: tion. Like hotels, ranches exist on a con- ing with the very people we’ve come to tinuum from basic accommodations – the see. At a ranch reunion, this problem can • Let the kids camp out. Sure, everyone stereotypical bunkhouse or tent situation easily be remedied: Not only is the beau- can camp out all reunion long if they want – to five-star luxury that just happens to tiful scenery apt to distract from screen to. But sometimes it’s more fun to send be in a rather remote setting. Some dude time, many resorts only offer wi-fi (or get the younger ones off on a (safely super- ranches are like resorts that focus exclu- phone signals) at designated locations. vised) adventure.
34 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com shooting, hiking and mountain biking complicated reunions. The larger your are all pretty common offerings. Some group, the more time you should give the ranches also have facilities for golf, skiing, ranch to prepare for your arrival. rafting, and boating. Of course, simply • Summer is peak season, but spring and relaxing in a comfy spot is also a great fall can be lovely. Some ranches are nearly way to get outside. inaccessible once snow falls; others turn • Pamper yourself. Most ranches aren’t into winter wonderlands. the strictly “life-on-the-range” type. They • Consider the available lodging and also provide thoroughly modern and activity options and how they’ll fit with indulgent activities like massages, spas, your group’s needs. It’s not unusual for yoga, and swimming. one ranch to offer a large lodge, several • Take a class. There’s more to a ranch cabins, and some other structures (yurts, reunion than horses! Some offer art, tents, tipis, etc). If your group wants to cooking, fitness, photography, and yoga stay in the same building, make sure this • Get horsey. Horses have always been an classes. Many provide kids’ programs, too. is something the ranch can provide. Also, important part of ranch life. Groups can make sure your choice of ranch hosts (or watch exhibitions of team penning, gym- Dude Ranch Reunions: can partner with local providers for) all khana, and other horse-related skills, or Tips & Tricks the activities your group is most inter- they can have their own carriage or sleigh • Schedule well in advance. Experts ested in. rides, riding lessons, and trail rides. recommend a minimum of six to nine • Dude ranches are usually all-inclusive, • Get outside. Sports like tennis, fishing, months out. A year is better for large or but double-check before you book.
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 35 of gourmet goodies; for others, the only difference between glamping and a four- star hotel is the location. At the higher end, the line between glamping and rent- ing a vacation home is pretty blurry, and at the lower end, glamping is camping with a cashmere sweater and Ugg boots. For the sake of argument, let’s say you choose a middle route—perhaps signing up with a glamping provider. What might What is you expect?
Accommodations: While camping tends to have about five basic kinds of accom- modation—basic tent, nicer tent, camper, RV and maybe cabin—glamping accom- GLAMPING modations tend to be a lot more imagina- tive. Glamping Hub lists these varieties on and Why Is It Great their international glamping site (https:// for glampinghub.com/types-of-glamping/): tree houses, yurts, safari tents, tipis, RVs, domes, eco-pods, lodges, caves, barns, huts, igloos, cabins, cabooses, villas, tiny houses, towers, cottages, tented cabins and caravans. Clearly, the accommoda- REUNION tion part of glamping is very much down to personal choice. Setup: One of the big pluses of camp- ing is that you can select exactly what GROUPS? accommodation suits you, and you can put it up wherever you want to (within ADD GLAMOUR TO CAMPING AND YOU GET GLAMPING reason). For some, though, this DIY-ness – A RISING TRAVEL TREND AND SOMETHING THAT is the big minus of camping: who wants MIGHT MAKE YOUR NEXT REUNION EXTRA SPECIAL to go on vacation and start by building their shelter? Once again, there’s a duality about glamping: you can do the setup yourself, or you can hire a glamping company to REPARE YOURSELF FOR a news What Is Glamping? do it for you. In that case, expect your flash: Some people just don’t Glamping is a fairly recent concoction, accommodation to be clean and the fit- P like to camp. And yet, camp- both as a trend and as a word. The word tings to be more hotel-like than camper- ing isn’t merely a popular reunion comes from “glamourous camping,” and like. Glamping company Under Canvas activity; it’s just plain popular. Ac- that’s also a fair description of how glamp- provides a king-sized bed, plush mattress cording to the 2017 North American ing works. Whereas camping is done in and full furnishings with all their tents; Camping Report, 61 percent of U.S. house- basic tents or maybe a camper, glamping some tents go a little more glam, with full holds (that’s 75 million, if you’re counting) is done in style. Where camping cuisine bathrooms, outside wood decking and go camping at least occasionally. rests on hot dogs and s’mores, glamping indoor star-gazing platforms. For years, there’s been an ongoing offers a fully-stocked kitchen. And where Locations: Depending on the company search for a way to make camping more camping toilet and shower facilities can you choose, your glamping experience palatable to those who hate “roughing be pretty rustic—or at least a short hike could be anywhere you choose to set up it.” Camping has evolved from a tent in away—glamping comes with a more civi- (Under Canvas will go anywhere in the U.S. the wilderness to a camper parked on a lized approach to life’s necessities. or Canada, for example); it could be in a paved lot to an RV complete with kitchen, Like camping, glamping is what you luxury campground, near major landmarks shower and bathroom facilities. Recently, make of it: for some, it’s camping in a like Yellowstone, near tourist areas like San a new trend has arisen: glamping. tent with luxury linens and a basket full Diego or Mendocino, or on a private ranch.
36 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com For glamping destinations worldwide—as of diehard campers, is it possible to in- rivers to go paddling or white-water raft- well as more general information—check clude glamping in your camping plans? ing. In the evening, hang out around the out Glamping.com. Absolutely, especially if you’re handling campfire or stoke the wood stove in your Amenities: In addition to the ameni- the setup yourselves. Glampers might tent for a cozy night in. ties provided inside your tent, yurt or not get the same level of pampering, • Glamp it up in the Blue Ridge Moun- treehouse, some glamping resorts and and they’ll almost certainly have to do tains. Stay at a treehouse (or two) or campgrounds offer additional, decidedly without a butler, but adopting the sim- keep your feet on the ground at Virginia’s non-camping-like perks. For example, the pler form of glamping with an RV, actual Primland resort. Great for families and glamping company Collective Retreats bed with actual mattress, luxury sheets large groups—and hosting an onsite spa— offers a range of amenities, including com- and a gourmet goodie basket will go a this resort gets you out in the splendor plimentary breakfast and snacks, s’mores long way towards making camping more of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but keeps round the evening campfire, a gourmet comfortable. things civilized with golf, cooking classes, selection of hot beverages in-room, daily However, what if everyone in the re- a world-class spa and all the amenities of housekeeping, games, community Wi-Fi union group is on board with the idea of any good hotel. spaces, heating and air conditioning, and a glamping? We’ve provided quite a few re- • Visit a Montana dude ranch in style. At concierge service. Other glamping resorts sources to help you get started; how much The Ranch at Rock Creek, families can stay include activities like hiking, horseback glam going into your glamp will depend in a converted barn, complete with porch, riding, fly fishing and yoga. Still others on your group’s location and budget. For TV, full bathroom, game table and space offer onsite dining pavilions with chef- groups with a special celebration in mind, for socializing. Adventurous guests can prepared meals and a camp butler. there are a lot of options. Here are just spend the night in glammed-up covered three to get your imagination all fired up: wagons, while those craving luxury and Some Reunion-Friendly solitude can reserve the 1,300-square- Glamping Ideas • Go glamping in the Adirondacks. Stay foot Sweet Grass canvas cabin. Clearly, glamping provides an important in a log-and-canvas tent in one of Amer- service to reunion groups: it offers a ica’s best-known playgrounds. Under the As you can see from just these three chance to get back to nature, but in a way aegis of Posh Primitive, the focus here is examples, you can glamp any way you that doesn’t involve taking a bath in the on the outdoors; hire a guide to take you want to. That makes it a perfect choice for nearest lake. through this portion of Adirondack Park, nature- and luxury-loving reunion groups. If your reunion group has a core go caving, or head out to local lakes and
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 37 THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE AREN’T THINGS—
they’re the people we call family and the memories we create with them.
Encore Resort at Reunion knows this, which is why our hospitality team is dedicated to making sure every detail of your reunion is perfect so your focus can be on your family.
Encore Resort at Reunion is more than just renting a home, it’s an unforgettable experience for every member of your reunion. The resort is located within proximity to Orlando’s premier attractions and provides the perfect home base for an adventure-packed reunion. Reunion groups at Encore Resort can take advantage of world class amenities including our 10-acre water park, multiple onsite dining options, catering, unique entertainment options and activities for every age group and more.
Encore Resort at Reunion • [email protected] 407-845-9183 • EncoreReunion.com 40 Akron Summit, Ohio 42 Atlanta Airport District, Georgia 44 Branson, Missouri 45 DeSoto County, Mississippi Take a Virtual Site InSpection 46 Chicago Southland, Illinois 48 Crowne Plaza, Illinois of Your Next 50 Encore Resort, Florida 52 Experience Columbus, Ohio Reunion Destination 54 Experience Kissimmee, Florida 56 Garrett County, Maryland MONG THE MANY planning specifics involved in organizing a reunion North Carolina is the significance of selecting a destination that is an ideal fit for 58 Halifax County, A your group. While location is important, so are amenities and sticking 60 Harrison County, Indiana to a budget. 62 Jefferson Parish, Louisiana Throughout this edition of Reunions Workbook, you will find destinations, 64 Lake County, Illinois hotels and resorts that are eager and able to help you orchestrate an extraordinary 66 Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri reunion gathering. The following section features Site InSpections of reunion-friendly 68 Chicago Northwest, Illinois destinations across the country. Here you can take a closer look inside and 70 New Orleans, Louisiana discover new details, insights and angles that help you make the right destination 72 Ocean City, Maryland choice. 74 St. Augustine, Florida Each of these organizations and many more are profiled online at 76 North Carolina Smoky Mountains ReunionsWorkbook.com. From the home page of the website, click on the Destination Guides tab or search by keyword or state to hone in on specific 78 YMCA of the Rockies, Colorado resources that fit your needs. 80 Costa Cruises BIGSTOCK
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 39 GREATER AKRON OFFERS FOOD, FUN AND ART AKRON, OHIO
“The Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau 2 Quick Facts was wonderful. You were knowledgeable, helpful, and Hotel Inventory: gracious. Your representative made sure we had all we • Downtown Akron Adjacent Hotels: 2 • Downtown Akron Adjacent Hotel Rooms: 325 needed. You can’t improve perfection! You are the best!” • Total Greater Akron Hotels: 69 – Linda Green, Green Family Reunion • Total Greater Akron Hotel Rooms: 5,400+ Contact: Group Perks: Cindy Coontz • Personalized Digital Concierge Destination Sales Manager • Site inspection consultation Akron/Summit CVB • Itinerary consultation Greater Akron, OH • Tour planners & guides 800.245.4254 • Vendor and service referrals • Photos Direct: 330.374.8935 [email protected] Top Attractions: • Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens 1. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is the former estate of • Akron Art Museum Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. founder, F.A. Seiberling. • Hale Farm & Village 1 3 • Cuyahoga Valley National Park & Scenic Railroad 2. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad travels through the heart of Ohio’s only national park. • Akron Civic Theatre 3. Modern masterpieces fill the Akron Art Museum. Historically known as a hub for innovation, Greater Akron stands out as the perfect Midwest locale for hosting your next reunion.
Spend some quality time exploring Greater Akron’s Sharing delicious meals is a true reunion tradition. cultural scene. At the Akron Art Museum, view Akron has no shortage of great eats that include local impressive collections, including a stunning display Ohio fare as well as treats from around the world. At of modern art. Also, check out Akron Glass Works Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park, dining isn’t the and witness glassblowers create colorful works. What only thing on the menu. In addition to a wide selection better place to purchase a small memento of your time of food, there is a casino, shows and entertainment together? In the evening, catch a performance at the galore. Akron Civic Theatre. Two unique trails have been developed to ensure visitors Everyone will enjoy the nationally recognized Akron experience everything Greater Akron has to offer. The Zoo, where 700+ animals from continents around 3rd annual Summit Brew Path (summitbrewpath.com) the globe fly, swim, roam and graze. Hop aboard the celebrates the community’s ever-expanding craft beer Cuyahoga Valley Scenic RR, which offers special scene. In 2019, more than 20 official stops will have packages throughout the year, including the popular visitors raising their glasses filled with a delicious array Polar Express train during the holidays. Choose a dining of beers. The newly-launched shopping trail, New Again car or simply take a seat by the window and enjoy Akron (newagainakron.com) provides shoppers with a breathtaking scenery, impressive bridges and quaint road map to find special items across vintage, antique, houses. reclaimed and cool junk shops.
