How to Add Spirit (and Fun!) to Your Events
Simple ideas can go a long way. Consider these suggestions — or brainstorm your own! — to liven up your next chapter event:
Fun Food.
Be creative! Consider mashed potatoes in martini glasses, make your own ice cream sundae bar or animal crackers for the veterinary medicine speaker.
Encourage Questions.
During the Q&A session of a program, hand out small goodies to those who ask questions as a way to encourage participation (e.g., Bucky Badger tattoos).
Add music to get things moving … appropriate to the occasion, of course.
Have a theme that gets people excited and make them want to participate. Think of fun decorations with a bit of the unexpected (e.g., life-sized blow-up Bucky figure, balloon animals on the tables)
Creative Placemats, table tents and table cloths are great conversation starters. Print trivia questions on placemats or put UW news on table tents. Make a piano keyboard tablecloth with UW music facts on it for a music festival event.
Add music to get things moving … appropriate to the occasion, of course.
Have a theme that gets people excited and make them want to participate. Think of fun decorations with a bit of the unexpected (e.g., life-sized blow-up Bucky figure, balloon animals on the tables)
Creative Placemats, table tents and table cloths are great conversation starters. Print trivia questions on placemats or put UW news on table tents. Make a piano keyboard tablecloth with UW music facts on it for a music festival event.
Surprise!
People enjoy the unexpected (e.g., place setting treats, special guest, personalized items, etc.).
Consider alternative seating arrangements. Set up conversation areas around the room, particularly around displays if you have them. Allow seating options (at table, chairs in a circle, etc.). Use “fun” chairs … blow up recliners for a game watch, comfy couches for an informal talk.
Prize giveaways are always a big hit. You could encourage people to bring a friend to win a prize.
Be creative about special recognition (e.g., best UW story).
Consider alternative seating arrangements. Set up conversation areas around the room, particularly around displays if you have them. Allow seating options (at table, chairs in a circle, etc.). Use “fun” chairs … blow up recliners for a game watch, comfy couches for an informal talk.
Prize giveaways are always a big hit. You could encourage people to bring a friend to win a prize.
Be creative about special recognition (e.g., best UW story).
Where Are They Now.
Track progress of former scholarship recipients and students. Invite them back to speak about their experience. People love to meet the people they’ve helped, and these students are directly benefiting from your chapter’s efforts.
Include current students or recent grad updates at events. Let them talk about what’s going on from their perspective. Or have them serve as event greeters.
Include current students or recent grad updates at events. Let them talk about what’s going on from their perspective. Or have them serve as event greeters.
