Author Archives: Spotlight Apparel

Cool Ways to Create Custom Designed Hoodies

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If you would like custom designed hoodies for a sports team or company, be sure to visit Spotlight Apparel for ideas and cool ways to design your own hoodie.

custom designed hoodies by Spotlight Apparel Jacksonville FLThe art of screen printing uses woven mesh fitted over a frame and ink blocks to neatly and easily apply images onto fabric to create sharp, polished looking apparel. As a result, custom t shirt can be created for just about any occasion. Custom designed hoodies for your recreational sports league, custom work shirts for your employees or cool customized t-shirts for going-away presents or some other occasion are a great way to brand your team or company.

But why stick with just regular old t-shirts when screen printing services offer a wide variety of apparel? Custom designed hoodies, in particular, are an excellent choice of apparel to have screen printed, for a number of reasons. They last longer and they’re more likely to be worn and seen, which means people will get more use out of them. The biggest advantage of custom designed hoodies is that you can do more innovative designs on them than would be possible on a t-shirt.

Cool Ways to Create Custom Designed Hoodies

Here are a few cool design ideas you can use to make awesome custom designed hoodies.

Use the Sleeve.

One cool way some people design their custom designed hoodies is to add text or images to the sleeve. A short phrase or saying would look great on the sleeve. Imagine, for example, a sports team putting a tough phrase like, “No Retreat” on the left sleeve and “No Surrender” on the right.

Use the Hood.

If you have a small logo or symbol that you’d like to add to the design of your customized hoodies, why not put it on the hood? Printing on hoods is pretty uncommon, so it’s sure to attract a lot of approving attention.

Use Every Part of the Hoodie For One Fluid Design.

Some innovative designers have even gone so far as to use the entire hoodie as part of one fluid design to make almost a mini costume. It takes a lot of imagination to be able to come up with such an intricate design, but these customized hoodies are pretty amazing, to say the least. To get an idea of what this might look like; check out some of the customized hoodies that Marvel has come out with, that look like their characters’ costumes.

Customized hoodies may cost a slightly more to make, but it’s as the old adage goes: “You get what you pay for.” Not only will people get more use out of them, but you’ll be able to make a much more dynamic, exciting design on them than you would be able to on a t-shirt.

Be sure to contact Spotlight Apparel, Inc. of Jacksonville Florida for all your custom designed hoodies.

T-Shirt Marketing Power

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T-Shirt Marketing PowerT-Shirt Marketing Power

T-Shirt Marketing – When it comes to marketing, a lot of entrepreneurs focus only on swinging for the fences and hitting a home run. This usually ends up in a lot of expensive, often ineffective, marketing efforts such as TV commercials and magazine ads.
While these types of marketing endeavors are sometimes called for, a smart entrepreneur will know that the biggest solution isn’t always the best one. In today’s ad-choked media environment, sometimes simpler, more direct marketing yields the best results. Here’s a simple exercise to illustrate T-Shirt marketing power. Next time you’re at the mall, take a moment to look around at what everybody is wearing. Count how many shirts you see with brands like Nike, Adidas, GAP and other popular bands on TV and movies.

You’ve just been marketed to—many times over with T-shirt marketing.

At the end of the day, you and your employees have got to wear clothes, so why not put them to work marketing your product or service? It’s an easy win for your company, and in some instances, such as at networking events and conferences, corporate clothing will help you stand out in a sea of suits. I’ll give you some examples to show you what I mean.

Walking Advertisements

For example, at a conference with roughly two thousand attendees, if four of people from your company each wore a t-shirt with a huge corporate logo on the back, they would really stand out. So much so, in fact, that many people would think there were at least twenty of them walking around because they would see the logos amid the masses of suit jackets.

Also start ups have even been known to pay people to wear their T-shirts and walk around the venue, which instantly builds a brand army.

Organizers of fundraising races hand out T-shirts branded with the charity and sponsors of the event. Runners proudly wear these shirts and are free, walking billboards for these brands.

Why do companies do this? Simple. It’s cheap, effective and creates a tribe of devoted fans and employees who become brand ambassadors everywhere they go in the community. It’s a small investment for more business.