Does wine, cheese and chocolate sound like a winning Choosing a suitable place to lodge your family is one combination to you? Popular local stops include Sarah’s of the most important decisions you can make when Vineyard, The Winery at Wolf Creek and Red Horse planning a reunion. From large chain hotels to smaller Winery. Groups can participate in the Summit Brew family-owned properties and rental options, groups of Path – visit Harry London Candies – and shop for tasty all sizes can easily find something to fit their needs in treats at Grandpa’s Cheese Barn. Greater Akron.
40 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com GREATER AKRON OFFERS FOOD, FUN AND ART AKRON, OHIO
“The Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau 2 Quick Facts was wonderful. You were knowledgeable, helpful, and Hotel Inventory: gracious. Your representative made sure we had all we • Downtown Akron Adjacent Hotels: 2 • Downtown Akron Adjacent Hotel Rooms: 325 needed. You can’t improve perfection! You are the best!” • Total Greater Akron Hotels: 69 – Linda Green, Green Family Reunion • Total Greater Akron Hotel Rooms: 5,400+ Contact: Group Perks: Cindy Coontz • Personalized Digital Concierge Destination Sales Manager • Site inspection consultation Akron/Summit CVB • Itinerary consultation Greater Akron, OH • Tour planners & guides 800.245.4254 • Vendor and service referrals • Photos Direct: 330.374.8935 [email protected] Top Attractions: • Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens 1. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is the former estate of • Akron Art Museum Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. founder, F.A. Seiberling. • Hale Farm & Village 1 3 • Cuyahoga Valley National Park & Scenic Railroad 2. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad travels through the heart of Ohio’s only national park. • Akron Civic Theatre 3. Modern masterpieces fill the Akron Art Museum. Historically known as a hub for innovation, Greater Akron stands out as the perfect Midwest locale for hosting your next reunion.
Spend some quality time exploring Greater Akron’s Sharing delicious meals is a true reunion tradition. cultural scene. At the Akron Art Museum, view Akron has no shortage of great eats that include local impressive collections, including a stunning display Ohio fare as well as treats from around the world. At of modern art. Also, check out Akron Glass Works Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park, dining isn’t the and witness glassblowers create colorful works. What only thing on the menu. In addition to a wide selection better place to purchase a small memento of your time of food, there is a casino, shows and entertainment together? In the evening, catch a performance at the galore. Akron Civic Theatre. Two unique trails have been developed to ensure visitors Everyone will enjoy the nationally recognized Akron experience everything Greater Akron has to offer. The Zoo, where 700+ animals from continents around 3rd annual Summit Brew Path (summitbrewpath.com) the globe fly, swim, roam and graze. Hop aboard the celebrates the community’s ever-expanding craft beer Cuyahoga Valley Scenic RR, which offers special scene. In 2019, more than 20 official stops will have packages throughout the year, including the popular visitors raising their glasses filled with a delicious array Polar Express train during the holidays. Choose a dining of beers. The newly-launched shopping trail, New Again car or simply take a seat by the window and enjoy Akron (newagainakron.com) provides shoppers with a breathtaking scenery, impressive bridges and quaint road map to find special items across vintage, antique, houses. reclaimed and cool junk shops.
Does wine, cheese and chocolate sound like a winning Choosing a suitable place to lodge your family is one combination to you? Popular local stops include Sarah’s of the most important decisions you can make when Vineyard, The Winery at Wolf Creek and Red Horse planning a reunion. From large chain hotels to smaller Winery. Groups can participate in the Summit Brew family-owned properties and rental options, groups of Path – visit Harry London Candies – and shop for tasty all sizes can easily find something to fit their needs in treats at Grandpa’s Cheese Barn. Greater Akron. TAKE YOUR REUNIONS TO NEW HEIGHTS ATLANTA, GEORGIA IN THE ATL AIRPORT DISTRICT
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The District includes 60 hotels with more than 8,000 hotel rooms “Having our family reunion in the ATL Airport District was great. The District offers tons of fun and lots for Quick Facts that include free airport shuttle service Hotel Inventory: everyone to see and experience – which made our time • Total hotels: 60 spent here even more amazing.” • Total hotel rooms: Over 8,000 – Mr. Waverly McMichael - The ATL Airport District is near Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. The arena will seat up to 5,000 attendees Group Perks: Atlanta International Airport, with world-class for events such as concerts and graduations, and Green-Barlow Family Reunion • Book you next reunion with us and receive a $300 gift card hotels and restaurants perfect for reunions of any will also be home to the Atlanta Hawks G League (must contract and actualize a minimum of 25 rooms) size. Your group can save more than 30 percent on developmental basketball games. • Visitor guides available for your group accommodations by staying just minutes south of • Referrals for local service providers, attractions and more downtown Atlanta. Just 10 miles away, located in Atlanta’s downtown • Site inspection assistance district, Pemberton Place is home to many of Atlanta’s • Discounted restaurants and attractions Minutes away from the airport is the Delta Flight top attractions. The World of Coca-Cola guides visitors Museum, which is housed in the airline’s original through a history of the world’s best-known soda Top Attractions in the ATL Airport District: • Delta Flight Museum headquarters and a host to numerous exhibits on company. Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in • Chick-fil-A Home Office Backstage Tour aviation and the company’s history. Nearby, the Chick- the country, is the only place outside of Asia to see a • Porsche Experience Center fil-A Home Office Backstage Tour leads your group giant whale shark, seven times larger than an average Contact: through the fast food company’s headquarters while human and housed in a 6.3-million-gallon tank. The Todd Neal Downtown Atlanta Attractions (just 10 miles away): revealing the history behind the famous “Eat Mor National Center for Civil and Human Rights focuses on • Georgia Aquarium Chikin” cows. Car enthusiasts should make a beeline to civil rights history in Atlanta and the ongoing fight for Senior Sales Manager ATL Airport District, CVB • Centennial Olympic Park the Porsche Driving Experience, featuring 25 acres of human equality across the globe. • World of Coca-Cola [email protected] test tracks and exhibits where you can try a German- • SkyView Atlanta engineered sports car for yourself. If physical activity Across the street from Pemberton Place is Centennial 404.334.7505 • The National Center for Civil & Human Rights is more your speed, take advantage of the mixed use Olympic Park, built for the 1996 Summer Olympic • College Football Hall of Fame hiking and biking Ride & Fly trails just minutes away Games and host to weekly concerts and cultural events. from most area hotels. There’s also SkyView Atlanta, a Ferris wheel that rises more than 20-stories along the city’s skyline. 1. World of Coca-Cola at Pemberton Place Additionally, opening Fall 2019 is the Gateway Center @ College Park, a new multipurpose arena that will be Blending affordable accommodations and meals with 2. Atlanta Marriott Gateway & ATL SkyTrain a sports and entertainment venue located just minutes access to event spaces, the ATL Airport District ensures 3. Porsche Driving Experience away from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International your reunion is memorable and within your budget. 4. Chick-fill-A Home Office Backstage Tour 5. College Football Hall of Fame Helmet Wall
42 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com ATLANTA, GEORGIA
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“Having our family reunion in the ATL Airport District was great. The District offers tons of fun and lots for Quick Facts Hotel Inventory: everyone to see and experience – which made our time • Total hotels: 60 spent here even more amazing.” • Total hotel rooms: Over 8,000 – Mr. Waverly McMichael - Group Perks: Green-Barlow Family Reunion • Book you next reunion with us and receive a $300 gift card (must contract and actualize a minimum of 25 rooms) • Visitor guides available for your group • Referrals for local service providers, attractions and more • Site inspection assistance • Discounted restaurants and attractions
Top Attractions in the ATL Airport District: • Delta Flight Museum • Chick-fil-A Home Office Backstage Tour • Porsche Experience Center Contact: Todd Neal Downtown Atlanta Attractions (just 10 miles away): Senior Sales Manager • Georgia Aquarium ATL Airport District, CVB • Centennial Olympic Park • World of Coca-Cola [email protected] • SkyView Atlanta 404.334.7505 • The National Center for Civil & Human Rights • College Football Hall of Fame
1. World of Coca-Cola at Pemberton Place 2. Atlanta Marriott Gateway & ATL SkyTrain 3. Porsche Driving Experience 4. Chick-fill-A Home Office Backstage Tour 5. College Football Hall of Fame Helmet Wall
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 43 BRANSON, MISSOURI: THE ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT AND ADVENTURE DESTINATION
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Looking for your next reunion destination? Create fond memories in Branson, Missouri, where nonstop adventure and entertainment will impress you in Southern style.
Surrounded by the Ozark Mountains, Branson is Lawrence & Mama: A Two Woman Show, Johnny spectacularly scenic and packs a host of things to Mathis, Oak Ridge Boys, Dailey & Vincent and more see and do for both young and old. You can have an come to theatres and venues in Branson. Don’t miss adventure outdoors or indoors and be entertained the premiere of Illusionist Rick Thomas’ Mansion of endlessly with world-class shows and performances. Dreams at the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center Fun, festivities and food … Branson makes it extra and Shrek: The Musical at the Welk Resort Theatre. special and memorable. Both productions promise to wow audiences of all ages with music, humor and elaborate stage sets. Another For an adrenaline pumping adventure for the entire much-anticipated production is the award-winning, family, soar to great heights at Aerodium Outdoor Broadway-style musical, Reuben’s Swashbuckling Flying Adventure. Experience the thrill of skydiving Adventure at Silver Dollar City where Pumpkin Nights under the guidance of trained instructors in a in the Fall will see the streets lined with glowing gourds controlled environment where an outdoor vertical wind in the spirit of the season. tunnel will launch you in the air. Another exciting and energizing activity is at The Track Family Fun Parks Contact: Track 3 where on the Skyscraper, riders can experience Julie Peters the G-force effect at 60 miles per hour, similar to what Leisure Group Sales Manager a pilot feels flying a fighter jet. At WonderWorks, [email protected] you can let your imagination run wild at this science- 417.243.2117 focused indoor amusement park with over 100 hands- www.explorebranson.com on interactive exhibits.
