During December my community hosts its annual holiday gala dance. It is a semi-formal event with high-end appetizers and a first-class dinner. Every year we try to raise the bar on this special night. After working with my company for the past 18 years, it is a challenge to keep it fresh and exciting, but the evening always seems to be very well received. With those years of experience come a few lessons that I have learned. You may not host a gala dance, but I think you will still find these points helpful in your job as activities director. Promote the date of your event well in advance so that residents have time to plan their evening (outfit, guests, table seating arrangements) Book a special musical talent for this night. This should not be someone your community uses on a regular basis. At the same time, you should develop a good working relationship with the performers so that in case they must cancel on you at the last minute, they w...
Program Ideas and Support For Activities Directors of Independent Living Retirement Communities