Conversation Starters

When people think of branded clothing, they sometimes think of corporate polo shirts. But that doesn’t have to be the case. You can be creative with your clothing, but the most important thing is to create conversation.

For some brands, this has to do with being part of a tribe. For instance, when someone wears a sports team hat, they get stopped all the time by people who want to talk about the team. By simply wearing a branded hat, you can attract big fans of the brand that want to talk. That’s powerful marketing.

But you don’t have to be a big, classic brand for this to work. Every time you wear branded clothing, someone comments or asks questions about your company.

Talent Magnet

Most companies will tell you that their biggest challenges are creating revenue and recruiting talent. Besides helping market your brand to potential customers, branded clothing gives you the added benefit attracting talent.

Working Overtime

You can even put your clothing to work while you’re not wearing. While building a business, place a branded jacket on the outside of chairs so it would be seen while sitting down. On planes, fold it in such a way that the logo stands out even when placed in overhead bins. You have to be relentless in getting your name out to prospects.

The point is simple, every opportunity is a marketing opportunity if you’re paying attention and thinking outside the box. And some of the best marketing opportunities are cheap, easy, and fun. So, start dressing in your brand today.

T-Shirts marketing power works. T shirts have plenty of great uses, and we’re sure there are even more we haven’t thought of. Where else have you seen custom shirts? Spotlight Apparel, Inc. is a locally owned and operated company creating custom made T-shirts for over 35 years, in Jacksonville, Florida. We are dedicated to creating a unique look for any event.

Be sure to contact Spotlight Apparel, Inc. of Jacksonville Florida for all your custom t-shirts.

Four Great Uses for Personalized T Shirts

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Personalized T-Shirts from Spotlight Apparel

Four Great Uses for Personalized T Shirts

There was a time when personalized T shirts only seemed to appear in sports contexts, but those days are long gone. Today, cheap custom T shirt printing is widely available, making it a favorite option for teams and organizations of all kinds. Here are our five favorite uses for personalized T shirts.

Charity Runs

Before stepping out to walk or run in memory or honor of a loved one, many race participants make a call to their custom T shirt printer to order team shirts that show their reason for running. By wearing the face or favorite quotation from your inspiration for donating, you can not only motivate yourself, but show your love and appreciation to spectators and other racers.

Small Business Advertising

Billboards are expensive, and commercials aren’t cheap either. Custom made personalized Tshirts, however, have a much higher ROI, especially when they’re worn not only by your team, but by happy customers. Put your logo and information on T shirts for wearable advertising that makes an appearance all over town!

Family Vacations and Reunions

In case that family resemblance isn’t enough to let strangers know you’re a unit, custom T shirts can be perfect for getting the message across. Whether it’s for safety on a family trip to a crowded amusement park or for a little reunion solidarity, custom shirts are a great way to let people know that you come as a package.

Class Bonding

Being a high school senior is an experience in and of itself, and there’s no better way to show class pride than to order custom shirts. They don’t just make great fundraising pieces, but they let students wear their school spirit proudly!

Personalized T shirts have plenty of great uses, and we’re sure there are even more we haven’t thought of. Where else have you seen custom shirts? Spotlight Apparel, Inc. is a locally owned and operated company creating custom made T-shirts for over 35 years, in Jacksonville, Florida. We are dedicated to creating a unique look for any event.

Be sure to contact Spotlight Apparel, Inc. of Jacksonville Florida for all your custom t-shirts.

Emergency Cell Charger

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Emergency_Cell_Charger_From Spotlight_ApparelEmergency Cell Charger from Spotlight Apparel – This device allows you to charge up in just a few hours when AC power is not available. That means more battery life for your phone in case of an emergency and more listening time on your MP3 or MP4 player.

We’ve all been there! Your phone always dies at the worst time. Have you noticed that the more you use your phone the faster it dies? How about your MP3 or MP4 player? A lot of people carry both. Well now you can alleviate this problem for your consumers while promoting your business at the same time with the Emergency Cell Charger from Spotlight Apparel, Jacksonville Florida.

