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Daryl Capuano
As of March 2015, we were considering three options:
1.) Self-created inexpensive reunion
2.) Self-created hotel reunion
3.) Professionally planned reunion
I should first note that Robin Coe has been extraordinary in her work for the unofficial reunion committee. She deserves the lion’s share of gratitude for her efforts, particularly because she has been doing most of her work behind the scenes.
I also thank everyone else who tangibly contributed to create the above options. I would cite names but you can all look through the threads to see those who have been doing the work and I don’t want to inadvertently leave anyone out.
Option 1: Self-created inexpensive reunion
While the location has not been set, there are a few possibilities for an inexpensive reunion. The Elks (see Sigal’s post) and Mt. Tabor Country Club (see Chris’s post) are the two main candidates.
Some have vehemently complained to me privately. So, I know there is opposition to the idea. While I prefer to abstain from taking any side, I’ll suggest that if there doesn’t seem to be a consensus, I’d rather go the inexpensive route simply out of fairness because the last reunion was considered expensive.
Nonetheless, if you are opposed, please state so publicly.
Option 2: Self-created hotel reunion
As I’ll describe, this is not really an option. We can contract with the Embassy Suites or any other moderately upscale hotel for a slightly lower price point than one we would get from a professional reunion planner. The challenge is the contract.
Someone (or group of people) must make a deposit (non-refundable) and sign a contract that will create a legal obligation to guarantee the contracted number for the room reserved.
So, if we contract for a room size of 100, the signer of the contract is on the hook for 100 to show. The Embassy Suites Manager took pains to insist that 85% of the contracted number is all that is required. Nonetheless, someone still has to deposit $300-$500 to hold the spot and someone will be responsible for ensuring 85 people show or have to pay the money for the difference between the contracted amount and the actual revenue generated. We discussed going to a smaller room but someone will still be at risk. So, unless there are volunteers to sign the contract, this option is untenable.
Option 3: Professional Reunion
I asked for the most inexpensive options from Reunions Unlimited:
The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Fairfield, NJ (Available 10/24)
- 89.00 per person for a buffet dinner with a cash bar
The Madison Hotel, Morristown, NJ (Available 9/19)
- 91.00 per person for a buffet dinner with a cash bar
All packages include dinner, all taxes and gratuities, a DJ, any and all costs in putting your reunion together, (specifically research, postage, phone calls, printing, etc.). Also included will be an online alumni directory for each graduate attending, the registration staff present the night of your reunion, and name tags.
Process:
In the past, the professional reunion planner solved all the headaches related to differences of opinion; ensured that everyone in the class would get contacted or at least that everyone was on equal footing to get contacted; and removed all contractual issues.
But there were a reasonable number of classmates who wanted an inexpensive option and several people who assured me that they would help contact every member of our class (thanks again Robin!). So I assumed that we would simply go that route. I didn’t realize that there would be so many people who preferred the hotel option.
Over the next few weeks, state your preferences and, if you wish, your reasons for your preferences. If there is no discussion or no consensus, then I’ll suggest that we go the inexpensive route to ensure fairness. With that said, those who privately contacted me to complain about going that route should advocate their case.
Thank you for any input.
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