Hi Maria,
If you plan your reunion for the Chicago area, consider planning it during the "Taste of Chicago" weekend, which is the first weekend in July I believe. Your family can schedule a tour of Chicago which includes attending "The Taste." We did this back in 2002, and we had a ball!!!

Show that the reunion will be more than just a "meeting and eating" gathering of the older generation. And one way to do that is to plan an event or activity that will entice the younger generation. Also, incorporate interesting things within your agenda...like a fashion show, talent show, etc. to make it a more interesting reunion. Also, send out an enticing newsletter to the family or build an eye-catching website for the family.

I've seen several family reunions either fade away or decrease drastically in attendance because the family basically "sat in the heat swapping flies," as someone graciously put it. People have to be willing to "step out of the box."

Good Luck!
Mel