The show always goes on in Branson, where summer concerts, festivals and shows offer plenty of 1. Branson Jet Boats entertainment. The city will be headlining a variety of 2. Wolfe Mountain - Snowflex national tours this year. Laugh out loud and shake a 3. Silver Dollar City - Pumpkin Nights leg when great entertainers like Howie Mandel, Vicki
44 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com BRANSON, MISSOURI: THE ULTIMATE DESOTO COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI BRINGS ENTERTAINMENT AND ADVENTURE DESTINATION FAMILIES TOGETHER
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Looking for your next reunion destination? Create fond memories in Branson, Missouri, Charming DeSoto County’s small towns offer a wealth of activities where nonstop adventure and entertainment will impress you in Southern style. and are perfect for kicking back and relaxing with family and friends
Surrounded by the Ozark Mountains, Branson is Lawrence & Mama: A Two Woman Show, Johnny Reunions provide the perfect opportunity to surround where they housed their horses, a 14-acre lake with spectacularly scenic and packs a host of things to Mathis, Oak Ridge Boys, Dailey & Vincent and more yourself with some of the most important people in giant 55-foot cross, and much more. And don’t miss see and do for both young and old. You can have an come to theatres and venues in Branson. Don’t miss your life, and what better place to do that than in the chance to visit the home of one of rock ‘n’ roll’s adventure outdoors or indoors and be entertained the premiere of Illusionist Rick Thomas’ Mansion of DeSoto County, Mississippi, where the flavors of the first true legends, Jerry Lee Lewis. At The Lewis Ranch, endlessly with world-class shows and performances. Dreams at the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center south, a rich local history and plenty of family fun are visitors get a behind-the-scenes look at the legend’s Fun, festivities and food … Branson makes it extra and Shrek: The Musical at the Welk Resort Theatre. waiting at every turn. early life while learning more about his remarkable special and memorable. Both productions promise to wow audiences of all ages career. with music, humor and elaborate stage sets. Another In DeSoto County, there is truly something for For an adrenaline pumping adventure for the entire much-anticipated production is the award-winning, everyone. 72 holes of championship golf at four The small towns of DeSoto county offer a rare source of family, soar to great heights at Aerodium Outdoor Broadway-style musical, Reuben’s Swashbuckling courses, fishing at Arkabutla Lake, shopping at the hospitality that is the perfect backdrop for any reunion. Flying Adventure. Experience the thrill of skydiving Adventure at Silver Dollar City where Pumpkin Nights impressive Tanger Outlets, and dining at any one of Hernando, Horn Lake, Olive Branch, Southaven and under the guidance of trained instructors in a in the Fall will see the streets lined with glowing gourds the county’s 300-plus restaurants are just a few of Walls are some of the many favorites offering a variety controlled environment where an outdoor vertical wind in the spirit of the season. the activities that reunion groups can look forward to. of lodging and dining options for groups, and that are tunnel will launch you in the air. Another exciting and Be sure to check out what’s happening at the Landers sure to make your next reunion a hit. energizing activity is at The Track Family Fun Parks Contact: Center, where each month offers an incredible variety Track 3 where on the Skyscraper, riders can experience Julie Peters – from basketball games and reptile shows to concerts Contact: the G-force effect at 60 miles per hour, similar to what Leisure Group Sales Manager and monster truck rallies. Another great option for Margaret DeVine a pilot feels flying a fighter jet. At WonderWorks, [email protected] groups is Snowden Grove, which features famous Director of Sales you can let your imagination run wild at this science- 417.243.2117 musical guests from across the nation. DeSoto County Tourism focused indoor amusement park with over 100 hands- www.explorebranson.com 4716 Pepper Chase Dr. on interactive exhibits. With such close proximity to Memphis, it’s no surprise Southaven, MS 38671 that DeSoto County has a musical history. You can 662.393.8770 The show always goes on in Branson, where summer start your Mississippi Blues Trail adventure here, [email protected] concerts, festivals and shows offer plenty of 1. Branson Jet Boats tracing the path of legends and discovering many of www.visitdesotocounty.com entertainment. The city will be headlining a variety of the places they performed, lived and made history. 2. Wolfe Mountain - Snowflex 1. Annual Mid-South Fair national tours this year. Laugh out loud and shake a Pay a visit to Circle G Ranch, formerly owned by Elvis 3. Silver Dollar City - Pumpkin Nights leg when great entertainers like Howie Mandel, Vicki Presley, himself. Guests will soon be able to explore the 2. Nesbit Blueberry Plantation honeymoon cottage he shared with his wife, the stable 3. Memphis Barbecue Co.
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 45 CHICAGO SOUTHLAND SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES MAKE CHICAGO Quick Facts Hotel Inventory: “The Chicago Southland is a fantastic location. It’s close SOUTHLAND AN IDEAL REUNION LOCALE Total hotels - 68 Total hotel rooms - 5,405 to Chicago, has an abundance of things to do, much of New hotels in 2018 - Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Mokena it in close proximity to each other, and it’s easy to get and Holiday Inn & Suites in Bridgeview around. If you want to enjoy urban activities or go for a Newly renovated hotels - Comfort Suites – Lansing, Country walk in a beautiful forest preserve or park, the Chicago Inn & Suites by Radisson – Tinley Park, DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Alsip, Hilton Chicago Oak Lawn & Conference Southland is a great place to do both.” Center, Hilton Garden Inn – Tinley Park, Holiday Inn Express – Crestwood, Holiday Inn Express & Suites: Chicago South – Lansing, Sleep Inn Hotel – Lansing, Wingate by Wyndham – Tinley Park Contact: 2 Kristy Stevens Group Perks: SMERF Market Manager The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau will 888.895.8233 supply free of charge: [email protected] • Visitors Guides • Traveler Maps • Coupon Books • Stick-on Name Badges • Festivals and Events Guides • Plastic Bags 1. Accelerate Indoor Speedway & Events in Mokena is a massive 75,000-square-foot state-of-the-art go Top Attractions: karting facility and now features axe-throwing. • Accelerate Indoor Speedway & Events in Mokena 2. HITS Chicago-Balmoral Park in Crete is a fabulous 1 3 • Chicago Fire professional soccer team in Bridgeview location for equestrian lovers to witness horses leap • HITS Chicago-Balmoral Park in Crete and jump. • Odyssey Fun World in Tinley Park 3. SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview is home Featuring a mixture of urban and open areas, • Windy City ThunderBolts in Crestwood to Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire and features some Chicago Southland has something for everyone. of the best soccer action in America.
A lively region consisting of 63 south and southwest and fine dining in a picturesque small-town setting. Closer Chicago suburbs stretching across nearly 400 square miles, to Chicago, the Historic Pullman District is a unique the Chicago Southland offers a variety of entertainment community filled with buildings and houses built from options for those planning a reunion. 1880-84 and is home to the Pullman National Monument. The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park in University Park, Families looking to bond over a sporting event can travel offers a premier presentation of large-scaled contemporary to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, 15 miles southwest sculpture, featuring 29 master works within 100-plus acres of Chicago, to watch Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire of prairie landscape. compete against some of the top players in America. Professional minor league baseball can be found in Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens in Crestwood, where the Frontier League’s Windy City Palos Heights, is an 85-acre park that includes woodlands, ThunderBolts provide family fun at a miniscule cost. HITS prairie, wetlands, gardens and a 10-acre lake. The Park Chicago-Balmoral Park in Crete, is a premium equestrian Forest Rail Fan Park in Park Forest, is the site of one of the Reunions of all kinds, including family facility, featuring nine competition rings where horses leap country’s largest rail intersections and visitors can view the and military, can find superior and jump to the crowd’s delight. The region is also home to trains from a 35-foot-high platform overlooking the tracks. facilities located conveniently to 35 public and semi-private golf courses. anywhere in the Midwest – and Have a healthy craving for festival fun? Let Chicago across the country. With our true Groups looking for high-octane fun can visit Accelerate Southland whet your appetite with a sampling of seasonal Midwestern hospitality, the Chicago Indoor Speedway & Events in Mokena. The massive fairs, celebrations and special events. Whether it is Snow Southland feels like family. 75,000-square-foot state-of-the-art go karting facility Day Festival at the Plum Creek Nature Center in January, offers the thrill of racing F1-inspired karts at speeds of up Irish Fest at Chicago’s Gaelic Park in May or Lansing to 50 miles per hour. Accelerate now features axe-throwing. Autumn Fest at Fox Pointe in October, you won’t have to Contact Kristy Stevens to plan your Odyssey Fun World, in Tinley Park, is a 45,000-square-foot travel far to find family friendly activities for any age. next reunion. facility that features indoor rides, go karts, video games, mini golf and more. We guarantee you won’t be able to experience just a 888-895-3211 [email protected] taste of Chicago Southland’s festival offerings, so be GatherInTheChicagoSouthland.com History lovers will appreciate Historic Downtown Frankfort, sure to check out the complete selection by visiting a town that offers upscale and eclectic stores and casual VisitChicagoSouthland.com/Events.
46 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com CHICAGO SOUTHLAND Quick Facts Hotel Inventory: “The Chicago Southland is a fantastic location. It’s close Total hotels - 68 Total hotel rooms - 5,405 to Chicago, has an abundance of things to do, much of New hotels in 2018 - Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Mokena it in close proximity to each other, and it’s easy to get and Holiday Inn & Suites in Bridgeview around. If you want to enjoy urban activities or go for a Newly renovated hotels - Comfort Suites – Lansing, Country walk in a beautiful forest preserve or park, the Chicago Inn & Suites by Radisson – Tinley Park, DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Alsip, Hilton Chicago Oak Lawn & Conference Southland is a great place to do both.” Center, Hilton Garden Inn – Tinley Park, Holiday Inn Express – Crestwood, Holiday Inn Express & Suites: Chicago South – Lansing, Sleep Inn Hotel – Lansing, Wingate by Wyndham – Tinley Park Contact: Kristy Stevens Group Perks: SMERF Market Manager The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau will 888.895.8233 supply free of charge: [email protected] • Visitors Guides • Traveler Maps • Coupon Books • Stick-on Name Badges • Festivals and Events Guides • Plastic Bags 1. Accelerate Indoor Speedway & Events in Mokena is a massive 75,000-square-foot state-of-the-art go Top Attractions: karting facility and now features axe-throwing. • Accelerate Indoor Speedway & Events in Mokena 2. HITS Chicago-Balmoral Park in Crete is a fabulous • Chicago Fire professional soccer team in Bridgeview location for equestrian lovers to witness horses leap • HITS Chicago-Balmoral Park in Crete and jump. • Odyssey Fun World in Tinley Park 3. SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview is home • Windy City ThunderBolts in Crestwood to Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire and features some of the best soccer action in America.
Reunions of all kinds, including family and military, can find superior facilities located conveniently to anywhere in the Midwest – and across the country. With our true Midwestern hospitality, the Chicago Southland feels like family.
Contact Kristy Stevens to plan your next reunion.
888-895-3211 [email protected] GatherInTheChicagoSouthland.com
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 47 CROWNE PLAZA
Located in the Southwest Suburb of Burr Ridge, Crowne Plaza Chicago SW is a completely refurbished hotel that provides elegant lodging with an abundance of nearby activities.
Re-opened in summer 2017, Crowne Plaza features 123 where they can compete on a course that has been upscale rooms that provide premium bedding with dubbed one of the 100 best in the country. Crowne soft pillows and custom linens, wi-fi, in-room coffee Plaza also resides near numerous parks, like Harvester and dining, refrigerator, USB ports, spacious work Park, which encompasses 37 acres, including 17 acres areas and in some suites, soothing jacuzzi tubs. Each of wetlands containing trails, fishing docks, a pond room has 12 outlets, enabling electronic devices to stay and observation points. Waterfall Glen County Forest fully charged. Crowne Plaza resides a short distance Preserve in nearby Darien, features 2,492 acres of from a multitude of downtown Burr Ridge shops and prairies, savannas and woodlands that contain 740 restaurants. native plant species, and more than 300 species of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles. Upscale clothing stores like Chico’s, J.Jill, Soma and Loft will entice, while restaurants like Capri Situated less than 15 miles from O’Hare Airport and Ristorante, Dao Sushi, Hampton Social, Eddie Merlot’s 10 miles from Midway Airport, Crowne Plaza is easily and Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant will satiate accessible. Crowne Plaza supplies free parking, hunger pangs. Guests who don’t want to stray from including complimentary bus parking and provides the premises can enjoy distinctive American fare inside free shuttle service within a three-mile radius. Located the hotel at Sip & Savor restaurant, which is open for directly off Interstate 55, the hotel is 30 minutes from breakfast, lunch and dinner. downtown Chicago.
Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, presents Crowne Plaza features 6,500-square-feet of gathering Broadway shows daily and nightly, while nearby space across three rooms, including a 4,000-square- Brookfield Zoo is a family favorite and contains 450 foot ballroom. Guests can stay active in the hotel’s species of animals across 216 acres. fitness center and relax in the indoor pool.
Relaxation awaits at Kohler Waters Spa in Burr Ridge, which features a 25-foot whirlpool with a cascading waterfall, steam room and sauna and three distinctive shower experiences. Guests looking to play golf can visit Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in nearby Lemont,
48 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com BURR RIDGE, ILLINOIS
“We look forward to welcoming your reunion groups to our beautiful new hotel, located conveniently along Interstate 55 in upscale Burr Ridge. Please call me directly to book your space!” – Michelle D’Andrea, Director of Sales
Quick Facts Rooms: 123, including 58 kings, 53 double doubles, 9 special-needs rooms and 3 suites.
Banquet space: 3 rooms totaling 6,500-square-feet of space. The largest ballroom is 4,000 square feet.
Amenities: Gym featuring treadmill, elliptical machines, free weights and a stationary bicycle; indoor swimming pool; 24-hour business center with fax and printing services; restaurant serving American fare and lounge; free wi-fi; in-room coffee and dining and a 24-hour snack shop.
Group perks: Groups receive a special rate for breakfast. Complimentary bus parking
Nearby: 5-minute drive from the Burr Ridge Village Center, a short drive from Drury Lane Theatre, Brookfield Zoo, Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, Camp Bullfrog Lake and Waterfall Glen County Forest Preserve.
Location: Less than 15 miles from O’Hare Airport and 10 miles from Midway Airport, directly off Interstate 55, 30 minutes from downtown Chicago.
