There's nothing I like better than family/friend celebrations and adventures. I LOVE being surrounded by good friends and loving family members. As I come down from a wonderful family/friend graduation celebration weekend, I'm thinking about what makes events like these successful.
Just right communication
As I did professionally, I tend to over-communicate. Getting that just-right level of communication is a goal for me. Just right means that everyone has the information they need, but they have it in a format and schedule that's not overwhelming.
Inclusive
When events are inclusive, there's greater joy. Sometimes cost, distance and other factors prohibit inviting everyone, but often it's possible to include everyone. As much as possible, I'd like to make events as inclusive as possible.
Activities people enjoy
Including lots of activities that people enjoy makes an event much more enjoyable. For example, this weekend, we danced a lot. Most family members love music and dancing--this made the celebration enjoyable. Planning a few signature events as part of any get together makes the get together great fun.
Good food and drink
Finding ways to include good food and drinks as part of the celebration helps a lot. This demands research and preparation.
Affordable
Keeping events affordable is important for everyone. If people's pocketbooks are stretched too thin that causes discomfort. Paying ahead is one way to help people relax during the events and making use of free and low cost events helps too.
Accommodations
Choosing accommodations that provide people with spaces for privacy, comfort and connecting also helps. During the graduation celebration most of us stayed at a hotel with a good lobby, breakfast every morning, proximity to the events and an evening happy hour. This was a good place to stay.
Loose-tight schedules
Having a schedule that provides people with time to do their own thing as well as time to get together works best.
Planning ahead
Doing most of the leg work ahead helps a lot
Flexibility
As with any plans, there were several last minute changes throughout the weekend which means that you have to be flexible and ready to pivot at a moment's notice.
As time moves ahead, I am looking forward to many more family/friend adventures. Onward.