Welcome to Homecomings & Reunions Fall 2024! Join Chair Dominique Mendoza for an overview of the next three days, as well as introductions from our top-notch faculty.

Alumni gatherings have never been more exciting - nor more complicated - than now. In this panel discussion, our faculty will discuss trends and obstacles to homecoming and reunion programming heading into the new year.

Step onto a different campus for a bit with 20-minute program showcases from attending institutions. If you are interested in presenting a showcase, please visit the Institutional Showcase page on our conference website.

Planning large, complex events requires organization, focus, project management, and relationship building. In this interactive workshop, we will review the basics in large scale event planning starting with timeline development and ending with debrief meetings. Our experienced faculty will guide you through lecture, activities, and resources to take back to your campus.

Multi-generational alumni bases require strategic thinking to connect with everyone. In this session, we will review marketing and communications strategies for engaging alumni through print and digital methods.

Heading back to campus may not always be possible for some alumni - how do you bring the party to them? In this session we will review programming strategies to consider when developing alumni engagement plans outside of your campus.

Traditions provide a strong sense of familiarity and community within alumni bases, but what happens when they’re not received as well as they once were? This session will explore when it’s time to sunset a tradition, and how to consider change processes needed to help internal and external stakeholders jump on board for new opportunities.

Want to connect with your alumni more meaningfully? This session will dive into how affinity programming can bring your alumni together based on shared interests, careers, and identities.

Continue your discussions from breakfast with this audience-led discussion. Attendees will collaboratively explore innovations and challenges in homecomings and reunions, followed by a faculty facilitated discussion around possible solutions, recommendations, and tips for the scenario.