theme

Theme meetings are great. One of the most successful ones was to Welcome Back Returning leaders. The service unit sent each Leader and Co-leader a ticket to Hawaii, (not real of course). Then the SU set up the meeting room to resemble a Jumbo Jet. (2 seats, row, 3 seats, row, 2 seats) The SU manager dressed up as a pilot and ran the meeting. Four of the Service Team members dressed up as stewardess and served virgin Pina Coladas and Peanuts up and down the isles. The opening was the speech that you hear on all plane trips. (copy attached, along with other items used for this meeting) They had barf bags (small white paper bags said barf), and inside the bag was a balloon they were to use as their oxygen tank. They were instructed to blow them up and keep them handy in case they needed oxygen. They even had yarn seat belts tied to their chairs. They had found a pilot with Continental Airlines, who made a tape that was played periodically during the meeting. This tape included sites you see out of the windows while flying to Hawaii. He even had them put on and take off their seat belts several times during the flight. The Service Unit had pictures of the places that the pilot announced and when he did so, a service team member would stand up on what ever side he said to look out and hold up that poster. Halfway through the meeting the plane landed in beautiful Hawaii where they had a Luau with Leas, Shishkebobs, Cheese and punch. After refreshments they boarded the plane and returned to Houston where again the Pilot continued to interrupt the meeting with sights to see and seat belt instructions. When they landed the leaders gave them a standing ovation and many thanks for their FREE, well deserved trip to Hawaii. (Below is the speech that we used at the beginning of the flight)

(Note: Continental Airlines donated ticket jackets, voided airline tickets, cups, napkins, & peanuts. Travel posters were secured from travel agencies.)

A response from a SUM who tried this idea. Thought everyone might enjoy what she had to say and what else she added to make this work for her. The idea of setting up the room with different station and giving them Hawaiian names was great. Thanks for sharing your ideas and the nice thank you!!!

I just wanted you to know, we used your Hawaiian theme SU Leader social idea and it was a hit!! I did a lot of what you posted. I worked some of the information into the flight--(this was her agenda that she did during the flight) changes at some of our camps--had them looking to the right and left as I told them about those changes, updates and repairs. I used library books for the Grand Canyon and other sites--they giggled at those as the flight attendants walked past them on the sides. Then when we were "landing", I had a video of Hawaii that we turned on (out the left windows)---they all just cracked up. I even borrowed my neighbor's captain jacket and hat (he's a pilot).

I added on more comment on the flight attendant talk. "We will be crossing a large body of water. Your oxygen tank will double as a life preserver if needed." Or something like that. They just roared at that one. They were actually "buckling up", then unbuckling--then rebuckling when we "hit turbulence". What a hoot.

In Hawaii, I had several sign up stations--Mount Service Project, Bank Account Beach, Registration Packet Volcano, Committee Islands. My membership exec. said it was like visiting the Hawaiian Islands and she was naming each table with one of the island names.

Anyway--just wanted to thank you for posting such a great idea!! It was a great way to start off the year. Here is a quote that was passed on to me--I just wanted to share it with you since this was from your site:
"I wanted to tell you that the Leader Social was really great. One of my new co-leaders (who is an elementary school teacher) said she hadn't had that much "fun" at a meeting in a long time."

Thank you -- I'm a first year SUM and I believe this idea helped set the tone for the year.

Kathy Perry
Oklahoma

Good Evening Ladies & Gentlemen:

It is our pleasure to Welcome you Aboard Continental Flight 1998, service to Honolulu, Hawaii. If for some reason you are not planning to fly to Hawaii this evening, please make your way to one of the exits immediately.

Captain _________ is in command of your flight this evening and the flight attendant in charge is _________________. The other flight attendants serving you this evening are ______________, ______________ and _____________.

At this time we would like to acquaint you with the rules and safety features of the aircraft........

All two exits are clearly marked with red exit signs. In case we experience any difficulties during our flight tonight, please wait for instruction from your flight attendant. When told to do so, run like crazy for the nearest exit.

If you should experience nausea or air sickness and forgot your Dramamine, we’ve provided you with a complimentary barf bag.

Inside each barf bag you will find a oxygen tank, (hold up balloon), Please fill the oxygen tank prior to takeoff and hold on to it as this will be your oxygen supply should we experience depressurization inflight.

Finally, we ask that there be no smoking onboard the aircraft. If you do desire to smoke, please feel free to go out onto one of the wings.

Again, we welcome you aboard Continental Flight 1998 to Honolulu, Hawaii and we hope yours is a pleasant journey.