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Your choices of locations are endless and depend on group
size, budget, time of year and the type of activities best
suited to attendees. Start the search for a location as
early as possible for the best rates and most choices.
If you’re flexible on the dates, you’ll also
have a chance at better rates, considering peak and off-peak
seasons for certain locations. It helps to have family
input on good dates: whether or not holidays are appropriate
for the celebration, etc. Choose final dates based on what
works for the majority of family members—you can’t
please everyone!
Some things you should consider when planning the location
for your family gathering: Are there plenty of activities
that will entertain family members of all ages, from kids
to senior citizens? Does the location have indoor space
for those who must get out of the sun, rain, wind, etc.?
Is there a quiet place for parents with infants who need
to accommodate naps, feedings, diaper changes, etc.? Also,
the farther people have to travel to get to the reunion,
the longer the reunion should last so that they feel that
their investment of time and money is worth the trip.
Always think in terms of safety of your location, especially
when there are children attending family reunions. Any
place with outdoor recreation is a good choice, with plenty
of space for children to play and for multiple concurrent
events. You’ll want to make sure you consider the
events that you’d like to have when choosing a location—will
you need access to a kitchen, grills, tables and chairs?
Does the facility have clean restrooms, good parking, and
enough room for everyone expected to attend?
The local Conference and Visitors Bureau (CVB) can be
very helpful in providing assistance. In addition to hotels,
consider conference centers, state parks with housing facilities,
resorts, and college campuses. All of the activities do
not have to be held where people are housed. Picnics may
be held in a park or banquets may be held at the local
museum. Also check with the CVB for major events around
the dates that you are considering. This could either be
to avoid large crowds and filled hotels during a certain
time period, or to plan to make a festival or other event
part of the attraction to your family reunion! When considering local lodging accommodations, look for options
in a range of price categories (budget, moderate, and higher-end)
to make sure there is something for everyone. If you decide
to reserve a block of rooms at several hotels, make sure
to look for lodging within your group’s per-night budget,
the location of the hotel and proximity to the reunion site,
possible shuttle service, amenities like pools, kitchenettes,
etc., and meeting space or catering services, if necessary.
Portions of this text were
inspired by The Family Reunion Institute, School of Social
Administration, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 215-204-6244. |
