Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/19029
program and tour itinerary planning assistance. With the assistance from the bureau, rates can be negotiated for all aspects of the reunion so that final per person cost can be deter- mined. The family then votes on where to hold the reunion based on the costs and activities available in the different locations. Hotels are usually selected based on per person / room rate, amenities available, proximi- ty to area attractions, security and property appearance. Forming a committee is important, with one person head- ing the committee essential. Most businesses and organiza- tions would prefer to deal with one family member. Treat planning a family reunion as if it’s a job – with deadlines to meet, time to work on the reunion and report back to your family about the progress. After decisions on when, where and what your reunion will entail, make a workable, reason- able budget. Making the budget per person, per day may work best since some family members may not be able to par- ticipate during the whole reunion time. After your planning committee has announced the city and per person cost, money can be handled in several different ways. A preferred method is the opening of a special bank account with checks available. Family members can elect to pay their costs on a monthly basis or at least by a designated dead- line. The deadline for payment of all money is important because deposits have to be made on meeting rooms for banquets, attractions for group tickets, buses for transportation during the reunion and any other group meal functions. The providers of these services will not hold space or have food prepared without receiving reservations and deposits. The service providers usual- ly require a 50% deposit upon reservation with due balance upon confirmation of the final numbers. They will generally allow cancellations to occur up to three weeks with refunds. “Once the family member has an idea of the types of events they want to host and the types of venues they will need, they can work with the bureau to identi- fy the right venues to meet their needs. Here at Visit Pensacola, we can send out a request for proposals to our tourism partners to find great deals on caterers for a family cook-out, a banquet room for an event, hotel accommodations or other activities, acknowledges, Barbara Williams, sales manager. Don’t forget little ones by planning activities for chil- dren as well as adults. Getting the younger genera- tion involved will help ensure the success of future family reunions and events. Plus, this gets them started on continuing the family tra- dition. For you next reunion con- sider: GREATER LANSING Greater Lansing is Michigan’s Capital City and our Midwestern hospitality makes visitors feel right at home.The region offers over 4,300 hotel rooms, affordably priced, and conveniently located near attractions and restaurants.The downtown convention facili- ty, the Lansing Center, offers over 71,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and an additional 25,000 sq. ft. of public space set along the scenicGrandRiver.Connected to the Lansing Center via a covered pedway is the Radisson Hotel Lansing. Just three miles away from a bustling downtown is the campus of Michigan StateUniversity.Fromthemany shops and galleries to Big Ten sporting events the leisure options for reunion groups are plentiful.Greater Lansing is easily accessible and at the junction of most major highways. The region offers several African-American historical points of interest such as theAll-Around-The-WorldAfrican Museum, theMalcomXHomesiteMarker and great festivals in the summer months like the Lansing Juneteenth More Value (More options.) You don’t have to compromise quality for value. Just an hour south of Atlanta on I-75, Macon offers first-class meeting spaces including the 110,000 sq. ft. Macon Centreplex and 5,500 affordable sleeping rooms. Host memorable offsite functions in historic homes, interactive museums, HD theatres and urban art galleries. After work, play and unwind in an eclectic city known for its historic architecture and signature restaurants. Call me, Pammie Jimmar, at 800-768-3401 or email pjimmar@maconga.org to schedule your next event! www.visitmacon.org • 800-768-3401 Black Meetings & Tourism September/October 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Pammie Jimmar Sales Manager 25