Get Noticed With Promotional Items That People Really Use

This promo item is something that can be used in everyday life but unlike a stress ball or refrigerator magnet it is mobile. From college students to co-workers, babysitters to Fortune 500 executives, anyone that has a portable device is likely to see your logo on this custom electronic giveaway. The best thing about the emergency cell charger is that it is mobile and there is no better way to maximize your exposure than through mobility. An emergency cell charger is probably the last thing anyone would think of receiving, but who would pass it up? This shows your client/customer that you are current with today’s technology. It is important to keep your company’s promotion simple and yet be relatable.

Give Your Technology Promotional Giveaways a Facelift

When was the last time you took a long, hard look at your current promotional products? Customer’s needs are constantly changing. Technology is updated daily and although there is almost no way to keep pace with the rate of change in terms of technology, we strive to provide advertising products that are compatible with the latest technology. The Emergency Cell Charger is a great giveaway!

Emergency Cell Charger Details

The Emergency Cell Charger provides emergency power for your cell phone powered by one AA battery; the emergency cell charger can charge almost all smart phones* (Samsung, HTC, Nokia, Sony, Android) and can charge most MP3/MP4 players. It is however not compatible with iPhones or iPods. *Adapters are not guaranteed to fit every cell phone style.

Choose an Experienced Company for Promotional Products

Are your promotional products keeping pace with an ever changing market? Do you see this as an opportunity to expand promotional services within your own company? Spotlight Apparel has been in business for over 35 years and has the experience and knowledge to help you help you make the best product choice for your next promotional giveaway. Be sure to contact Spotlight Apparel, Inc. of Jacksonville Florida for your next promotional campaign.

Custom T-Shirts For Your Next Company Event

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Custom T-Shirts From Spotlight ApparelCustom t-shirts for your next company event – It’s never too early to start planning your next company or employee appreciation event! When you’re planning an event like this, the greatest challenge is coming up with a new idea. After all, company appreciation events don’t happen every day, and you want to leave a lasting impression. Custom t-shirts are a great way to say thank you!

A great idea to make this year’s appreciation event more memorable is custom t-shirts. Give t-shirts to your team to celebrate meeting a goal, the launch of a big project, or the end of the year. T-shirts and company apparel are always a big hit, and we think your team will love them, too!

Custom T-Shirts For Casual Work Days

Custom t-shirts are a practical appreciation gift. Employees will wear their shirts on casual days, and when they go out to lunch, advertising for your company! T-shirts serve as both an item of company pride and promote your culture in the community. You can create a custom t-shirt for any occasion. Our In-House Art Department can create designs to accommodate any and all events and celebrations. If you don’t have the perfect design, we can create one for you! Customize your t-shirts with your organization’s logo and a few lines of personalization to make a truly unique team shirt.

People Love T-Shirts For Gifts

Make it a memorable gift. Get employees’ shirt sizes ahead of time, so you can give each employee their shirt on the day of your event. When presenting custom t-shirts to your team, make it look beautiful and fun! Roll each t-shirt and tie with ribbon, package in a gift bag with other promotional items. Carefully consider the presentation so your shirts leave a lasting impression of appreciation!

Make Wearing a Company T-Shirt Fun

Encourage your employees to wear their shirts. After your appreciation event is over and gone, continue to engage your team by selecting days to wear their custom shirts. Celebrate many of the recognition holidays with a team casual day. Enter employees in a raffle when they wear their shirt on a casual day. Asking for employees to submit pictures of themselves wearing the shirts in interesting locations is another great promotional idea. Make the team shirts part of your culture for long lasting fun and engagement!

Be sure to contact Spotlight Apparel, Inc. of Jacksonville Florida for all your custom t-shirts.

Screen Printing For Summer Festivals and Events

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Screen Printing For Summer Festivals and EventsScreen printing for summer festivals and events – The short sleeve season is here and it will bring screen printing for summer festivals and events to a new level in the form of promotional t-shirts all across the country.

Selling T-shirts at festivals can be a fun way to make part-time income or a full-time living. At Spotlight Apparel you’ll be involved in the entire T-shirt making process, from design through production, and get to hang out at various cultural or music festivals while making money.

