24-18 months before:

• Determine the interest of family members
• Ask family members to help organize the reunion - don't do it alone
• Form reunion committee(s)
• Talk to other reunion organizers
• If possible, attend a reunion organizing class
• Develop a budget and bookkeeping system - keep records of everything
• Scout locations and facilities
• Create a mailing list

• Choose a location
• Set date(s)
• Organize a mailing system
• Send the first mailer; include names of missing relatives, a tentative reunion schedule and approximate cost
• Hire a videographer, photographer and entertainment - if appropriate

• Schedule events and activities: program, speakers, awards ceremony, tours
• Reserve a block of hotel rooms for attendees near the location of choice
• Send a second mailer; include registration form, cost and an updated list of missing relatives
• Send an announcement of your family reunion to Reunions magazine

• Begin a souvenir directory/list of attendees
• Confirm reservations, entertainment, photographer, etc.
• Send a mailing to newly located people as they're found

• Meet with the reunion location's staff and visit the facility with the reunion committee - if appropriate
• Select a theme, purchase decorations, signs, banners and order printed items
• Reserve rental equipment - podium, microphone, tables, chairs, etc.
• Confirm meeting, sleeping and eating accommodations

• Have each committee develop its own responsibility and task list
• Complete the directory and deliver it to the printer
• Contact your nearest KFC restaurant to place your food order

• Review final checklist
• Reconfirm meeting, sleeping and eating accommodations
• Purchase last-minute decorations and incidental supplies (name tags, pens, tape, scissors, etc.)

• Review final details with reunion committees
• Set up registration tables, rental equipment, displays
• Decorate
• Last day to order food from KFC!

• Arrive early and finish setting up
• Pick up KFC!
• Enjoy!

• Complete bookkeeping; settle accounts
• Reflect and evaluate - note what worked, what didn't
• Write "thank-you" notes to volunteers and facility staff