Contrary to what someone suggested, what I have experienced is that it is a group event for a whole class, not an individual thing like a bar mitzvah, and there was no catering involved. Reform Judaism would otherwise "end" (not even kidding) at age 13, and confirmation is just a continuation of Hebrew school claases a few more years into high school instead. At the end is a ceremony celebrating completion of the course. Obviously, naming it "confirmation" is obscene.
I think there's a real emotional connection and sense of commitment there - the participants just don't know what Judaism is. Sadly, for many it does mark a graduation of sorts - graduation from religious practice.