Screen Printing For Summer Festivals and Events – Spotlight Apparel

Festival Merchandising

The festival season is upon us and screen printing companies throughout the country are preparing for the short sleeve season and an influx of orders for festival merchandising and printed t-shirts. Promotional t-shirts as merchandising can be a great way for festival organisers to keep the party going well after the tents are taken down with their satisfied attendees wearing their printed t-shirts out of the gates with an “I was there” sort of pride.

Picture This…

You’re walking into a really cool house party in your super awesome [insert festival name] printed t-shirt and you hear that really cool song by [insert cool hipster band name] that reminds of you said festival and then you see someone else with the wristband from the same super cool awesome festival. No words will be needed, just a look paying tribute to your shared experience at the super awesome mega cool festival. And then they will probably say, “that is an awesome t-shirt, wish I had got one”.

Screen Printing Options

Screen printing for summer festivals and events is a popular choice for promotional t-shirts and festival merchandise because it is cost effective in large quantities and bulk orders. The best screen printing designs are simple yet effective and can include a number of colors, although it should be noted that the price will increase as the number of colors in your design do. Having said that, you don’t want to compromise on the quality of your t-shirt design because nobody will buy it and as a result there will be no knowing looks or shared experience conversations across the house party.

The process of creating an awesome product is often a complicated and detailed journey. Our goal here at Spotlight Apparel is to make that process as easy and quick as possible. Have a look at our process  below to get an idea of how we produce the quality screen prints that your company or organization desires.

Our Process

We begin with product selection where you choose the product type, style and quality suited to your specific event. We can print from your artwork or you can submit your concept to the Spotlight Apparel design department. Our trained professional designer can take your idea and develop it into a dynamic composition that is sure to impress. We will first send you a preview of how your art will look.

Once the art is submitted to you, you may approve the design for print, or you may give us a few revisions to enhance and refine the design to your liking. Once the design is approved, the art is taken to the screen department and that is where your shirt is inked.

The standard turn-around time for screen printing for summer festivals and events is around 5-7 business days. Our goal is to turn your order around as quickly as possible while still maintaining a high standard of quality.

Be sure to contact Spotlight Apparel, Inc. of Jacksonville Florida for all your screen printing for summer festivals and events.

Opening a Restaurant

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Thinking of opening a restaurant?

opening-a-restaurantThe unfortunate news is, the food is only about 20% of the restaurant success equation. Yes, the food needs to be fabulous. But, you must remember, restaurants are businesses first and foremost and food is merely the product for sale.

After opening a restaurant, you’re going to want to leave your guests feeling welcome and eager to come back. The service and food quality are obvious ways to do this, but giving a little something extra to customers will show them that you really care about them and their business.

Branded Apparel and T Shirts

Whether you’re a small family owned restaurant or a large chain restaurant with multiple locations, there’s no doubt that your brand important. Customer’s love to purchase t shirts and hats with your branded logo. Also don’t forget about custom clothing and accessories for your staff. They give a professional consistent look across your entire brand.

Comfortable and quality are the necessary ingredients for great custom restaurant uniforms, tshirts or hats. Restaurants and hospitality organizations know that when custom restaurant uniforms are done right, they make a great first impression when you are opening a restaurant.

Cups Runneth Over

A couple of essential items to open a restaurant is drinkware and custom printed menus. They should follow your custom theme to get everyone in the team spirit. Items that they can use in the restaurant and then take home will help keep the memories alive. Flyer/buffet kits are great, too when opening a restaurant. Patrons can also use the stadium cups, plates and utensils while there and then bring the flying disc home to the kids

Fun Stuff

Of course, no grand opening promotion would be complete without a whole load of fun giveaways. If your theme is sports related, think mini footballs for wannabe quarterbacks, nuts for the sports nuts, shot glasses on beads, LED badges and, even a hula skirt for your beverage. More expensive items, such as a hard side cooler should also be available to win as a door prize. Like we said, think fun.

Sign Here

In the end, despite all the giveaways on the day you are opening a restaurant, of course you want your customers to pay the check. Give patrons themed pens to sign their bills and also to take away in their purses or jacket pockets. Then, when someone asks them to jot down great eateries, they can use the pens to recommend your restaurant as one of their favorites.

