Ideas for Planning a Connection Event

Forge meaningful bonds with families and individuals affected by Williams syndrome through participation in a range of interactive meet-ups. These events, coordinated by the WSA in collaboration with dedicated volunteers nationwide, aim to nurture lasting friendships and provide a network of support.

From family picnics and zoo meet-ups to playdates, mom's brunches, bowling nights, and festive holiday parties, there are diverse opportunities for local families to unite. Alternatively, you can explore innovative ways to connect, such as hosting virtual gatherings or facilitating on-the-go meetups.

If you're contemplating organizing a gathering, explore the suggested ideas below. Click on each concept to delve deeper into the possibilities.

Traditional Connection Events

There are many opportunities for Connection Events - the key element is coming together to establish meaningful bonds with others who understand your journey. Gatherings can take various forms, ranging from meeting at a coffee shop to attending a sporting event together. Here are a few examples of popular ideas.

Family Picnic

Picnics can be held in a park or your backyard. Wherever you chose, make sure there are bathroom facilities. Ask families to bring their own picnic or bring a dish to share, plus blankets or chairs. Make sure to have activities for the children, a playground, lawn games, bubbles, etc.

Family Meet-Up

These can take place at a zoo, aquarium, museum, or somewhere else in your area. Families purchase their own tickets (through the WSA website). A time is set for families to meet at the venue and to enjoy visiting the exhibit together.

Mom’s Brunch

Typically held at home. A time for moms (dads, grandparents, etc) to socialize and share. Ask each attendee to bring a dish to share.

Bowling

Pick a date and time, and enjoy time bowling a game or two. (WSA will help with contract and group rates) Either set up a group meal or snack or have everyone purchase their own.

Holiday Party

Use the holiday or season as the party theme. Holiday parties can be held at home or at a venue. Either ask families to bring a dish to pass or include the cost of food as part of the registration fee. Games and decorations can revolve around the theme.

On-the-Go or Virtual Events

These events are perfect when it’s not easy to get everyone together in one place at the same time, or when it’s better to have families gather in their own group, rather than all together. In addition to the list below, some great examples are an adventure day at a zoo or park, a golf outing, an outdoor concert or an outdoor variety show.

Road Rally

A Road Rally is basically a large-scale scavenger hunt. Teams drive around following a set of instructions and find the answers to a set of clues and questions. Throughout the route, teams may be required to complete other tasks as well. Planning a Road Rally (Car Rally) is a great way to have fun! It could also be used as a fundraiser. Check out this tip sheet to learn more.

Sidewalk Chalk

Everyone brings their own, or you can supply a bucket of chalk for each group. Start by portioning off squares 6 feet apart and each group design and color their space. This can be done in your driveway, your front walk, or in a parking lot you reserve. You can make it a friendly competition or use a theme.

Scavenger Hunt

Creating a casual scavenger hunt is another fun outdoor activity. From a plastic flamingo to a bright yellow front door, make a list of things in and around your neighborhood or town for everyone to find. Split up into small groups, so everyone can keep their distance. Give out prizes to the first and second teams to find everything on the list. Other ideas for a scavenger hunt could include a theme. Finding green items or shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day or flowers of a certain color in the spring. Be creative! Check out these tips. This could also be a fun fundraiser.

Movie Night

There are several ways to host a movie night. For a smaller group, you can set up in your own yard. All you need is a surface on which to project the movie, and LCD projector and speakers. And a movie, of course! Be sure to consider seating when planning. Make sure there is enough room for 6 each group. Everyone can sit on blankets or chairs and bring their own snacks. For a larger group, the first thing to consider is location. Make sure the location is large enough for guests to social distance at 6 feet. Are you able to rent an area, do you own property with a field, can you rent out a parking lot? Where will the movie be projected? Will you have a screen, or use the side of a building. Can you make it a drive-in? There are companies that set up the projector and screen for a movie night for a fee. Check out these tips on how to host a movie night and how to make a screen!

Virtual Event

A virtual event is any organized meet-up that takes place online rather than in a physical location. Virtual event activities may include a meet and greet, show and tell, dance party, scavenger hunt, music class, story time or, an educational event. If you have an idea for a virtual event, contact the WSA office. The WSA office can help coordinate your virtual gathering by providing a Zoom link and creating an event registration page. Here's a planning checklist to help you get started!

Ideas for Planning a Connection Event

Traditional Connection Events

On-the-Go or Virtual Events

Submit your Connection Event Request