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Planning a Reunion in Odessa
Dr. Kate Asbill, an independent meeting planner
specializing in educational meetings, helped plan a reunion in Odessa
in September 2002. Dr. Asbill, based in Carlsbad, New Mexico, is the author
of a guide for planning special gatherings titled A Rainbow of Ideas
for Conference Planning With a Plus.
Briefly describe the reunion
you planned, the number of attendees, its purpose and where it was held
in Odessa.
I am the self-appointed reunion planner for
the Jal High School Class of 1965. In 2000 we had a large reunion in our
home town of Jal, New Mexico.
Everyone who had ever attended school in Jal
was welcome. Over 1500 exes and others were fed at the large catered barbecue
that weekend. Two dances, a golf tournament, and other activities were
planned. Many people met and made plans for several years in order to
arrange that successful event.
Another big bash was scheduled in 2005, but
because some of wanted to see our friends again before five years passed,
we decided to have a mini-reunion. It was decided by the reunion lovers
that this one would be a simplified production - purely for the purpose
of visitation and keeping in touch.
Why did you decide to
host the event in Odessa?
Odessa is a West Texas town about 80 miles
from our hometown. It is located nearer the airport, has more motels,
restaurants and golf courses. Our choice for this particular reunion was
based on simplicity.
What did your attendees
seem to enjoy the most about the event and/or the city?
Our group wanted a party where we could just
show up, eat, drink, reminisce and relax. That is how the Odessa, Texas
Holiday Inn Convention was chosen. They had a good restaurant with reasonable
prices, clean, affordable accommodations, and a large meeting room where
we could gather for fun and fellowship. The location was easily accessible
and centrally located for many who would be attending. There were golf
courses close by for those who wanted to visit on the greens.
Would you return?
Yes, We are already talking about plans for
the 2005 party, but we will miss the simple arrangements of the 2002 mini-reunion.
Approximately 100 Jal Gals and Guys gathered in Odessa in 2002 and we
had a wonderful time. The simplicity of the event is what we party planners
loved about the Odessa venue.
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