Company Apparel – Why It’s a Smart Investment

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3 Reasons Why You Need Company Apparel

1. Pride

In the same way that many of us wear logoed clothing to show pride in our school or team, company apparel similarly expresses that you are proud to be a part of your organization. Branded company apparel communicates pride and confidence to customers, prospects, vendors, and anyone with whom you interact. Just as importantly, it engenders pride among employees: An employee is more likely to feel and demonstrate pride when they see their co workers doing the same.

2. Credibility

In the 21st century, where new companies are launched every day, credibility is as important as ever. For example, if you are meeting with prospective customers who may not be familiar with your company, a company apparel item as simple as a dress shirt, screen printed t-shirt or jacket with your embroidered logo makes your company more real and tangible in their minds. That’s not to say a company shirt is sufficient to establish credibility, but it plays a big part in helping to make an impression.

3. Branding

In the same way that your products, services, and marketing activities shape your company brand, your company apparel can also reinforce the image you want to convey. Whether you are going for “innovative”, “fun”, “dependable”, or “prestigious”, the type of apparel items you choose, and how you embellish them, can compliment your brand messaging. Furthermore, when employees are donned in embroidered company-branded apparel, they are more likely to be aware that they are representing the company and behave in a way that is consistent with the company’s values.

company-apparel-spotlight-apparel-jacksonville-floridaDid you know that putting a logo on company apparel could be so powerful? It’s important to understand the effects that your branded apparel can have, so you will select items that are the best fit for your business.

There are many types of company apparel to choose from, and a variety of ways to embellish them. So, how do you create custom apparel that’s right for you? We can help you choose your new business apparel.

With our Company Apparel and additional Clothing & Accessories, we can help you look good while facing your day. Whether you’re looking for embroidered shirts for your staff or you’re trying to get embroidered jackets for your sports team, it’s easy to get your company or team logo embroidered on our Corporate and Casual apparel.

 

Be sure to contact Spotlight Apparel, Inc. of Jacksonville Florida for all your company apparel.

Memorial Day

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Memorial Day – Simple Ways to Thank a Veteran

memorial_dayMemorial Day is just a few days away – this year it will be Monday, May 26. We would like to acknowledge and thank all of the brave men and women who have served our nation so valiantly and courageously through the years.

There are so many ways to help. We hope you’ll consider showing your appreciation to all of those who have served and are serving our country, no matter how you do it.

 

Five Simple Ways to Thank a Veteran

1. Say Thank You

Just the simple act of saying “Thank you for your service” goes a long way with veterans. Throw in a handshake too, you’re bound to see a smile on their face, which will make it all worth it.

2. Volunteer

Do something for the veterans in your community. Seriously, what’s an hour of your time for the sacrifices they’ve made? Check out uso.org for ways that you can help. At the least, drop off an anonymous letter at your local VA thanking a veteran; it will get to the right person.

3. Donate

Make a small donation today to any of the fantastic organizations out there that help veterans each and every day. There many great charities to contribute to like the Wounded Warrior Project and Disabled American Veterans.

4. Pay for Lunch

Just walk up and say “I appreciate what you are doing, this one’s on me.” Offer to pay for a veteran’s meal today. This means more than you may think.

5. Never Forget

One of the biggest things you can do is to make the most out of the opportunity you’ve been given. Our freedoms have been paved with the sacrifices of our soldiers and they did so for all of us to enjoy this great country; let’s not forget that or take it for granted.

A veteran is someone who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to and including their life. Regardless of personal political views, that is an honor and there are too many people in this country who no longer remember that fact.

Planning a Successful Family Reunion

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Planning a Successful Family Reunion – 12 Step Guide

Planning a Successful Family Reunion

Planning a successful family reunion may seem like an easy task, but a typical family reunion will assemble hundreds of family members from the eldest to the youngest for a meal, some fun and discussion. The older attendees are generally grandparents, parents, siblings or first cousins while the youngest could be second, third or even fourth cousins. It’s also not uncommon for regular family reunions to be sponsored by family organizations or family associations centered around common family member celebration or ancestor.

For some, receiving an invitation to a family reunion is exciting. For others, the same invite can trigger a headache. But what if you’re in charge of planning your family reunion? Do you know what to do?