Contact info: Crowne Plaza Burr Ridge, 300 South Frontage Road, Burr Ridge, Illinois. Michelle D’Andrea, Director of Sales and Marketing. • 630-352-2900 • [email protected] • cpchicagosw.com
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 49 FUN FOR EVERYONE: LUXURY LIVING AT ENCORE RESORT AT REUNION, FL
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For your next friends or family reunion, choose to stay at a sprawling and luxurious vacation home at Encore Resort at Reunion.
Whether you are a group of friends meeting up after Guests are guaranteed to have fun at Encore Resort. a long time, work colleagues on a team-building The recreational amenities offered are top-notch and mission or a family looking to spend quality time include something for all ages. Unwind at the Encore together, Encore Resort in Reunion, FL is the perfect Club, have fun at the AquaPark with plenty of rides and home away from home for your fun get together. With slides like WaveRacer and Stormchaser, relax in private elegant vacation homes located in a private gated poolside cabanas, play video games at Encore Arcade resort community, the 24 x 7 resort service team and and engage in interactive activities for the entire family abundant amenities at Encore Resort will make you not at Hang 10 Hideaway. want to leave this slice of sunny paradise. Other guest conveniences at Encore Resort are a Promising all the frills and thrills to make your reunion fitness center, spa services, sports facilities that include an unforgettable one, accommodation at Encore multiple tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball Resort spans exclusive luxury homes, each of which courts and a full soccer field, bicycle rentals, two have between five and thirteen bedrooms. With all the restaurants – Finn’s Restaurant and The Bis Grill, the comforts, ample space and privacy, the homes are ideal Shark Lounge bar and a Grab ‘n’ Go marketplace. There for groups ranging from 10 to up to 26 people. As a is also a complimentary shuttle service between Encore special treat, guests can choose to rent out the home Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal of NFL legend Dan Marino. Studios Florida and SeaWorld Orlando.
Each home affords the finest details, contemporary Another definite added advantage of staying at furnishings and includes downstairs master suites, Encore Resort is that it enjoys easily accessibility to en-suite washrooms and fully-equipped kitchens. An all things that make Orlando so great. The heart and attractive feature of the homes is that each comes with soul of the city, Walt Disney World Resort, is about five its own private, heated swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. miles away for Encore Resort. Encore Resort is also in Complimentary Wi-Fi, home theaters, washers and close proximity to popular restaurants, shopping and dryers, housekeeping services on request, furnished entertainment venues in the surrounding area, while the patios and complimentary car parking are other Orlando International Airport is about 25 miles away. inclusive highlights of the homes at Encore Resort.
50 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNION, FLORIDA
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“We just visited Encore this past Labor Day weekend for a family reunion of 45 people. It was by far the best place Quick Facts to stay. We have been planning this for a couple months Hotel Inventory: • Variety of 3-13 bedroom homes and Luis, the group sales manager, helped us with all our needs and wants. The resort is down the street from Group Perks: a Walmart, Publix and about a 15-minute drive from a • Dedicated group of specialist • Private meeting rooms, catering, and transportation Sams Club. It is at a great location and the theme parks • Family gatherings and reunions are just a short drive away. Check in was super easy and • Corporate travel • Sports groups the houses were super clean and fully stocked. If you • Encore Club’s full service restaurant and bar, fitness room, need anything, it is just a phone call away.“ Kid’s Room, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, soccer – Family Reunion Attendee field, and our fantastic AquaPark • Religious/other groups • Also have experience with military, fraternities/sororities • Weddings • Catering
Contact: Onsite Attractions: Encore Resort at Reunion • Spa [email protected] • Bike rentals 407.845.9183 • Camp encore www.encorereunion.com • Encore mermaid & swim classes • Changing monthly activities • Dining options
1. The whole family will love Encore Resort’s luxury homes. 2. Each home comes with its own private, heated swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. 3. With so many amenities, guests are guaranteed to have a great time at Encore Resort. 4. Each home affords the finest details, contemporary furnishings and includes downstairs master suites. 5. If you want to lounge in the sun or take a dip in the Jacuzzi, Encore homes have what you need.
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 51 COLUMBUS, OHIO OFFERS FABULOUS EXPERIENCES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
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Ohio’s state capital is home to incredible dining, hundreds of acres of greenspace and a top-notch sporting scene
As the 14th largest city in the country, Columbus is opened National Veterans Memorial and Museum, much more than Ohio’s state capital. One of the New the only place where the stories of our veterans, their York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2019, with historic families and the Fallen – across all branches of service neighborhoods, nationally acclaimed attractions and a and all eras of conflict – are told together. booming culinary scene, it’s the ideal place to host your next reunion. For families that love sports, there is no offseason in Columbus. Catch a Columbus Clippers game, Columbus offers experiences for the whole family. Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, or head to COSI continues to be a top-rated science center thanks a Columbus Blue Jackets NHL game and hear the to its more than 300 interactive exhibits including cannon boom every time the home team scores, which the brand-new American Museum of Natural History is often. Both teams are located downtown, surrounded Dinosaur Gallery. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium by many opportunities for exploration before and after allows guests to hand-feed giraffes in the Heart of a game. Not to be outdone, Columbus Crew SC of Africa or splash in the wave pool at the connected the MLS play big-time soccer and have an impressive Zoombezi Bay during the summer months. Franklin tradition, having been one of the 10 charter clubs of Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens houses over the league. The Ohio History Center opened a new 400 plant species and features the Scott’s Miracle-Gro sports exhibit, called Ohio – Champion of Sports, Foundation Children’s Garden focused on introducing which is highly interactive and is full of stories told by and connecting children to the natural world. Billed the athletes, owners and coaches through recorded as the ultimate indoor LEGO playground, LEGOLAND interviews. The exhibit also shares the rich and Discovery Center at Easton includes two rides, 10 varied stories of sports across the state. Organized LEGO build and play zones, a 4D cinema and more. in six thematic zones – Victory, Adversity, Character, Tradition, Identity and Innovation – the exhibit shares Looking for an area to host an outdoor event? stories of Ohio sports’ past, present and future. Columbus has hundreds of acres of greenspace located conveniently throughout the city, including more than The friendly and knowledgeable Experience Columbus 20 metro parks. Downtown’s Scioto Audubon is a staff is prepared to make your visit convenient and former industrial space transformed into an oasis filled worry-free, so reach out today to begin planning your with wildlife and exciting activities. Museum-lovers reunion in Columbus. should visit the Columbus Museum of Art or the newly
52 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com COLUMBUS, OHIO
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“I would like to thank you so very much for your professionalism and prompt attention to my request Quick Facts for brochures and souvenirs from the City of Columbus Hotel Inventory: • Total hotels downtown- 16 to assist in making our 47th Family Reunion a success. • Total hotel rooms downtown- 4,250 Your support will make our family reunion a reunion to • Total hotels citywide- 263 remember for a lifetime.” • Total hotel rooms citywide- 28,854
– Antoinette B. Dawson Group Perks: • Itinerary planning • Tour Planner and Visitor Guides • Referrals for local service providers • Columbus photos • Site inspection assistance • Resources: Reunion Planning Checklist, Metro Parks Guide and Steps to Success Guide • Discounted souvenirs
Top Attractions: Contact: • National Veterans Memorial and Museum Roger Dudley • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Director, Tourism Sales • Columbus Zoo and Aquarium/Zoombezi Bay 800.354.2657 • COSI [email protected] • Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens experiencecolumbus.com/reunions
1. The Ohio State Fair is one of the largest state fairs in the country. 2. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features the brand-new Scott’s Miracle Gro Foundation Children’s Garden introducing and connecting children to the natural world 3. National Veterans Memorial and Museum, the only place where the stories of our veterans, their families and the Fallen are told together 4. Get just outside the hustle and bustle of the city with Hocking Hills Canopy Tours 5. Scioto Audubon Metro Park offers the largest outdoor climbing wall in the country
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 53 PLAY AND STAY TOGETHER IN KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA
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Kissimmee is the perfect spot for families to share a fun adventure.
If your group can dream it, they can do it in Kissimmee, Home Capital of the World®.). With comfy motels, Florida. With world-famous theme parks, family- high-end hotel suites, private villas, and luxurious friendly outdoor adventures, and unique dining and resorts, Kissimmee offers the best selection of close- entertainment possibilities, this sunny destination offers to-everything accommodations—all with a variety of everything you need for a family reunion filled with features and services to satisfy every reunion need and memories to last a lifetime. budget, including dedicated banquet spaces, hospitality rooms, and outside catering options. Conveniently situated in Central Florida, Kissimmee provides easy access to world-famous theme parks, From fine dining to delightful local eateries, this one- including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando of-a-kind destination features plates for every palate. Resort®, and SeaWorld® Parks & Resorts® Orlando. Dine with kings and queens and wizards. Families can Where else can families shake hands with a mouse, even dine with knights at Medieval Times Dinner & blast off into outer space, and let their inner night owls Tournament, take to the high-seas on a pirate ship at loose at concerts and clubs? Families can also enjoy the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, enjoy cultural cuisine at nearby Fun Spot America – Kissimmee and take a stroll Disney Springs®, or savor while singing along at House through the past at The Holy Land Experience. of Blues Gospel Brunch.
For families who prefer the great outdoors, Kissimmee Kissimmee is just a wave of-a-wand away from Orlando features incredible fresh air fun and thrills, including International Airport—which is only a 20- to 30-minute zipline excursions, kayaking, horseback riding, and drive to every hotel in Kissimmee—and less than an hour animal encounters, all offered at the many outdoor from Florida’s east and west coasts. We’ve got planes, adventure parks in the area. Fly through the air on boats, trains, and automobiles (and buses, taxis, rental cars, balloons, and broomsticks. You can even meet a few limos, and shuttles) to get you from A to Z and every toothsome friends at Gatorland, or zoom across the letter in between. water in an airboat at Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park. Kissimmee is the perfect location for your next family reunion. And with free planning assistance, plus free Kissimmee offers more than 45,000 accommodation reunion T-shirts, Experience Kissimmee can make your options for every budget, including 22,000 vacation dream reunion into a reality! homes. (Maybe that’s why we’re called the Vacation
54 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA
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“We had a fabulous time! We were able to get everything we needed, and I think all the family members enjoyed Quick Facts Hotel Inventory: themselves to the fullest. The free T-shirts were fantastic • 45,000 accommodations options and we wore them with pride. I would love to come back • 1,000,000 square feet of meeting space to Kissimmee. Thanks again for all your help.” Group Perks: – Debra Thompson of Roberson/Bush Family Reunion • Free family T-shirts • Assistance with venue selections • Accommodation recommendations • Site visit and event details assistance Contact: • Connections with local vendors Jadeine Shives, CMP, HMCC Meeting Sales & Services Manager Top Attractions: • Walt Disney World Resort® Experience Kissimmee • Universal Orlando Resort® Kissimmee, FL • SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando® 407.569.4855 • Gatorland [email protected] • Fun Spot America – Kissimmee EXPERIENCEKISSIMMEE.COM/REUNIONS • The Holy Land Experience
1. Located in the heart of Central Florida, Kissimmee is just ten minutes from Walt Disney World Resort® 2. Kissimmee is the Vacation Home Capital of the World® 3. This family-friendly destination is home to a variety of beautiful outdoor parks – perfect for family gatherings. 4. Gatorland is a unique family-friendly park offering hands-on animal encounters, ziplines, swamp buggy rides, and exciting entertainment. 5. The destination features memorable dining experiences the entire family can enjoy, including the soulful House of Blues Gospel Brunch at Disney Springs®.
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 55 CREATING LASTING MEMORIES IN GARRETT COUNTY, MARYLAND
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The natural beauty of western Maryland makes for a perfect reunion destination that is packed with outdoor adventure.
