With fall reunions just months away and a potential vaccine for COVID-19 possibly further down the road, will our alumni be ready this fall to hop on planes, rent random airbnbs, greet each other with affectionate hugs and kisses, and gather under tents or in large banquet halls ten or twelve to a table? How many alumni in their 70s will even want to attend their 50^th Reunions?

We need to face the reality that our in-person reunions need a Plan B. So, what is it?

Change the mindset
Our Plan B begins with a new mindset ““ viewing our 2020 reunion not as one weekend event in the fall but as a continuum of engaging touchpoints in the months leading up to your potential in-person reunion date. These touchpoints will serve the purpose of creating excitement for your fall reunion, should it take place, or a means to give your alumni the opportunity to engage with their classmates and the school in lieu of the in-person event.

Brainstorm
Bring your class leaders together and ask them for their input on how to engage their class in the coming months “just in case.” What are alumni looking for? Support? Social connection? Networking? Updates on their school, professors, and classmates?

Execute!
This is a perfect opportunity to give your alumni what they are looking for.  A few virtual programs and e-newsletters tailored to each reunion class, together with a reunion class book are a perfect combination for your virtual reunion.

How do I know?   My mission over the past ten years has been to generate momentum for school reunions in the months leading up to the reunions by creating class e-newsletters and reunion class books. My virtual model takes this tried-and-tested business model one step further by creating interactive online programming too.

Alumni are more available now than they ever have been. Take advantage of this time to strengthen your school’s relationship with them. Turn the 2020 reunion cycle into a uniquely memorable one instead of a disappointment.

For more information on how to facilitate a virtual reunion and to learn more about our turnkey reunion class books  call  Margie at Reunions Reinvented to learn more. We are here to help!