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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