Far from big city life but right in the heart of Maryland’s shopping and dining options for everyone’s tastes most breathtaking scenery, Garrett County is dotted along with a seasonal famer’s market. with charming small towns, the state’s largest freshwater lake and a welcoming atmosphere that Just up the highway lies the small town of Accident, makes this the perfect place to plan a reunion that is where reunion groups can visit the Rolling Pin Bakery, certain to create memories to last a lifetime. which has fresh donuts three times a week and many other baked goods. Rolling Pin Bakery also offers Outdoor adventure abounds in Garrett County, and one fresh deli meats and cheese, hot and cold sandwiches, of the most popular destinations for visitors is Deep coffee and an assortment of many other drinks. Also in Creek Lake State Park. Home to Maryland’s largest Accident resides the FireFly Farms, where visitors can freshwater lake and encompassing 3,500 acres with sample some award-winning goat cheese. a whopping 65 miles of shoreline, it’s a wonderful place to spend time bonding with family and friends in Grantsville is located on the historic National Road the great outdoors. Rent canoes, kayaks, or boats to in the northern end of Garrett County. Take a step explore the vast lake, or cool off with a nice swim. This back in time and visit the Casselman Inn. This historic is also a popular lake for fishing and even becomes an inn catered to travelers along the National Road and ice fishing destination during the winter months. Guests to this day, serves as a restaurant and inn complete can also take advantage of Garrett County’s many with delicious home cooked meals. Visitors can also outdoor group-friendly activities, including horseback check out the popular Spruce Forest Artisan Village, riding at establishments like Circle R Ranch, which is where historic cabins serve as studios for local artists Deep Creek Lake’s family-friendly ranch, hiking and to display their crafts. Top it off with a visit to High biking, whitewater rafting, skiing and snowboarding. County Creamery and Market for some delectable cheese, ice cream, or a full farm-to-table meal that Garrett County’s quaint small towns are the ideal everyone is sure to love. place for reunion guests to gather. Oakland’s historic downtown offers a host of cool museums dedicated to railroad, transportation and history, and there are
56 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com GARRETT COUNTY, MARYLAND
“Multi-generational reunions have been a tradition for many years in the Deep Creek Area. With an abundance of lodging options including vacation rental homes, KRWHOV FDPSLQJ DQG PRUH IDPLOLHV ͤQG WKHPVHOYHV planning their vacations year after year, creating Quick Facts lifelong memories surrounded by loved ones.” Hotel Inventory: • Over 4,000 rooms spread across the county, – Jen Durben, Heritage Area & Groups Director encompassing a variety of accommodation styles • Unique lodging options including cabins, chalets, B&B’s, condo-hotels, hotel/motels, lodges, tiny homes, yurts and camping Contact: Group Perks: Jen Durben • Lodging, activities and dining selection assistance Heritage Area & Groups Director • Itinerary planning assistance 301.387.5238 • Welcome bag for reunion guests [email protected] www.deepcreekreunions.com Top Attractions: • Deep Creek Lake and 8 state parks • Historic small towns of Oakland, Accident, and Grantsville • Adventure Sports Center International • Spruce Forest Artisan Village 1. Casselman Inn & Restaurant • Wisp Resort 2. Historic Downtown Oakland 3. Vacation Rental Home at Deep Creek Lake Four Seasons of Reunion Fun in the Mountains of Western Maryland!
The Deep Creek Lake area located in Garrett County is tucked away in the mountains of western Maryland. Your perfect reunion destination is just 3 hours from Baltimore and Washington D.C.; 2.5 hours from Pittsburgh, and 4 short hours from Columbus and Cleveland, OH. With four seasons of activities including Maryland’s only downhill ski resort and the state’s largest freshwater lake, we have something to o er all reunion types, ages and interests! Let us help you plan your reunion and make it a tradition for years to come!
Visit our website to begin Great meeting spot within close planning your reunion! proximity to major mid-Atlantic cities! www.deepcreekreunions.com | 888-387-5237
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 57 HALIFAX COUNTY MAKES PLANNING YOUR NEXT REUNION AS EASY AS APPLE PIE
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1 Southern charm, rich history, spectacular natural setting and mouthwatering dining await you in Halifax County, North Carolina.
Nestled on the banks of the mighty Roanoke River, Often called North Carolina’s “cradle of history,” which gave rise to commerce in the area, we like to say, Historic Halifax is the birthplace of the Halifax “rushing river water can take the edges off rocks and Resolves, a document that gave rise to the creation of people.” We are confident you will find that true and the Declaration of Independence. This is a must-see for that you will enjoy a relaxing event reconnecting with anyone visiting the area along with the Halifax County family members here. Underground Rail Trail. The Roanoke Rapids Theatre (a 1,500-seat entertainment venue that hosts some of Conveniently located on Interstate 95, midway between the best acts on the East Coast including country, rock, New York and Florida, the Halifax County Convention blues, jazz and R&B performers) awaits your family & Visitors Bureau is excited to help make your family members to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. reunion memorable. Halifax County is also home to a slew of fine hotels, The natural landscape of the county provides a host from Baymont Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn, Econo Lodge, of recreational activities, from Lake Gaston, a 34-mile Hilton Garden Inn, Sleep Inn, Red Roof Inn and many man-made lake, and Medoc Mountain State Park, a more. 2,300-acre natural wildlife preserve, to golfing and tennis, there is something for everyone in Halifax Complimentary welcome reception with cookies County. and lemonade, assistance with hotel arrangements, including group discounts trip planning and tailored Roanoke Rapids offers a wide variety of itineraries for your family are all services that can help accommodations to meet your group’s needs. you shine as a family reunion planner. Resources for Attractions such as Sylvan Heights Bird Park (which venues, meals and catering, banners, photographers, features more than 2,500 birds from around the videographers, tent and chair rental etc. are all world including ducks, geese, parrots, toucans and available to meet your needs. flamingos), Roanoke Rapids Lake (a 4,600-acre lake that is perfect for an afternoon of kayaking, bird watching and fishing) and the Roanoke Canal Trail and Museum (featuring exhibits and locally donated artifacts portraying life along the Roanoke River during its lifetime) will keep your reunion busy.
58 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com HALIFAX COUNTY
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“Thank you for all of your assistance with making this year’s reunion particularly special.” Quick Facts Hotel Inventory: – Powell Moody Family Reunion • National Chain Hotels – 9 • Total Number of National Chain Rooms - 799 “Halifax County, NC is the perfect place to hold a family UHXQLRQ,SODQQHGP\ͤUVWFRPELQHG+RFNDGD\)DPLO\ Group Perks: •Complimentary welcome reception with cookies of Halifax County, NC reunion in 2018. I did not start & lemonade SODQQLQJXQWLO0DUFKDQGRQO\H[SHFWHGDERXW • Assistance with hotel arrangements SHRSOHWRFRPHRQWKHODVWZHHNHQGLQ6HSWHPEHU • Group discounts & trip planning • Tailored itineraries for your family :RUGVSUHDGIDVWDQGWKDWQXPEHUJUHZWRRYHU • Resources for venues, meals & catering, banners, people. Lori Medlin and her staff at VisitHalifax NC photographers, videographers, tent & chair rental, etc. are all available to meet your needs. KHOSHGPHͤQGDFFRPPRGDWLRQVDQGIDFLOLWLHVIRU
WKDWODUJHQXPEHUDVVLVWHGZLWKPDSVDFWLYLWLHVDQG Top Attractions: DZHOFRPHUHFHSWLRQDPRQJRWKHUWKLQJVb+LVWRULF • The Roanoke Rapids Theatre +DOLID[JDYHXVVSHFLDOWRXUVDQGHYHQDOORZHGXV • Historic Halifax • Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail DWHPSRUDU\H[KLELWWRKRXVHRXUDUWLIDFWVIRUWKH • Sylvan Heights Bird Park weekend of the reunion to share • Roanoke Rapids Lake Park ZLWKRXUDWWHQGHHVDQGWKHSXEOLF̹ 6WHYHQ*UHHQ&KDLU+RFNDGD\)DPLO\5HXQLRQ
Contact: Lori Medlin President/CEO 1. Sylvan Heights Landing Zone 252.535.1687 or toll free 800.522.4282 2. Historic Halifax Family Muster [email protected] 3. Sylvan Heights Toad Hall www.visithalifax.com 4. Lake Gaston Pier 5. Medoc Mountain State Park
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 59 HARRISON COUNTY, INDIANA OFFERS FUN FOR EVERYONE
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This beautiful area boasts ancient caverns, zipline adventures and the historic Old Capitol in Corydon.
In the heart of Southern Indiana lies a county known For adult members of the group, a tour of the local for its beauty and recreational offerings – but you wineries is a perfect way to spend the day, and have to look below the surface to see some of its most Harrison County has four of them. Or adults can head intriguing features – the caves. to Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino, which offers more than 100 gaming tables and 2,000 slots. Explore the famous Indiana Caverns, Squire Boone Caverns or Indiana Cave Trail. Cave tours can be At Zimmerman Art Glass in Corydon, visitors can watch booked as a multi-day trip for families interested in demonstrations of glassmaking and purchase beautiful getting to know the cave system. Indiana Caverns pieces including ornaments and paperweights. Learn opens two new attractions that will entertain the entire about Indiana’s history in Corydon, its first state family: Escape Rooms and Bat Chaser. Escape Rooms capital, at the Old Capitol and see where Indiana’s first immerse you in adventure as teams work together constitution was signed. to solve puzzles, uncover clues and beat the clock to solve the mystery in this unique interactive experience. Harrison County offers everything from casual and Opening in 2019, Bat Chaser combines ziplining and family-style to fine dining, quick service and sweet free falling in a family-friendly experience. A suspended treats. Check out a locally owned favorite like Beaver single rail zip coaster soars past tree tops, giving its Street Brick Oven & Grill, Frederick’s Cafe and Bill’s on riders the feel of both hang gliding and riding in an the Hill for meals that are sure to leave you satisfied. underslung gravity-powered coaster. It is only the second ride of its kind to be built in the United States. Harrison County offers a range of lodging styles– from camping and RV sites in gorgeous forest settings to For more outdoor fun, visit Squire Boone Caverns traditional hotels with full amenities. Consider a cozy Zipline Adventures and soar through the trees on a bed and breakfast, or check out the cabin and cottage ride that will get your adrenaline pumping and take options. you through Harrison County’s gorgeous scenery. The whole family will love Golf Shores Fun Center, which features two 18-hole mini golf courses, an arcade, coffee shop and even party rooms.
60 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com HARRISON COUNTY
“Historic Corydon and Harrison County offer a multitude RI SODFHV WR VHH 7KHUH LV GHͤQLWHO\ VRPHWKLQJ IRU everyone here. What a wonderful place to visit for a week or just the day.“ - Tammy Beechler Quick Facts Hotel Inventory: • Hotels in Corydon 5 • Hotel Rooms in Corydon 339 • Hotel rooms countywide – 6 Contact: • Hotel rooms countywide – 842 Stacey Pirtle CTIS Director of Sales & Visitor Services Group Perks: • Itinerary Planning 812.734.0065 • Welcome Receptions [email protected] • Goody bags www.thisisiIndiana.org • Site Visits • Merchant Discounts
Top Attractions: • Horseshoe Southern Indiana • Multiple Cave Systems 1. Explore Harrison County’s four local wineries • 4 Wineries • Historic Sites 2 Explore Squire Boone Caverns 3 Camp at one of Harrison County’s State or County Parks
Get Together... in Historic Corydon & Harrison County
For details contact Stacy at 888.738.2137 or [email protected] thisisindiana.org
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 61 JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, OFFERS GOOD TIMES AND GREAT ADVENTURES
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From a space complex to a swamp tour, Jefferson Parish has something that will appeal to everyone.
Adventure awaits! Neighboring New Orleans, Jefferson alligators, turtles, egrets, and Louisiana’s bayou rat, the Parish sprawls 60 miles from the shores of Lake nutria as native Cajuns navigate through Louisiana’s Pontchartrain to the beaches of Grand Isle, offering wetlands. Learn the importance of this fragile diverse communities with some of the nation’s best ecosystem and tour the Lafitte Barataria Museum, historic districts, cuisine, nature trails and unique which tells the story of this 200-year-old fishing wetland adventures. community and its most famous resident Pirate Jean Lafitte. Explore Rivertown, a 16-block historic district recognized in 2014 as a Main Street USA district. The With two State Parks and a National Park, the great area features Heritage Park’s display of turn-of-the- outdoors is yours to explore! Bayou Segnette State century replicas, such as the old hardware store and Park located only minutes from downtown New gas station. The Kenner Planetarium and MegaDome Orleans, features camping, boating, fishing, hiking, Cinema is “out of this world” with a 50-foot domed picnicking, and during summer months, a wave pool! screen featuring galactic shows and laser-light displays set to music. The Space Complex features a full-sized Visitors can take a trip on the Louisiana Oyster Trail, prototype of NASA’s International Space Station! which has 21 participating restaurants and businesses, Exhibit includes space travel and technology mapping enabling guests to enjoy a variety of delicious oysters a historical timeline through the 20th century. created by a slew of talented chefs. During spring and fall, fairs and festivals abound and groups can enjoy One of the nation’s largest historic districts, Gretna such celebrations as the Gumbo Festival in Bridge is home to the David Crockett Louisiana State Fire City and the Family Gras Festival and Mardi Gras in Museum, Gretna Green Blacksmith Shop, Southern Metairie. The Gretna Heritage Festival is a three-day Pacific Freight Depot and Illinois Central Caboose, and music fest with performances by national artists and the German American Cultural Museum. Louisiana favorites while the International Tarpon Wildlife and the outdoors are a big part of Jefferson’s Rodeo is the oldest fishing tournament in the country. history and remain a part of our culture today. The Barataria Basin is steeped in history and offers The JCVB staff is eager to assist. Contact us today to a plethora of wildlife. Aboard a swamp tour see begin planning you next adventure in Jefferson!
