A global tradition rooted in Farmington. Let’s sit down together.
500+ Ancients | 60+ Cities | One Global Community
Each year, Ancients around the world gather for the Worldwide Sit-Down Dinner (WWSDD)—sharing meals, stories, and connections across generations and continents.
Quick Links:
How Worldwide Sit-Down Dinner Works
Worldwide Sit-Down Dinner Timeline
Host vs. Guest: What’s the Difference?
Register now!
MPS Host Location Consideration Statement
At Miss Porter’s we believe Farmington’s Our Home and when we gather outside of Farmington, where we meet matters. A venue can speak as loudly as the program. Miss Porter’s School is committed to creating environments where every member of our community feels welcome and we ask that all events hosted on behalf of MPS take place in venues that consider accessibility where possible and are socially welcoming and affirming of all.
How Worldwide Sit-Down Dinner Works
Each year, Ancients around the world gather in their local communities to share a meal and celebrate the Porter’s network. Whether you choose to host or attend as a guest, participating in Worldwide Sit-Down Dinner is simple.
1. Sign up to host or attend
Host registration opens: Monday, March 16, 2026
Guest registration opens: Monday, March 30, 2026
All registration closes: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Hosts indicate their gathering format and capacity, while guests register to attend an event in their geographic area.
2. We Match Hosts and Guests
After registration closes, the Alumnae & Development Office matches participants based on geography, host capacity, and gathering format preferences. Because gatherings depend on host availability and regional demand, hosting and guest placement cannot always be guaranteed.
3. Hosts Receive Their Guest Lists
By Wednesday, May 13, 2026, hosts and guests receive confirmation of their placement. Hosts receive their guest list and hosting guidance, and guests receive the name of their host. Hosts then reach out directly with event details such as time, location, and format.
4. Gather Around the Table
On Saturday, June 13, 2026, Ancients gather around the globe for Worldwide Sit-Down Dinner. Events may include:
- Dinner at a host’s home
- Restaurant gatherings
- Potlucks
- Brunch or cocktail meetups
- Picnics or coffee gatherings
The format may vary, but the goal is the same – connection across the Porter’s community.
Worldwide Sit-Down Dinner Timeline
Below is the timeline for participating as either a host or guest.
March 16 – Host Registration Opens
Ancients interested in hosting a WWSDD gathering may sign up beginning Monday, March 16.
Hosts can indicate:
- Preferred gathering type (home, restaurant, potluck, etc.)
- Maximum guest capacity
- Co-host information
Please note that hosting is based on guest demand in your geographic area and is not guaranteed at the time of registration.
March 30 – Guest Registration Opens
Ancients interested in attending as guests may register beginning Monday, March 30. Guests will be matched with a host gathering in their area when possible.
April 21 – Registration Closes
Host and guest registration close on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. After registration closes, the Alumnae & Development Office begins matching hosts and guests based on:
- Geography
- Host capacity
- Gathering format preferences
April 22-May 12 – Matching Hosts and Guests
During this period, the WWSDD team works to match hosts and guests across all participating cities.
Because gatherings are dependent on host availability and regional demand, placement cannot always be guaranteed.
May 13 – Hosts and Guests Receive Confirmation
By Wednesday, May 13, 2026, participants will receive confirmation of their placement.
- Hosts receive their guest list and outreach guidance.
- Guests receive the name of their host and will hear directly from them with event details.
May 18-20 – Host Packages Shipped
Confirmed hosts will receive a WWSDD host package in the mail with materials and details to help prepare for their gathering.
June 13 – Worldwide Sit-Down Dinner
On Saturday, June 13, 2026, Ancients around the world gather in their local communities to celebrate the Porter’s network and share a meal together.
Gatherings take many forms, but the spirit is always the same: connection between Ancients.
Share your photos!
We love seeing tables around the world! Participants are encouraged to share photos and tag Miss Porter’s School so we can celebrate WWSDD across the global Ancient network.
Host vs. Guest: What’s the Difference?
Ancients may participate in WWSDD either as a host or as a guest. Both roles help bring this global tradition to life.
Hosting a WWSDD Gathering
Hosts organize and lead a gathering in their local area. Hosts typically:
- Provide a location for the gathering (home, restaurant, park, etc.)
