STICKY REUNION SITUATION

THE SITUATION:

Help! We just had our first reunion in years, and it didn't turn out as planned. Many people didn't show up including a couple of the planners. Information for the reunion went out five months prior identifying the location (which was close to several amusement/entertainment spots); name and price for a place to sleep; plus, the cost of two family main events (for Friday and Saturday that family members were cooking for).

Two months before the reunion folks were complaining about the sleeping arrangements, saying the cost was too expensive. They couldn't understand why the planners didn't work out discounted tickets for the amusements, and they felt the cost for the main events was too expensive. They were told there were several hotels and motels in the area that they could look into, and that the food costs were non-negotiable.

In hindsight I'm not surprised people didn't show up, but what do we do now? I'm not ready to give up on reinstating our family reunions. Yes, the planners could have done a better job and should have looked at the overall cost, realized it was too expensive, and made some negotiations. And yes the communications were lacking on both sides of the planning. Do you think we can fix things for a possible reunion in the next year or two?

DOUG HARRIS with THE FIX:

Yes, you can overcome all of this year's missteps and enjoy a great reunion in the next year or two. My recommendations for doing so are as follows:

1. Send a message to the family using whatever method(s) you used to announce the last reunion plus any methods you think you may have overlooked. Remember there’s nothing wrong with sending emails and texts, as well as USPS mail for those who may not have either. 
2. Acknowledge that attendance was disappointing, and that those who did not attend were missed.  Be upbeat about the next reunion; e.g., “We want our next reunion to be the best one ever!”
3. Ask for input about the next reunion regarding costs, dates, locations, venues, activities, accommodations, etc. 
4. Consider a two-column format for input: one column for “What We Did Right,” and one for “Where We Missed the Mark.”
5. Be sure to ask for volunteers for the planning committee.