How do I volunteer to host a Tables for Techers Dinner?
The 2023 Tables for Techers Host Registration has closed. You can sign up to receive host information by completing the 2024 Host Interest form. Once registration officially opens and you are confirmed, CAA will recruit guests for your dinner. You are free to invite local Techers you know, but please share those names with CAA so we can keep good data.
Who provides the meals?
Tables for Techers is an opportunity for alumni to give back to local Techer communities. Hosts provide the meal to the guests as a form of philanthropy. Guests will be most interested in meeting each other, and they are happy with economically-minded meals as well as lavish ones.
Can I share responsibilities with a co-host?
Choosing a co-host is a great way to share the responsibilities and the costs. You might invite a local Techer you know to be a co-host, just let CAA know you have a co-host for the meal so you can both be recognized.
What if my spouse or roommate isn't a Techer?
Spouses, partners, children, roommates—they are all welcome at the Techer table, as hosts or as a plus-one for a guest. Just let CAA know they will be at your Table.
However, uninvited or unannounced guests are discouraged. Hosts must know who is coming to their dinner prior to their Table for Techers dinner.
How long should my Tables for Techers last?
Your gathering may last anywhere from one to two hours, but have a plan for how your time will be spent. CAA will help with some ice-breakers suggestions.
Can I give my Tables for Techers a theme or topic?
Feel free to choose a topic or theme that resonates with you. This could be career and industry related, food related, or any other interests, passions and affinities you have (Caltech Athletics, Doctor Who, Chemistry of Cooking). If you are hosting in a location far from Pasadena, perhaps your location suggests a theme. The Perseid Meteor Shower will be July 14 to September 1.
Where will I get information about my gathering?
Both hosts and guests, watch your email for details about your Table for Techers. If you haven’t received information, contact info@alumni.caltech.edu.
When can I sign up as a dinner guest?
The Guest Registration form is available here. Availability will be based on who has volunteered to host. If there isn’t a hosted Table for Techers in your area, you might consider volunteering to organize a dinner or meet up for your area.
As a guest, will I get free food?
If you are a student, hosts will provide your dinner (or make arrangements for it to be covered). In some cases, student guests may be invited to bring something to a potluck, but no student will be expected to do so.
For alumni guests, meals may be organized in different ways. Local hosts often will cover all meal expenses. Other dinners might be organized as potlucks or meet-ups with shared expenses. You will be notified about the type of dinner before you are asked to confirm.
Can I go to any gathering?
You may apply to be a guest at any Table for Techer that matches your plans, but CAA will manage the final guest assignments.
Tables for Techers hosts volunteer their time, their resources, and often their homes. It’s better for hosts to know who is coming before the event, so showing up without prior arrangements is discouraged.
What if I want to host, but I have plans that weekend?
We genuinely appreciate your interest in Tables for Techers, but we understand that some Techers may be traveling or have other plans already.
The Tables for Techers tradition will continue, so there will be opportunities in the future. Because this is the first year, CAA is focused on creating the energy and excitement around the weekend of July 22-23, and will be unable to organize hosts or guests for other weekends.
If you have travel plans, you might consider completing a guest form and attending a dinner at your destination, hosted by another Techer.
Are there other ways to manage costs?
Guests will be most interested in meeting each other, and they are happy with economically-minded meals as well as lavish ones. Consider serving a salad, pasta, and dessert, or hosting a summer barbecue. This is your Techer family, and they will be happy to get together. Some Techers have asked if they could organize potlucks, which is a great idea. Others have suggest splitting costs with guests (as long as guests are aware and agree beforehand). Current Caltech students should have their meals covered entirely by the host or by hosts/guests; they should not be asked to contribute financially.