12 steps in Planning a Successful Family Reunion

1. Which family name? It may seem obvious, but the first step for any family reunion is to decide which family. Which side of the family are you inviting? Do you want to include only close relatives or all descendants of Great Grandma Smith or other common ancestor? Are you inviting only direct line relatives (parents, grandparents, grandkids) or do you plan to include cousins, 2nd cousins, 3rd cousins or even 4th cousins? Keep in mind, when planning a successful family reunion, every branch on the family tree adds many more family members that could potentially attend. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew.”

2. Pick the date. It’s not a successful reunion if no one can attend. You may want to plan your family reunion to coincide with an elder family member’s birthday or a national holiday. Pick two or three dates and  poll family members to avoid time and date conflicts. Most importantly, remember that you won’t be able to please everyone. Choose your final date based on what works for most of the family members.

3. Select a location. Try to select a family reunion location that is most accessible and affordable to most of the family members. If relatives are living one area, then select a reunion location that’s nearby. If everyone’s located all over the country, then try to pick a central location to help cut down on travel expenses.

4. Develop a budget. This will help you decide the type of the food, decorations, accommodations and activities for your family reunion. You can choose to pay for all this out of your own pocket with the hope that family members will contribute; but unless you have a money tree in your backyard, you should collect a pre-registration fee to help with t-shirts, decorations, catering, activities and location costs.

5. What about a theme? Creating a theme for a family reunion is a fun way to attract family members and make them more likely to attend. It also makes things more exciting!  When it comes to planning a successful family reunion, be imaginative with the t-shirts, food, games, activities, invitations and just about every other aspect of the reunion. Family history themes are very popular, as well as celebrating family member’s birthday or anniversary, or your family’s heritage.

6. Determine the menu. Feeding a large group of people with different tastes is one of the trickiest parts of planning a reunion. Make it easier by choosing a menu that relates to your theme, or maybe a menu that celebrates your family’s heritage. If you are a tight budget, organize a group of family members to prepare the food. If you have a large group and your budget allows, find a caterer or restaurant to do at least some of the work for you. Fabulous food makes for a family reunion that everyone will remember.

7. Plan some fun activities.  Planned activities at your family reunion will help provide a comfortable atmosphere so people who do not know each other well will have fun and get together. Create activities that will be fun for all ages and help promote family knowledge and heritage. You may also want to prizes or special gift awards for the oldest family member or the longest distance traveled to attend the reunion.

8. Set the stage. You’ve got a bunch of people, now what do you plan to do with them? It’s time now to make arrangements for tents (if an outside reunion), chairs, parking decorations, programs, signs, t-shirts, goodie bags and other reunion-day requirements.

9. A picture says a thousand words. While many family members will no doubt bring their own cameras, it helps to also make plans to record the family reunion. Whether you designate a certain family member as the official reunion picture taker, or hire a professional photographer to take photos or videos, you should prepare a list of the people and events that you want recorded. For spontaneous “moments,” purchase some disposable cameras and hand them out to relatives. Don’t forget to collect them at the end of the day!

10. Print up a program Create and have a program printed that outlines the lineup of scheduled reunion events to provide to family members as they arrive for the reunion. You may also want to send this out via email or your reunion Web site in advance of the reunion as well. This will help serve as a reminder to people of activities which may require they bring something with them, such as a photo wall or family tree chart.

11. Decorate for the big day. The big day is almost here and now it’s time to make sure it goes smoothly. Create catchy, easy-to-ready signs to point arriving guests to registration, parking, and important locations such as bathrooms. Purchase or make a guest book to collect signatures, addresses, and other important information, as well as serve as a permanent record of the reunion. Purchase custom made name badges with lanyards to facilitate mixing and mingling between unacquainted family members. Family tree wall charts are always a big hit as reunion attendees always want to know where they fit in to the family. Framed photos or printed posters of common ancestors or past family reunions are also popular. And, if you want to know what everyone thought of all your reunion planning, print up some evaluation forms for people to fill out as they leave.

12. Keep the fun going. Designate a volunteer or volunteers to create and send out a post-reunion newsletter with stories, photos and news items from the reunion. If you collected family information, send along an updated genealogy chart as well. This is a great way to get people excited about the next reunion, as well as include less fortunate family members who were not able to attend.