62 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com JEFFERSON PARISH, LA
“I’ve planned twelve military reunions over a span of eleven years, in eleven different cities. Working with Visit Jefferson Parish, reminds me of the slogan of the 79VKRZDERXWWKHͤFWLRQDOWK0$6+̸7KHEHVW Quick Facts care anywhere.” Hotel Inventory: – Dave Blake, Planner • Jefferson Parish has over 8,000 hotel rooms • Value-priced; Limited & Full-service properties • Most offering complimentary parking & breakfast
Group Perks: Contact: • Itinerary planning Joshua Ogunyemi • Site inspection assistance Group Sales Manager • Visitor guide Phone 504.818.1258 • Discount promotional booklets for restaurants & attractions [email protected] • Referrals for local service providers for hotels, attractions, www.visitjeffersonparish.com transportation & more
Top Attractions: • Outdoor recreation • Swamp & bayou tours 1. Space Complex • Historic Districts • Adjacent to the New Orleans French Quarter 2. Lafitte Barataria Museum 3. Bayou Segnette State Park
Where Adventure meets Hospitality
The Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. is the connection for reunion & event planning in Jefferson Parish! Let us help you plan your facility requirements, accommodations, transportation, attractions or special event.
Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. | 504.731.7083 | VisitJeffersonParish.com
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 63 REUNIONS BECOME REMARKABLE IN LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
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Located between Milwaukee and Chicago, Lake County provides the perfect backdrop for your next reunion.
In Lake County, you’ll find the recreational Choose from 60 group-friendly hotels in every price opportunities, natural beauty and charm of the Upper range. Great Wolf Lodge Illinois boasts 414 suites and Midwest combined with amenities, facilities and an 80,000-square foot indoor water park. The Illinois conveniences of the big city. Beach Resort has 92 rooms in a stunning lakefront location. Full-service hotels include DoubleTree In the Lake County Forest Preserves, there’s fun for by Hilton Libertyville-Mundelein, Embassy Suites groups of any size or ability, featuring pavilions along Deerfield, Holiday Inn Gurnee, Hyatt Regency pristine lakeshores, hiking trails, sports and playfields, Deerfield, Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, and Marriott and breathtaking views. Independence Grove Forest Suites Deerfield. Preserve offers more than 1,100 acres to enjoy picnic spaces, swimming, shoreline fishing, plus boat and You’ll find plenty of affordable, family-friendly dining surrey bike rentals. options for every taste. And, if you’re planning a day trip to Chicago attractions, such as Navy Pier, the Six Flags Great America, one of the country’s premier “Windy City” is easy to reach by train, bus or car. theme parks, features 16 roller coasters and Hurricane Harbor water park. Explore 27 dazzling gardens in the Lake County is easily accessible via Interstate 94 and world-famous Chicago Botanic Garden, or entertain less than an hour from Milwaukee’s General Mitchell and the little ones at Lambs Farm’s petting zoo. Gurnee Chicago’s O’Hare airports. Mills has 200 retailers and restaurants, plus ice skating and interactive games. In Historic Downtown Long Grove, you’ll discover boutiques, galleries and a craft brewery in buildings dating back to the 1800s. Libertyville Sports Complex features a 360-degree rock climbing mountain, driving range and indoor soccer fields.
64 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
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“All family members said it was the BEST family reunion we have ever had. The family doesn’t know all of the work that went into the planning, and they don’t know that Kimberly started the ball rolling to what became the BEST family reunion ever!” – Ann Hall-Jones, Jones-Ellis-Sykes Family Reunion Quick Facts Hotel Inventory: • 60 hotels and 3 resorts
Group Perks: • Itinerary planning • Tour Planner Guide/Visitor Guide • Referrals for local service providers for hotels, attractions and more Contact: • Site inspection assistance Kimberly Ghys • Resources: Reunion Planning Checklist Senior Account Executive Visit Lake County Top Attractions: 800.LAKE.NOW • Six Flags Great America [email protected] • Great Wolf Lodge Illinois VisitLakeCounty.org • Chicago Botanic Garden • llinois Beach State Park and Illinois Beach Resort
1. Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor. 2. Reconnect loved ones with the fun and beauty of Lake County as your backdrop. 3. Independence Grove Forest Preserve. 4. Great Wolf Lodge Illinois. 5. Families can enjoy a narrated tram ride through the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden.
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 65 MAKING MEMORIES IN LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MISSOURI
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Don’t miss out on a world of family fun at one of the Midwest’s most popular vacation destinations.
It’s easy to see why Lake of the Ozarks has claimed end-to-end. Boating, fishing, camping, swimming, a top spot on USA TODAY 10Best’s list of Best beachgoing and so much more is all found at this year- Recreational Lakes. This family-friendly destination is around reunion destination. the prime location for a reunion and offers everything that a savvy planner is looking for: plenty of activities, For family fun, make a splash at Big Surf Waterpark, a wide variety of lodging and dining options, incredible which is perfect for all ages. There’s a wave pool, a outdoor experiences and an unforgettable setting. Less Space Bowl, relaxing lazy river and thrilling rapids and than three hours from St. Louis and Kansas City, this water slides that are perfect for cooling off on a hot reunion destination sees visitors returning year after day. Another favorite among Lake of the Ozarks visitors year, making memories to last a lifetime. is Timber Falls Indoor Waterpark, which features 600 feet of water slides, a lazy river, a wilderness tree house Nature lovers should be sure to pay a visit to Ha Ha and an activity area for in-water basketball. And for Tonka State Park, which claimed a spot on USA TODAY adventure outside the water, visit Lemans Family Fun 10Best’s list. Hike to the historic hilltop castle, picnic at Park, where you can spend the day speeding along the the water’s edge, explore the amazing natural bridge go-kart track, battling in bumper boats, or teeing up for and cave system and enjoy the fresh air along the 15 a round of mini golf. miles of pristine trails. Speaking of caves, Bridal Cave is a local awe-inspiring natural wonder formed almost The region is also home to a variety of incredible 50 million years ago and which today wows visitors wineries including Shawnee Bluff, Seven Springs and with its massive columns, stalactites, stalagmites and Golden Rock Winery, to name just a few. All these offer draperies that appear other-worldly. It’s a perfect place unique dining options, sweeping views and a unique to explore year-around as the temperature is always insight into the area’s local viticulture and are perfect a comfortable 60 degrees inside. And of course, the for group outings. area’s namesake, Lake of the Ozarks, is a cornerstone for any reunion in the area. This massive man-made lake includes 1,150 miles of shoreline and runs 92 miles
66 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com LAKE OF THE OZARKS
“Our central, affordable location, family attractions and Quick Facts wide variety of lodging options makes the Lake of the Hotel Inventory: • Over 250 resorts, hotels, condos and house rentals Ozarks a premier reunion location. The scenic beauty • More than 3,500 rooms available in hotels, resorts, condos, alone will have you returning for many years to come.” and rental homes – Lagina Fitzpatrick, CMP, CHSC, Director of Sales, • 100+ restaurants, many with lakeside views Lake of the Ozarks CVB Group Perks: • RFP assistance • Site Inspection assistance • Itinerary planning Contact: • Welcome bags & visitor guides Jen West • Lake of the Ozarks photos or videos Group Sales Manager • Referrals for restaurants, attractions and more Lake of the Ozarks CVB 573.348.1599 Top Attractions: [email protected] • 54,000-Acre Lake www.funlake.com • Big Surf Water Park • Bridal Cave • Miner Mike’s & Busters • Ha Ha Tonka State Park 1. Lake of the Ozarks Sunset • 14 Golf Courses 2. The Lodge of Four Seasons • Shopping 3. Tan-Tar-A/Margaritaville Lake Resort & Tropic Island Cruises
Scenic Beauty Great Shopping
Year-Round Golf 54,000 Acre Lake IT’S JUST BETTER HERE Let our Group Sales Manager assist you. Jen West, Group Sales Manager, [email protected] | (573) 348-1599 ext. 234
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 67 FAMILY-FRIENDLY REUNION FUN AWAITS IN CHICAGO NORTHWEST
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Give your next reunion an advantEdge with Chicago Entertain your group with several hands-on activities, Northwest! Located four hours from anywhere in the such as GameWorks, a family-friendly entertainment continental United States, Chicago Northwest resides and dining complex, PAC-MAN Entertainment, an on the edge of O’Hare International Airport and just enormous hangout with bowling alleys and arcade minutes from downtown Chicago. games, Punch Bowl Social, which features a great lineup of arcade games, karaoke, food and drink, and Meet Chicago Northwest is a full-service destination Topgolf, showcasing fun and competitive golf games marketing organization providing event planning ideas for all ages. For the youngest guests, FireZone and that are sure to make your reunion successful, fun, LEGOLAND Discovery Center are at your fingertips. and easy. Best of all, our services are completely free. Our Chicago Northwest area hotels offer a range of All ages can spend time at Brookfield Zoo, Laugh accommodations to fit every budget and service level. Out Loud, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, and Schaumburg Boomers Baseball while adults can enjoy Your reunion guests can take time to browse the some late-night laughs at IMPROV comedy club. For many fantastic shopping outlets in the area from a breath of fresh air, move your group to the outdoors Woodfield Mall to IKEA. Just 40 minutes west of with an outing to Busse Woods Forest Preserve for a Chicago, Woodfield Mall is one of the largest shopping day of hiking, biking, or kayaking. Picnic shelters are destinations in the United States. With more than 2 available by reservation. million square feet of distinctive retail shops (including Nordstrom, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor and Aeropostale) Chicago Northwest is also home to hundreds of family restaurants and family-friendly amenities, Woodfield restaurants from local favorites to top Chicago names. Mall has something that will appeal to every member Plus, your group will never spend a penny on parking in of your group. Woodfield Mall also features a new Chicago Northwest. multi-million-dollar dining pavilion, which features a contemporary 820-seat showplace with natural light Chicago Northwest is easily accessible to downtown streaming through ceiling-to-floor picture windows, Chicago due to our location at the crossroads of major soft-seating conversational areas, large-screen highways or even by commuter rail. Give your reunion televisions and a range of new, fast-casual dining an AdvantEDGE - call today! options.
68 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com CHICAGO NORTHWEST
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“Let us assist with hotel selection, suggested itineraries and all-around destination information. We want to Quick Facts Hotel Inventory: make planning your reunion less stressful and give you Total hotels: 64 the time to enjoy your family or friends.” – Melinda Garritano, Meet Chicago Northwest Group Perks: • Itinerary planning • Welcome materials • Hotel, transportation, and all-around destination assistance • Completely free resource
Top Attractions: • Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts • Arlington International • Busse Woods • GameWorks • IKEA Contact: • IMPROV Melinda Garritano • Laugh Out Loud Senior Account Executive • LEGOLAND Discovery Center 847.278.3445 • Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament [email protected] • Metropolis Performing Arts Centre chicagonorthwest.com • Mitsuwa Japanese Marketplace • PAC-MAN Entertainment • Schaumburg Boomers • Topgolf • Woodfield Mall
1. Schaumburg Boomers Baseball Fireworks Night 2 LEGOLAND Discovery Center’s Build and Test 3. Busse Woods Forest Preserve Rental Pavillion 4. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament 5. Arlington International Racecourse
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 69 NEW ORLEANS: DISHING OUT POMP AND PAGEANTRY IN SOUTHERN STYLE
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Warm and welcoming, plan a fun-filled reunion in the Big Easy. New Orleans has something for everyone from culture and cuisine to sights and sounds.
