Cooler weather and leaves on the ground mean that it’s officially fall! The fall season is the perfect time to host chapter social events to help chapter members get to know one another, help with membership retention, build a community, foster friendships and find partners for competitive events!
If possible, host a couple each school year to allow members to network and have a break from rigorous schedules. This also gives members flexibility if they cannot attend one of the planned socials.
Here are a few interactive ideas you can implement in your chapter this fall!
- S’mores and Stories: Who doesn’t enjoy sweets and fun stories? Buy a couple of boxes of graham crackers, bags of marshmallows, and bars of chocolate to build s’mores and share spooky stories to enjoy Halloween!
- Hide and Go Eek!: Print out DECA Diamonds or use small trinkets to hide around a building on campus. Have members partner up and find them with a prize for whichever team finds the most! This is a great way to get members to know one another and get up and moving.
- Monster Mash Mixer: Host a networking event with some spooky features. Play Halloween music in the background, project spooky get-to-know-you questions, and offer orange and purple punches to excite everyone for Halloween.
- Arts and Crafts: Print some fall or Halloween-themed coloring pages and bring markers or colored pencils so members can enjoy coloring and de-stressing. You can also play relaxing music or watch a movie to create a chill environment.
- Board Game Night: Host a board game night and encourage members to come hang out, take a short break from studying, and have some fun with fellow members!
- Movie Night: Share a list of fall movies and have your members vote on what you’ll watch. Encourage them to bring some blankets and snacks for the ultimate viewing experience.
This is just a small list of events you can host to get members socializing this fall with their busy class, work and life schedules. We also encourage you to be creative and make your own fall-themed events.
