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⇒ International Center ⇒ Programs & Events ⇒ Planning a Cultural Coffee Hour

Planning a Cultural Coffee Hour

Friday afternoon Coffee Hours have always been very popular events at the International Center.  Many international student-groups host a coffee hour each year to highlight their cultures and to provide an opportunity for informal learning.  It is our mission to support and assist your group in hosting such a special event.  In order to maximize the resources of your group and those of the International Center, please review the following suggestions in the preparation of your group’s Coffee Hour.  Review all information on the Cultural Coffee Hours page.  Send an e-mail to icevents@indiana.edu to schedule an appointment with a member of the IC staff to discuss your plans.  Two weeks before the event meet with IC staff to have your questions answered and to complete the agreement for facility use.

Before meeting with a member of the IC staff, you should be prepared to answer the following questions:

• What kind of formal program will you offer?
• Will you need a TV, VCR, PA system, a slide projector, or other equipment?
• Will you serve food?
• If so, what will it be?
• Will it be catered or home-cooked?
• Prepare a food information sheet listing the pertinent information.
• Which areas of the International Center will you want to use (i.e., lounge, conference room, lobby, etc.)?
• How do you plan to promote your event?

One week before the event you may place items (photos, artifacts, trinkets, books, etc.) in the display cabinet in the lobby of the International Center.

Promoting your event

• Post flyers, send e-mails, distribute brochures, etc.
• Send a promotional email to icevents@indiana.edu the week before the event to be forwarded to our distribution list.

The day of the coffee hour

Arrive at Center for set-up as early as 1:30pm.  Begin set-up including decoration and arrangement of furniture, audio visual equipment, etc.  If you will be serving food, prepare a tag listing the ingredients of each dish.  Start your formal program no later than 4:30pm.  Begin clean-up no later than 6:00pm.  Coffee Hour Schedule.