There are not too many places that compare to lively The Garden District is where you can get a glimpse New Orleans. With so many facets to its vibrant in to Mardi Gras at Mardi Gras World, the largest float character, the Big Easy, as it’s fondly known, has design facility in the world. See colorful displays and Spanish, French, African and Caribbean influences in costumes being created for the largest carnival in everything from its culture and cuisine to its sights and New Orleans! Take a ride down the historic avenue on sounds. the St. Charles Streetcar, operational since 1835, and see the distinguished homes and landmarks in the Stroll through the oldest and most famous area of the neighborhood. city, the French Quarter where local mom-and-pop- shops and fine dining eateries stand alongside. Drop in A green oasis and a recreational hub in the heart of to the historic Café du Monde for delicious powdered the city, City Park has several attractions. Indulge in sugar covered beignets and café au lait. Adding to some family-friendly activities at the Carousel Grounds the infectious atmosphere of the French Quarter are Amusement Park with rides for kids of all ages or play strains of jazz that can be heard from all corners of this a round of mini-golf at City Putt. Kids will especially historic district. Make your way to Preservation Hall, enjoy themselves at Storyland with larger-than-life where daily shows for all ages fill up this old school storybook sculptures. Enjoy the outdoors by going New Orleans jazz venue. biking or boating at Big Lake where the stately Singing Oak tree stands tall. Tour the New Orleans Botanical For a day of family fun, the Audubon Aquarium of the Garden with over 2,000 plant species and see works Americas offers plenty of excitement for the young and of art at Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture old. See over 15,000 sea life creatures here including Garden next to the New Orleans Museum of Art. Have African penguins, sea otters and stingrays. New Orleans a rocking time at Rock ‘n’ Bowl with live music and is also home to a zoo with animals like Malayan tigers bowling to keep you entertained. and Sumatran orangutans and an insectarium with varied species of bugs, beetles and butterflies.
70 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com NEW ORLEANS
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“Our complimentary service will help you and your family plan a local or destination reunion in New Orleans. Before Quick Facts you choose your dates, let us check the special events Hotel Inventory: • Total hotels in Downtown New Orleans (French Quarter, and exclusive convention calendar for you. We make the Central Business District, Warehouse District and Garden planning easy and remove the additional stress from the District): 134 hotels reunion planner.” • Total hotels in Greater New Orleans Area (including Downtown hotels): 300 hotels – Rachel Funel, Account Executive, New Orleans & Company Group Perks: • Complimentary assistance with booking group accommodations • Access to convention and event calendars to help choose your dates • Complimentary visitor guides and maps • Reunion promotional tools, including save-the-dates and invitations
Contact: Top Attractions: New Orleans & Company • The National WWII Museum Rachel Funel • Swamp and Plantation Tours Account Executive • Live Music every night of the week 800.748.8695 x5018 • Mississippi River Cruises [email protected] • Mardi Gras World www.NewOrleans.com
1. Royal Street in the French Quarter 2. Musicians in Jackson Square 3. Steamboat Natchez 4. Café du Monde 5. St. Charles Streetcar
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 71 FESTIVALS AND AN AWARD-WINNING BEACH MAKE OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND, A POPULAR REUNION TOWN
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Family fun in the sun.
Ocean City combines the fun of a beach resort with waters of Ayers Creek Adventures, where personalized local regional touring for your family. Whether it’s the service is a hallmark. 17 surrounding golf courses or the beach that appeals to the family, Ocean City has it. Generations have Don’t miss the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum enjoyed Ocean City and come back year after year. right on the Boardwalk at the Inlet. A great gift shop, displays and history of the early forerunners of the The beach is free and open to all. This 10-mile stretch of Coast Guard will entrance your imagination. The new clean, soft sand beckons anyone to the Atlantic seaside Harriet Tubman Visitor Center, about an hour away, resort year round. In season, the Boardwalk holds is a historical, cultural and environmental gem. Harriet shopping, arcades, haunted houses, candy, popcorn Tubman was born here, experience childhood as a slave and fries. For a famous Crab Feast, try one of the and garnered the ethical compass that guided her and Phillips restaurants. relatives to freedom.
Reunions will enjoy the large amusement park Jolly Contact: Roger. In season, this park offers unique rides and Norma Dobrowolski water park experiences, miniature golf, games, go carts Destination Sales Manager and more. Boat rides can be arranged for the whole 410.289.2800 group at such notable places like Talbot Street Pier, [email protected] where the selection ranges from the large powerboat ococean.com OC Rocket to the Assateague Adventure, where you can traverse the bays to see wild ponies and wildlife.
Private party or sightseeing cruises can be arranged 1. Aerial view of Ocean City and its shoreline. through Talbot Street, the vessel Swim Call or Back Bay Adventures. Fishing abounds with Tortuga, 2. The sun rises over a calm Atlantic Ocean in Ocean City. Judith M and Back Bay. Family members may want to 3. Paddleboarding at Ayers Creek can be offered experience paddle boarding or kayaking in the calmer for any level outdoorsman.
72 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNITE in Halifax County, NC
Let us make planning your next family ROANOKE RAPIDS reunion as EASY as Grandma’s apple pie!
Conveniently located on Interstate 95 midway NORTH CAROLINA between New York and Florida. The Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to help PDNH\RXUIDPLO\UHXQLRQPHPRUDEOHE\R̆HULQJ
· complimentary welcome reception with cookies & lemonade ÂDVVLVWDQFHZLWKKRWHODUUDQJHPHQWVLQFOXGLQJJURXSGLVFRXQWV ÂWULSSODQQLQJ WDLORUHGLWLQHUDULHVIRU\RXUIDPLO\ ÂUHVRXUFHVIRUYHQXHVPHDOV FDWHULQJEDQQHUV Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau SKRWRJUDSKHUVYLGHRJUDSKHUVWHQW FKDLUUHQWDOHWF 260 Premier Blvd | Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 “Thank you for all of your assistance with (800) 522-4282 making this year’s reunion particularly special.” ~ Powell Moody Family Reunion ~ visithalifax.com
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 73 HISTORY AND BEAUTY AWAIT FAMILY REUNIONS IN ST. AUGUSTINE | PONTE VEDRA 2
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With 450 years of history, beautiful beaches and world-class dining and entertainment, it’s easy to see why St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra is the perfect family reunion getaway.
The oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine The Castillo de San Marcos is not to be missed. This boasts centuries of history and tradition. St. National Monument is the oldest masonry fort in Augustine also has a thriving, modern arts and the U.S. and the only standing 17th century military entertainment scene, delectable contemporary cuisine construction. This large Spanish stone fortress was cooked up by top chefs and a range of outdoor built to protect and defend Spain’s claims in the New activities to enjoy. Family reunions will never be dull in World. At more than 315 years old, it’s the oldest this centuries-old Florida city. structure in St. Augustine.
Established in 1565, St. Augustine is home to more The children in the group will love a visit to Fountain than 60 historic sites and attractions. Visitors can of Youth Archaeological Park, the original 1565 site of explore the bricked lanes and explore historic sites St. Augustine. They can learn how explorers navigated all around downtown. Visit the Oldest Wooden in the 1500s at the Navigators’ Planetarium, take a School House, a National Historic Landmark that sip from the Spring of Eternal Hope or climb up the dates back to the early 1700s. This historic museum Spanish watchtowers overlooking the ocean. is touted as the oldest wooden school building in the United States. Guests can also stop by the Authentic No trip to St. Augustine or Ponte Vedra would be Old Jail, where you can get a glimpse of what complete without a visit to one of the many stunning incarceration was like more than a hundred years ago. beaches along the shore. Ponte Vedra Beach, Vilano This historic jail served the city from 1891 to 1953 and Beach and Anastasia State Park are just a few visitors can take tours of the jail during the day or options, but there are many more to enjoy as well. night. If you’re ready to plan your reunion, the team at St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches VCB will make your vacation truly memorable and worry free.
74 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com FLORIDA’S HISTORIC COAST
Quick Facts “Our family reunion on Florida’s Historic Coast was a Destination Inventory: • Over 6,487 Guest Rooms great success and we really appreciate the support from • More than 188,000 sq. ft. of meeting space the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitor • Largest meeting space under one-roof 26,450 sq. ft. and Convention Bureau! The historic nature of the St. • Nearly 50 active and passive parks • Over a dozen boat ramps Augustine area served as an ideal stage for our Family • Fishing Piers Reunion. Florida’s Historic Coast offered the perfect setting to reflect our family’s legacy of making memories Group Planning Services: • Assisting with collecting hotel, service, and venue proposals and providing opportunities for our growing generations.” • Site inspection assistance – Mr. Michael B. Campbell, • Itinerary planning assistance • Brochure distribution McPherson-Campbell Family Reunion • VCB Welcome Letters or Personal Welcome • Destination image and script support Contact: Jaya Dillard Top Attractions: Sales & Services Manager • Florida’s Historic Coast span more than 42 miles from Ponte St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & Verda Beach in the north to Marineland in the south The Beaches Visitor & Convention Bureau • More than 60 historic sites and attractions JDillard@floridashistoriccoast.com • Florida’s Historic Coast offers world-class culinary delights 904.209.4429 • Nearly 50 art galleries and antique shops www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com • Two factory outlet malls • Home to the PGA Tour, TPC Sawgrass, and 1. Family dining on the Tolomato River The PLAYERS Championship 2. Soaking up History at Castillo de San Marcos 3. Trolleys and “trains” provide group tours and transportation
©Life and Love Studio
They explored sun-kissed beaches and the nation’s oldest coquina-shell fort, sharing stories passed down through generations. And after an inspiring tour of the Lincolnville neighborhood, they decided this family reunion was definitely one for the history books. Only on Florida’s Historic Coast®, where history is not the same old story. FloridasHistoricCoast.com | 800-418-7529, ext. 2009
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 75 GATHER IN THE NORTH CAROLINA SMOKY MOUNTAINS 2
1 3 Visit NC Smokies offers authentic reunion experiences from a lakeside cabin to a mountain-top guest ranch.
Gather in Haywood County to visit the North Carolina For families wanting to elevate their experience, we Smokies. Home to several quaint mountain towns like have 46 scenic miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Along Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton and the parkway there are a variety of hikes like Graveyard Clyde, Haywood County features natural attractions Fields, Devils Court House and WaterRock Knob like the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Blue where you can visit waterfalls and enjoy scenic views. Ridge Parkway with wildlife, hiking and long-range Afterward, head over to Elevated Mountain Distilling mountain views. Company to take a tour and sip some moonshine.
Groups will love spending time in Cataloochee Valley. Main Street in Waynesville is the perfect place for This special section of the Great Smoky Mountain groups to unwind on their own. They can learn from National Park features camping, picnic areas, hiking local artists at a studio, shop for rare antiques, visit a trails, several historic buildings and wildlife. The Elk general store or have a farm-to-table experience at one were reintroduced in Cataloochee Valley making it the of our many local restaurants. perfect place to see the herd. The Catalooche Guest Ranch, which opened in 1935, offers cabins at nearly a If festivals are important to your group, we’ve got you mile-high and horseback riding and fireside smores. covered. In the summer, you can listen to music at the Cold Mountain Music Festival, celebrate moonshine at Haywood County is also home to two great conference Hillbilly Jam or see countries from around the world retreat centers Lake Junaluska and Lake Logan, perform at the Folkmoot International Festival. In the which appeal to everyone. Lake Junaluska has plenty fall, people flock to Waynesville for the Apple Harvest of meeting space, a lakeside pool, walking trails, Festival and Church Street Art & Crafts Festival. playgrounds, tennis courts and shuffle board. Lake Finally, in December, you can attend the Balsam Range Logan offers a more secluded experience with plenty Art of Music Festival or Appalachian Christmas at Lake of trails, canoes and streams for fly fishing. No matter Junaluska. which lake you visit, memories will be made. The staff at Visit NC Smokies is ready to assist you in planning your next memorable reunion so give them a call today.
