GUELPH, Ontario June 12, 2014 - University of Guelph News Release - Nearly 40 years after the last Conversat ball took place at the University of Guelph, the grand party returns this month during the University of Guelph’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
The event will take place June 21 as part of the University’s annual Alumni Weekend.
The Conversat ball will bring together some 800 guests for a reception and dinner on Johnston Green and six entertainment venues after the dinner across campus. The evening will conclude with fireworks on Johnston Green at midnight and late-night music and dancing at the Bullring.
Conversat, meaning “meeting for conversation,” began as a social in 1904. Decades later, it evolved into an evening ball.
“The 2014 Conversat will be the signature event of the year, involving all of the colleges and many units from across campus,” said Maureen Mancuso, chair of the university’s 50th-anniversary celebration committee.
“We felt there was no greater way to pay tribute to the history of the University than by reviving a central feature with the ball. After, we’ll give guests the opportunity to travel between eras and continents. We think this will be the highlight of Alumni Weekend, and we’re delighted to have so many people attending.”
The Conversat ball gala dinner is already sold out.
Tickets are still available for six evening entertainment venues: British music from the 1960s; a Casablanca-themed big band event; jazz at a 1920s-style Speakeasy; a beatnik coffee house; a ‘70s and ’80s dance party; and a futuristic galaxy with funk music.
Each venue will have entertainment arranged in 45-minute sets, a complimentary signature drink, savories and sweets.
“We have designed the program so that guests will be able to attend each venue without missing anything,” said Conversat organizer Sue Bennett, director of university and community relations.
“We have a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who are excited about this night, and they are looking forward to celebrating Guelph’s rich history and culture with our guests and alumni.”
