Farewell/Welcome/Community Leader Receptions

The only real differences between these receptions and the official receptions covered above is there is no ceremony preceding them and they are normally held in the evening. For these receptions, you should make sure everything is ready at least 15 minutes ahead of time -- the food uncovered, the bar open, the punch tables set-up, and service people available. You'll probably have a few people arrive before the host and hostess so just ask them to go on into the reception room. You will also want to have name tags for these receptions (unless the host or hostess really doesn't want them used).

We have found farewell receptions to be very successful for our departing general/flag officers. Both the guests of honor and the invited guests have more time to visit as opposed to a formal dinner where they are limited to the people at their table. Receptions for community leaders can be paid with commander's contingency funds if proper ratios are met. (See Chapter 2, Funding Protocol Events.) Welcome and farewell receptions are paid for by charging each invitee.