Financing the event. We assume all financial obligations, starting with paying the deposit to reserve the ballroom (or other space) for the reunion. Class Act doesn't require or ask for any funding from the committee or other members of the class. We pay all expenses associated with the reunion, including, but not limited to: venue rental fees, food costs, gratuity/service charges, disc jockey fee, printing and postage for mailed notifications, credit-card processing, phone bills, decorations, website maintenance and security, and administrative and event staffing.

Attendees pay Class Act for their admission to the reunion. What remains after we pay all of the expenses is the compensation for our services.

Finding a good reunion location. The choice is made mutually by the reunion committee and Class Act. First and foremost, we look for places whose costs will enable us to keep the admission price low (see next item). Also, for the sake of convenience - and to maximize attendance - the reunion should be at a place that makes sense geographically. That's because a lot of people will be spending time with family and friends in "the old neighborhood." For instance, it makes no sense to have a reunion for a Clear Lake or Clear Creek class in downtown Houston or thereabouts. In addition, we seek out places where parking is reasonably-priced or, better yet, complimentary.

Having a fair admission price. As we point out on the Chalk Talk (Q&A) page, the higher the admission price, the fewer people will attend. We feel we have a responsibility to the committee,  the class, and even to the school, to stage an event that will appeal to as many people as possible. That means not setting an admission price that will turn them off. The price for a Class Act reunion is rarely over $45 per person, and often less. That's $20 to $50 less than the cost to attend most other reunions in the Houston area - even those coordinated by classes on their own. We give reunion-goers who pay in advance the option of using a credit card or check. 

Searching for classmates. By far the most important - and involved - facet of reunion planning is locating the members of the class. More than anything, attendees base the success of the reunion on the turnout. And the turnout depends on how many people have been located. Class Act spends considerable time and uses sophisticated research methods to find classmates. We consistently locate at least 85 percent of a class, and usually 90 to 95 percent, figures unmatched by other reunion planners or classes working on their own. We also locate people who didn't graduate with the rest of the class. Maybe they moved away, transferred to another school, left high school altogether, or graduated early or late. But they appreciate being considered part of the class and often attend our reunions.

Promoting and publicizing the reunion. We send information, listings and postings to the appropriate outlets and websites. With our extensive experience in journalism and public relations, you can be sure the info will be clear and concise. For each reunion we also get "on record" with the school. So if someone calls there looking for reunion details, the person will be given our contact information.

Composing and mailing reunion notifications. Because people won't sift through long paragraphs and endless details, this is a challenge: You have to convey quite a bit of info, but do so quickly and in a limited amount of space. Class Act manages to do that, as evidenced by the fact that we receive very few calls or emails from people who don't understand the details of the reunion.

Order and pay for food.  We select a variety of "light bites" (hors d'oeuvres) that are recognizable, can be eaten pretty quickly - and have mass appeal. Sorry, no mushroom caps - but pigs in a blanket work! Since the event is a party and not a banquet, the food is available self-serve style. That means people can sit where they want, for as long as they want. Many people eat dinner beforehand. So the focus of the event is people, not food. Note: Our reunions also include a complimentary water- and iced-tea station.

Arranging for music.  People want to hear songs that reflect the years when the class was in school. That's best accomplished by having a DJ, not a band. Why? A DJ isn't nearly as expensive, plays the original versions of the songs that people remember, and can accommodate an assortment of musical tastes. Also, a DJ can control the volume much easier than a band. That means people don't have to shout as they visit with each other.

Having a photographer on hand A photographer will take a class photo and be available for shots of individuals, couples and small groups. (The cost of photos is separate from the price of admission to the reunion.) We use photographers known for high-quality work and reasonable prices and who strive to mail out the pictures in a timely manner.

Producing name tags. For those who pay in advance, the tags are laser-printed in large, easy-to-lead letters. For several reasons, we don't put yearbook photos on tags. For one, at least a quarter of the class didn't have a yearbook photo taken. And of those who did, many don't consider it a work of art and aren't excited about "wearing" it at the reunion. If someone wants to put a face with a name, a yearbook and class photos are almost always nearby.

Providing decorations. We have balloon centerpieces on all the tables - in the school colors. They're tasteful, not tacky. Also, we encourage the committees to display memorabilia from high school: photos, school newspapers, awards and spirit ribbons, even items such as sports, cheerleader or band uniforms. All of these things give the reunion a personal and colorful touch.

Staffing the event. We have employees on hand throughout the night, getting reunion-goers checked in and ensuring that everything goes smoothly. This enables the committee members to enjoy the reunion along with the other attendees. They don't have to stress over all the details.....like whether more ice is needed at the water station (!)

Class Act works with the committee from the time we're hired until the event is over. We're known for being flexible and open-minded. So any ideas the committee might have will be considered, and whenever possible, incorporated into the event. In addition, we keep the committee head abreast of our progress as the reunion draws closer.

Because we coordinate reunions full time, if you contact us with a question, you'll get a prompt answer. With other companies, you might not get a reply until that night, or the next day, or who knows when?! Not so with Class Act.