Questions You Need To Be Asking To Get More Attendance At Resident Events
When resident events are a hit, boy they are a HIT and it makes your property manager heart beam with pride, right? It’s when resident events are…less than stellar, that we get discouraged and start to wonder what we can do differently to ramp up the attendance.
It’s pretty well understood to promote your event - go social media crazy, get some eye catching flyers from Sprout, and email blast your residents till your keyboard is tired. (Bonus Tip: Use sidewalk chalk to write messages on your property’s sidewalks promoting your event. A fun “Our event is tomorrow!” or “_____ Event, this way” will definitely stand out to your residents.)
Here are some examples of event flyers that Sprout Members have access to:
A good event goes beyond promoting, though. A good event is one crafted with your residents in mind.
If a resident is going to exchange their time to attend your event, you need to make it compelling and worth their while. Let’s be honest, it’s going to take a lot to get people away from Netflix and into your event.
While every community is going to have different types of events that resonate more with their residents, everyone needs to answer the same questions to get started. You’ll have to dig a little deeper into learning who your residents are, but we promise the answers you come up with are going to be invaluable when it comes to throwing an event that will knock their socks off.
obviously, one question you’ll want to answer is what are your residents into?
If you don’t know even a basic answer for that, your event is already on the struggle bus. But think deeper. What are your residents doing in their free time? What are their hobbies?
A good question we like to think really gets into understanding your residents is asking what they’re doing on a Saturday evening and on a Sunday Morning? These two times are when they are most likely to be doing what THEY enjoy, rather than their time being dictated by work or other responsibilities.
Don’t be afraid to flat out ask them what they are interested in and what their hobbies are.
Instagram stories or maybe a quick email survey are great ways to do this. Letting your residents know up front that you’re asking because you want to take that information into consideration when you create events for them will probably make them more likely to respond, and less likely to be creeped out by your questions.
A less direct way to find out what your residents like would be to have polls on your Instagram stories that give them a specific choice between two things you think they might be interested in. For example, you might poll whether they like football or baseball better. Let’s say the majority said football. Now a good poll to have would be between two teams you think they might be interested in. Whatever team they pick - BOOM - you just got your idea for a football watch party for _____ team! Something that you know your residents are interested in. Uh oh, still need party food? No prob. Do a quick poll of their favorite party food and - BAM - you have your main menu item! Look how easy that was, party details decided in just a few quick insta stories.
Here are some examples of Instagram story templates that Sprout Members have access to:
The point is, your events don’t have to be elaborate, jaw-dropping events. They just have to be fresh ideas that appeal to your residents likes.
So put on that detective hat and find out what it is that makes your residents tick and then get to party planning! But don’t forget to let Sprout help with some of the heavy lifting as well. (We’ve got your back, friend!)
Here’s a list of events that we’ve come up with that are simple, but fun!
Host a themed resident “Mix & Mingle”.
Waffle Bars for the win.
Themed Potluck: One of my favorites is “An Around the World” party...food from all around the world or narrow down to one country.
Mimosa Mondays because who doesn’t want (and need) a Mimosa on a Monday?
Popsicles & Champagne...yes, please!
Movie Night by the pool. Who wouldn’t love a floating flick?
Here’s some examples of social media squares that Sprout Members have access to if they wanted to promote the events listed above:
Resident events don’t have to be difficult, especially with a helping hand from Sprout because we have already planned events for you, along with all the social media graphics and flyers that you need to promote the event. Having Sprout do the heavy lifting when it comes to planning the event allows you to give more time and thought into how to make it personal for your residents. If the Sprout membership sounds like something that you need in your life, click the button below to sign up!
We've rounded up some of our favorite gifts for a variety of lifestyles (pet-friendly, fitness, foodie, etc) that can be used for welcomes, renewals, apologies, or appreciation efforts. These gifts are all under $25, and some are even less than $5. We tried to find a good mix of gifts that could work for any community!