- Indicate the number of guests they can accommodate
- Reach out to assigned guests after matches are finalized
- Share event details (time, location, format)
- Help create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere
Hosting does not require a formal dinner. Gatherings may take many forms, such as potluck dinners, brunch, cocktails, coffee meetups, or picnics.
Please note that hosting is not automatically guaranteed when you sign up. Final host selections depend on the number of guests registered in your geographic area.
Attending as a Guest
Guests are matched with a WWSDD gathering hosted by an alumna in their region. Guests typically:
- Register for the event and indicate their location
- Receive host information once matches are finalized
- Attend the gathering and connect with fellow Ancients
- Share photos and stories from their experience
Because gatherings depend on host availability and regional demand, guest placement cannot always be guaranteed, though we do our best to accommodate as many participants as possible.
Host FAQs
What do hosts need to do?
Choose your format: dinner, appetizers, happy hour, brunch, coffee and bagels.
Do it all or share the load: prepare the whole meal, suggest a potluck, go out.
Venue of your choice: at your home, local park, restaurant/café.
You can also consider co-hosting with an Ancient friend.
What are typical host expenses?
The host determines this based on format, venue, etc. If the host decides to share the cost with guests (for example by going to a restaurant) the cost must not exceed $30-$50 per person max.
Should I post on social media?
Posting photos and short videos creates engagement and is highly encouraged throughout the day and evening of WWSDD. Use #WWSDD2026 and tag @MissPorters and @MPSAncients.
Do all who register to be hosts become hosts?
Supply and demand by geography will determine the number of hosts per area. The Alumnae & Development Office (A&D) matches hosts with guests after registration closes on April 21. Hosting status will be confirmed for all registered hosts by early May.
Who sends out the invitations?
A&D makes initial contact to inform guests where they will be going and also gathers up-front cancellations or changes before sending hosts their guest list. Then, hosts follow up with the official invitation to their guests noting event specifics (time, place, format).
What if I signed up to host but no longer can?
Though we ask that you try to be as sure as possible when signing up, life happens! Notify A&D at 860-409-3634 or at wwsdd@missporters.org asap and they will try to pair your guests with another host.
Guest FAQs
Can’t host but want to attend?
Guest registration will be open from March 30, 2026 – April 21, 2026. Registration will be online, but if you would prefer to call the school to register, you can call 860-409-3634.
Is there a cost to attend a WWSDD?
Hosts decide the venue, such as a dinner at their home (catered, pot luck, etc.) or another venue. If the host decides to share the cost with guests, the cost must not exceed $30-$50 per person max. The guest registration form will ask which format you prefer. Please contact wwsdd@missporters.org if cost is prohibitive to your participation in WWSDD.
Is virtual attendance an option?
Yes! School will offer a virtual WWSDD gathering.
What if I have allergies or accommodation needs?
The registration form asks for any such preferences. Also, once guests and host have been paired your host will be in touch directly so you’ll have the opportunity for direct communication as well.
When will I know my WWSDD match location?
In early May school will communicate host matches (please rsvp within one week). By mid-May your host will contact you directly with details regarding time, place, format.
How are guests paired with hosts?
Geography determines host/guest pairing – if you prefer to be paired based on a location other than your home address, please note this on your registration form.
Remote location, but would like to attend?
Even if you don’t have any Ancients nearby, you can state on the registration form how far you are willing to travel. There will also be a virtual WWSDD gathering offered.
Should I post on social media?
Posting photos and short videos creates engagement and is highly encouraged throughout the day and evening of WWSDD. Use #WWSDD2026 and tag @MissPorters and @MPSAncients.
Can I bring someone, like a daughter or partner?
WWSDD is a special time for Ancients to connect with each other. In some cases, a host may allow extra guests. Please contact your host directly to inquire.
What if I signed up to attend but no longer can?
Though we ask that you try to be as sure as possible when signing up, life happens! Notify A&D at 860-409-3634 or at wwsdd@missporters.org ASAP. If your host has already been assigned, reach out to them directly. Please keep in mind that hosts may still incur costs for your attendance if you have to cancel at the last minute.
2025 Highlights
