Planning new and different events can help your institution stand out and create memorable experiences for your alumni community. Here are some ideas that might spark a renewed interest for your alumni to get involved:

• Outdoor Adventure Retreat: Organize a weekend retreat filled with outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and team challenges. Teams can be based on class year or some other institutional grouping. It’s a great way to promote bonding and adventure.
• Culinary Workshops: Host cooking or mixology workshops led by a campus chef or an alum who is a food and beverage expert. Alumni can learn new culinary skills while socializing.
• Escape Room Challenge: Arrange an escape room challenge where alumni work together in teams to solve puzzles and mysteries themed around your institution, fostering teamwork and problem-solving.
• Art and Wine Night: Host an art night with painting or crafting activities paired with wine tasting. Alumni can express their creativity and share a new experience while enjoying a relaxing evening.
• Industry Networking Cruise: Organize a networking event on a boat or yacht. Alumni can connect while enjoying scenic views, music, and refreshments.
• TED-Style Talks by Alumni: Invite accomplished alumni to give short TED-style talks on their experiences, insights, and passions, followed by interactive Q&A sessions.
• Historical Tour and Trivia: Conduct a historical tour of your campus or local area, combining interesting facts with a trivia competition among alumni teams.
• Eco-Friendly Retreat: Host a sustainability-focused retreat that includes workshops on eco-friendly living, outdoor activities, and volunteer opportunities related to environmental conservation.
• Startup Pitch Night: Allow alumni entrepreneurs to pitch their startup ideas to a panel of judges and an alumni audience. This event can encourage networking and collaboration.
• DIY Workshop Fair: Create a fair-style event with various DIY workshops led by alumni experts, ranging from woodworking and gardening to crafting and home improvement. Encourage alumni artisans to sell their pieces.

When planning unique alumni events, consider the preferences and interests of your alumni community, the goals of your institution, and the resources available. The goal is to provide engaging experiences that foster connections, celebrate achievements, and leave a lasting impression on attendees while they have fun.

Read more articles in the Alumni Relations Transformations Series at AlmaShines or the Impactrics Resources area.

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