So, this is your mother's 80th birthday, she's overseas, you and your brother can't go, but you'll be planning (and paying for?) this shindig from another country?

When you say 'with family', are you with family or is she with family (overseas)?.

She'll be with other family. We're getting assistance from my aunt overseas in planning this, but she is just the point person who can invite, make reservations, etc, but I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas of how we can make this more special for her from afar. A slideshow? I don't know.

Set up Skype and be there!

Unfortunately, we don't have access to any old photos - just from the last 15 years! Darn, but still a great idea - maybe we can cobble something together for it. Thanks for the help! Skype is a great idea too!

The other thing about DVDs and such is that European formatting is different and our may not play over there.

How much time do you have? If you have enough lead time, one thing we have done a few times in our family is ask as many old friends and relatives as possible to write out a happy memory of the honoree(s), perhaps including a photo. Then you compile them into a pretty album for Mom to keep. If you have enough lead time, you can do this and send it to the relative who is hosting the party. It affords a way for those who cannot attend to participate, and it is a real treasure to keep.