76 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com SMOKY MOUNTAINS Quick Facts Hotel Inventory: “Our group loved exploring the North Carolina • Total hotels - 35 Smoky Mountains, especially seeing the elk in • Total hotel Rooms – 1,621 • Cabins / Rentals - 825 Cataloochee Valley.” • Campgrounds / RV Parks - 8 – Angie Bozeman, Heritage Tours
Group Perks: • Itinerary Planning • Tour Planner / Visitor Guide • Assistance with Hotels and Attractions Contact: • Site Inspection Benjamin Wilder • Hiking Maps Tourism Development Manager Visit NC Smokies Top Attractions: Maggie Valley, NC • Great Smoky Mountain National Park • Blue Ridge Parkway 800.334.9036 • Wheels Through Time Museum [email protected] • Elevated Mountain Distilling Company www.VisitNCSmokies.com • Historic Downtown Waynesville • HART Theatre • Cataloochee Ski Area • Shelton House, Museum of NC Handicrafts 1. Sunset View from the • Bear Waters Brewing Blue Ridge Parkway • Frog Level Brewing 2. Tasting & Tour at Elevated Mountain Distilling Company • Boojum Brewing 3. Elk in Cataloochee Valley, Great Smoky Mountain National Park
• 800-334-9036
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 77 RECONNECT DURING YOUR FAMILY REUNION AT YMCA OF THE ROCKIES
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1 3 YMCA of the Rockies offers a welcoming environment that allows families to reconnect with each other.
Nestled up in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, YMCA of At Snow Mountain Ranch near Winter Park, Colorado, the Rockies offers a picturesque backdrop for family families can enjoy a variety of activities. In summer, reunions. Through its variety of outdoor activities, explore trails and discover the local wildlife, take a families can disconnect from their everyday lives, and ride on a zip line, spend a day on the water fishing or reconnect with one another. YMCA of the Rockies has canoeing, enjoy an exhilarating mountain bike ride or two locations to choose from, and both provide families hit the summer tubing hill. In winter, the world-class with unique experiences they won’t soon forget. Nordic Center offers more than 150 kilometers of trails for classic and skate skiing, snow shoeing and fat Fall in Estes Park is a great time to enjoy the spectacle biking. of nature as the trees turn the hillsides golden and the wildlife delight. Elk and deer are present on property The Winter Fun Park also offers ice skating and tubing. and in the area as they engage in the ritual of the rut. Dog sledding and adventure programs with the dogs Crisp air and clear skies make outdoor adventures are extremely popular with guests of all ages. Year experiences to live in memories for a lifetime. The Estes round, families can enjoy crafts, campfires, horseback Park location has educational programs and activities riding, swimming and roller skating. Snow Mountain for family members of all ages. Learn about wildlife accommodations include hotel style lodges, reunion through YMCA’s courses, like Elk Ecology and Animal cabins, family cabins, yurts and a campground. Detective. Bring the whole family horseback riding or take a guided hike through the stunning wilderness. YMCA’s activities and accommodations ensure a truly There are also fun activities for the whole family to multi-generational experience in which family members enjoy, like zip lining, ice skating, roller skating, a world- from the youngest to the oldest are comfortable and class craft center and much more. The Estes Park enjoy adventure suited to them. location offers hotel-style lodging as well as family cabins from two bedrooms to four bedrooms. You can also stay in reunion cabins from five bedrooms to 17 bedrooms to accommodate all group sizes and budgets.
78 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com Quick Facts ROCKY MOUNTAINS Hotel Inventory: • Snow Mountain Ranch • Estes Park Center • Family Cabins - 52 • 214 Family Cabins “YMCA of the Rockies is a safe haven in the beautiful • Lodge Rooms – 173 • 553 Lodge Rooms Rocky Mountains for reunion groups to re-connect, play • 10 Reunion Cabins • Reunion Cabins – 9 together or simply relax. We offer endless recreation • Campsites - 42 • Yurts – 24 and so many fun activities for all ages to enjoy. The experiences a group will share become fond memories Group Perks: • Onsite buffet dining and catering options and before you know it, a tradition, which generations • Group Planning Brochure will treasure always.” • Many free activities for onsite guests - DB Daugherty, Reunion Specialist, YMCA of the Rockies • Meeting space available
Top Attractions: • Estes Park Center • Mountain Center for adventure activities including zip Contact: lining, rock climbing, fly fishing Reunion Specialists • Hikemaster Program – guided hikes for all abilities into 800.777.9622 and around Rocky Mountain National Park ColoradoConferenceCenters.com • Surrounded on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park
• Snow Mountain Ranch • Family Adventure Park including summer tubing hill, adventure playground and dog park • Nordic Center for cross country skiing, snow shoeing 1. Mountain biking and fat biking 2. Nordic skiing • Located less than 30 minutes from Winter Park Resort 3. Reunion cabin and Rocky Mountain National Park
YMCA of the ROCKIES ESTES PARK CENTER SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH ADD ADVENTURE to Your Reunion
YMCA of the Rockies’ two locations offer comfortable accommodations and activities for all ages with the stunning background of the Rocky Mountains. Groups of all sizes and budgets can choose from hotel-style rooms or large reunion cabins with full kitchens.
Meeting space abounds and our programs and staff will ensure there is adventure for everyone.
ColoradoConferenceCenters.com 800-777-9622
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 79 The perfect way to spend your reunion! A new perspective On a Costa Cruise, you can experience the best of Italy in this fully immersive international experience without the fr om the Sea international price tag! With over 250 destinations that we travel to, some of the most popular destinations are in the Live La Dolce Vita! Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and the Far East. Enjoy hassle free planning and multiple destinations in a single vacation. Travel in a group and enjoy a cruise that is the best value for the money and the perfect alternative to a traditional cruise experience. For more information and reservations, please contact your travel professional, visit costacruises.com or contact us at 1-800-GO-COSTA (1-800-462- 6782). Monday – Friday 9 am- 8 pm ET.
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80 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com HOST A REUNION ON THE HIGH SEAS WITH COSTA CRUISES
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1 3 Bring the family together on-board Costa’s luxurious ships and set sail for adventure with over 200 destinations to choose from
Looking for a unique and unforgettable experience to palate. Wine lovers have an extensive selection to choose complement your next reunion? Look no further than an from, with each wine chosen by the Italian Sommeliers adventure on board Costa Cruises’ fleet of Italian-inspired Association and expertly paired with the authentic flavors. ships, each with a unique character and amenities that are Guests can also treat themselves to a variety of wellness perfect for group travel. activities at the award-winning Samsara Spas. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind in between excursions. Exploring new destinations with family and friends is one of the highlights of a reunion, and Costa Cruises makes Costa Cruises are kid-friendly, with special programs and it easier to see the world than ever before. But this is activity areas just for the youngest family members. At more than just your average cruise. With a dedication to the Squok Club, kids 11 and under can dance, play, and discovery, culture, international cuisine, and luxury, Costa swim in a colorful atmosphere, while the Teen Club offers offers guests the chance to have an immersive cultural music and dance classes, sports tournaments, pool parties, experience both on board and at the international ports of midnight swim, themed dinners, and more. call. Santorini, Dubai, Marseilles, Stockholm, Martinique – Costa offers a unique approach to cruising which can set these are just a few of the more than 260 destinations that the stage for an out-of-this-world reunion that everyone is could be part of your next reunion when traveling with sure to remember for years to come. Whether you choose Costa Cruises. to sail to Martinique or Mumbai, Singapore or Sydney, The adventure begins the moment you step on board, with a Costa Cruise is the perfect place to gather everyone the chance to meet fellow passengers from all over the together and create memories that will last a lifetime. world, indulge in international fare, and take part in festive evenings that include masquerade parties, shows, and Contact: much more. CostaTours helps guests create their perfect Barbara Holgate Davis on-shore experience and there are over 2,500 shore Group Sales Specialist experiences to choose from, such as zip lining in Antigua [email protected] or cruising over the sand dunes near Dubai. www.costacruises.com Of course, a major part of any reunion and the cornerstone 1. Enjoy multiple courses in our Main Dining room. of a great cruise is the cuisine. Costa’s cuisine is a 2. Take a CostaTour. delightful blend of the regional delicacies of Italy and food 3. Take a cruise to the East Med. where you can visit this from across the globe, so there is something for every beautiful destination in Santorini.
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 81 INSTANT INFO CENTER Please send me information on the following reunion-friendly destinations:
2019 EDITION o Akron Summit CVB, Ohio o Atlanta Airport District, Georgia Let us help you plan YOUR REUNION! o Branson CVB, Missouri o Chicago Southland CVB, Illinois Update your subscription information, or tell us about o Costa Cruises your reunion needs and we will connect you directly with o Crowne Plaza, Illinois o DeSoto County Tourism, Mississippi qualified destinations, facilities and service providers! o Encore Resort, Florida o Experience Columbus, Ohio o Experience Kissimmee, Florida Name o Garrett County, Maryland Reunion or Group Name o Halifax County CVB, North Carolina o Harrison County CVB, Indiana Type of Reunion/Group o Jefferson Parish CVB, Louisiana o Lake County CVB, Illinois Address o Lake of the Ozarks CVB, Missouri o City State Zip Meet Chicago Northwest, Illinois o New Orleans CVB, Louisiana Phone Email o Ocean City CVB, Maryland o St. Augustine/Ponte Vedra, Florida Signature Date o Visit NC Smokies o YMCA of the Rockies, Colorado City of Birth o Please send me the next edition of Reunions Workbook Please send me informaton on reunion o Subscribe me to InSite on Reunion E-news (must fill out email above) destinations in the following regions o No thanks, remove me from your list and countries: o Northeast U.S. o Southeast U.S. o Midwest U.S. o Frontier Mountain West U.S. Mail: o PTM Publications West Coast U.S. RESPOND 621 Plainfield Rd., Suite 406 o Canada TODAY! Willowbrook, IL 60527 o Mexico/Caribbean o Cruises o Other Size of Reunion – Scan and email to [email protected] Proposed Dates – Fax this page to 630.794.0652 (year/month)
82 REUNIONS WORKBOOK ReunionsWorkbook.com INSTANT INFO CENTER Getting together is better Please send me information on the following reunion-friendly in Lake County Illinois destinations:
2019 EDITION o Akron Summit CVB, Ohio o Atlanta Airport District, Georgia Let us help you plan YOUR REUNION! o Branson CVB, Missouri o Chicago Southland CVB, Illinois Update your subscription information, or tell us about o Costa Cruises your reunion needs and we will connect you directly with o Crowne Plaza, Illinois o DeSoto County Tourism, Mississippi qualified destinations, facilities and service providers! o Encore Resort, Florida o Experience Columbus, Ohio o Experience Kissimmee, Florida Name o Garrett County, Maryland Reunion or Group Name o Halifax County CVB, North Carolina o Harrison County CVB, Indiana Type of Reunion/Group o Jefferson Parish CVB, Louisiana o Lake County CVB, Illinois Address o Lake of the Ozarks CVB, Missouri o City State Zip Meet Chicago Northwest, Illinois o New Orleans CVB, Louisiana Phone Email o Ocean City CVB, Maryland o St. Augustine/Ponte Vedra, Florida Signature Date Home to some of the Midwest’s most beautiful landscapes and just 30 minutes north o Visit NC Smokies of Chicago, Lake County is reunion-perfect. You’ll find world-class attractions such as o YMCA of the Rockies, Colorado City of Birth Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor, more than 75 lakes and beaches, wonderful dining and entertainment, and exceptional indoor and outdoor gathering spaces o Please send me the next edition of Reunions Workbook for your big event. Choose from 60 hotels and three resorts—including Great Wolf Please send me informaton on reunion Lodge Illinois, with its family-friendly 80,000-sq. ft. indoor water park. o Subscribe me to InSite on Reunion E-news (must fill out email above) destinations in the following regions Let Lake County make your next reunion unforgettable. and countries: o No thanks, remove me from your list Before you plan your reunion, contact Kimberly Ghys, o Northeast U.S. Senior Account Executive, at [email protected] o Southeast U.S. or find more information at VisitLakeCounty.org. o Midwest U.S. o Frontier Mountain West U.S. Mail: o PTM Publications West Coast U.S. RESPOND 621 Plainfield Rd., Suite 406 o Canada o Mexico/Caribbean TODAY! Willowbrook, IL 60527 Michigan o Cruises Milwaukee Lake o Other Lake County Size of Reunion Chicago – Scan and email to [email protected] Proposed Dates – Fax this page to 630.794.0652 (year/month)
ReunionsWorkbook.com REUNIONS WORKBOOK 83
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