Reunion Tips

Heading to Your Class Reunion or a Get Together?

If you’re feeling a little bit nervous, join the club. If it’s been a few years, there’s a pretty good chance people have changed. We’ve prepared a list of ideas to help you through.

1. First of all, get your head in the game. Think about your high school years and think about all the things you’ve done since then. Think about the friends you had back in the day, and the people you’d like to reconnect.
2. Keep in mind there is always a bit of weirdness. That’s OK. Think positive. Remember that the things that might have divided people back then are less important now. You come from the same place. Even if you live 1000 miles away, your hometown is still your hometown.
3. If you’re nervous about conversation, maybe do a self-audit. What have you done in the last 10 years? How did you meet your spouse? What compelled you to move to another town? Do you have any interesting hobbies? Any fun little stories, like meeting a celebrity?
4. This isn’t the time to get into heavy conversation. Your thoughts on politics and difficult social issues can wait for another conversation.
5. Think about what you’re going to wear. Naturally, you want to dress to impress, but keep in mind the context. You don’t want to wear a three-piece suit to a 16-inch softball game.
6. Be ready to listen. Just as you have had many great adventures over the years, so have they. Some might have hit some hard times, and some might have won the Lotto. For others, their great adventures might be quieter, as they have found a life they love.
7. If conversation comes easy for you, look out for those alumni who might be a little shier to jump in. Proactively include others. Welcome them.
8. Have a good time. This should be first and last and in the middle of this list. Don’t be a wallflower.
9. Be ready with business cards, and if you really plan ahead, personal calling cards. Those are similar to business cards, but are merely meant for social connections. Either way, be ready to connect.
10. Speaking of connecting, follow up afterwards. Drop someone an e-mail, make a phone call, connect with them on LinkedIn or Facebook, and otherwise keep the conversation going.