Did you hear the collective “GOOD RIDDANCE” to 2020? What a wonderful feeling to have it in the rearview mirror. Now it is time to look forward and set goals for the new year! While resolutions often focus on health, fitness, and diet, it might not be a bad idea to consider a few military reunion resolutions as well.
Here are five Military Reunion Resolution themes to get your year off to a great start!
Connect with military reunion association members you have not heard from in a while. They may have had a tough go of it in dealing with isolation brought on by the Coronavirus. Reaching out can go a long way in support. Divide your association database and have your Board of Directors agree to call the contacts on their list. It is important to call rather than email. Remember the goal is to connect with them, to see how they are doing and what they have been doing. A phone call goes a long way.
Connect with The Military Reunion Network. We love hearing from you! Let us know what you need for your next reunion and how we can help. Are there questions about contract clauses or new COVID19 safety protocols you want to better understand? We are happy to answer any questions you may have and connect you to industry professionals.
Reach out to the MRN Hotel and Destination partners. Our website includes over 100 partners from across the country that understand what is important to make your reunion a success. Make a resolution to START WITH THE MRN Partners! You are sure to find the perfect fit for your next reunion.
Take the time to refresh your current reunion planning skills or gain knowledge in a new area. Do you want to learn more about contracts or event insurance? Maybe a class on a computer program like excel would be beneficial. Check out MRN’s online class list. Webinar Wednesdays begin in 2021.
Listen to the experts! The Military Reunion Network has a variety of conversations with industry experts available through the MRN Radio podcast.
Attend the MRN Educational Summit June 7-10 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Industry Experts will join us to discuss Hotel Contracts, Event Insurance, Working with Hotels, Working Motor Coach Companies and more. Over 50 reunion planners have registered to join us…There is room for you too! Do you represent a destination, hotel, or attraction? AWESOME! Put the Summit on your calendar! We will see you in June!
The Corona Virus added an additional layer of safety protocols, contract clauses, legalities, and restrictions on the way Military Reunions are planned and conducted. It is critical as reunion planners to be up to date on these ever-changing topics. Take the time to research what industry experts are saying AND how hoteliers are coping with the new business model.
It is more important than ever to maintain communication regarding your reunion with at least three groups of contacts:
Reunion Association: Be sure your Board of Directors understands the implications of booking and/or cancelling a reunion. Deposits deemed “refundable” prior to COVID19 may be lost for good as many organizations are now out of business. Keep your Board of Directors in the loop about the many changes.
Reunion Attendees: Remember this….” Reunion attendees need to feel safe.” Attendees need to know what to expect when they arrive at the Reunion. I.e.. will masks be worn during the reunion even though a vaccine is in the process of distribution? As reunion planners you have a responsibility to share these details on a consistent basis, confidently.
Hospitality Industry Partners: Reunion Planners MUST request and SHOULD receive safety protocols for doing business with their hotel, motor coach, attraction, or restaurant partners. Establish routine conversations regarding potential changes to their published safety protocols regarding room set up, the number of people allowed to visit an attraction, motor coach seating etc. It is your responsibility to keep this information updated on a regular basis.
Planning a reunion in 2018 looks vastly different to planning one in 2021. The global pandemic has not only changed room sets and hotel services and amenities, but also contract language. This is a great time to review your planning checklists. How as COVID19 changed the information you need AND when you need it? Look at your RFP and be sure to include language that reflects any new requirements you may have. Pull any signed agreements and renegotiate to include updated language as it relates to COVID19.
There is no doubt the way we do business changed last year because of the pandemic. Changing the way you connect, communicate, research, and review the steps in planning your reunion will set you up for success in 2021!
