A $25 Resident Event That Gets Crazy Engagement (Guess How Many Contest)
If you’ve been around here for a bit, you know I’m always looking for ways to make your job feel lighter, not heavier. Because the truth is, most days you’re not short on ideas. You’re short on time, energy, and margin.
Between tours, follow-ups, renewals, and the unexpected things that pop up before noon, resident events can start to feel like one more thing you should be doing… but don’t always have the bandwidth to pull off.
That’s why I love events like this one. Not because they’re flashy or over-the-top, but because they work in real life. They’re simple, repeatable, and still feel fun for residents. No big setup. No planning committee. No burnout.
This is one of those “set it up once, reuse it forever” ideas.
And it fits perfectly into a year when the goal is to do less busywork, stay consistent, and save your energy for what really matters. Here’s one of our easiest, most-loved event ideas, and how you can turn it into an Event Automation Station you’ll actually enjoy using.
Why Simple Resident Events Matter More Than Ever
This year, I’m helping teams quietly shift how they operate. Not because we care less, but because we’ve learned that property managers can’t do everything the same way anymore.
Automation isn’t about removing heart from what you do. It’s about protecting it. When you automate the easy wins, you free yourself up for the moments that actually need your attention. Conversations. Follow-up. Residents who need extra care. Leasing moments that can’t be templated.
The “Guess How Many” Event Station
This is one of those events residents instantly understand. No explanation needed. No convincing required. You’re simply inviting them to participate.
This month, Spark members are getting a ready-to-use candy version, making it even easier to try without overthinking it. Get yours here.
Here’s how it comes together.
How To Set Up A “Guess How Many” Event In Minutes
Step 1: Grab the design
Spark members download the gumball Guess-How-Many design from the kit. Print it or display it digitally.
Step 2: Create the station
Two clear jars:
One filled with gumballs
One empty jar for guesses
Guess slips
A pen or marker
Place it somewhere residents already pass through…Leasing office, mail area, clubhouse counter. No stress.
We love seeing Sprout Members bring different versions of “Guess How Many” Events to life!
Why we love events like the “Guess How Many” Contest:
It gives you:
Consistent engagement
A visible resident touchpoint
Something fun happening in the community
Without:
A long planning cycle
A big budget
Or a ton of execution energy
It’s dependable. And dependable is gold when things are busy.
Never start an event from scratch again.
The Spark Monthly Resource Kit gives you 12 resources to jump-start your outreach marketing, resident events, resident appreciation, resident communication, social media, and personal growth - all for $7.
We know it sounds crazy. But it’s real. No catch. No contract. We just want to help you get your spark back.
How To Use This Event To Boost Social Media Engagement
This works beautifully as a digital-only or hybrid event.
Take a photo of your filled jar or grab the photo we’ve provided (we even tell you how many)
Post it on social media or your resident portal
Ask residents to comment or submit their guess
This is a great option when:
You’re short-staffed or limited on capacity
You want to reach residents who don’t come into the office often
You want more engagement without more setup
Hybrid is often the sweet spot. Let residents guess; however, it’s easiest for them.
See how Sprout Members bring it to life:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Because of Sprout, I finally ran an event that I was proud of, and had residents thanking me for focusing on mental health. I love the event ideas you provide!! It has been so long since I had to coordinate events, so to have the resources and inspiration has been amazing!!!”
Bethany F. | Leasing and Events Specialist
Turn This Into Social Engagement That Residents Actually Enjoy
This event practically creates content for you.
Before
Post the jar photo
Ask: “Guess how many gumballs are in the jar?”
Clearly share:
How to enter
Deadline
How the winner is chosen
During
Share quick Stories showing the jar up close
Use polls like:
“Over or under 250?”
“Closest wins… what’s your guess?”
After
Announce the winner
Share the final count
Thank everyone for playing
This follow-through matters more than people realize. It builds trust and shows residents you actually care about participation, not just checking a box.
A Smarter Way To Stay Consistent With Resident Events
This is where the automation really shines.
Same setup. Same design. New filler item.
Gumballs
Candy hearts
Dog treats
Coffee beans
Seasonal candy
Office supplies
You’re not reinventing the event. You’re refreshing it.
That’s how you stay consistent without draining yourself.
Need more event ideas?
Free Download
Grab our most-loved resource: 25 Resident Event Ideas for Any Season and Any Budget
The Bigger Takeaway
Events don’t have to be big to be meaningful.
They need to be thoughtful, visible, and easy to maintain.
This is exactly the kind of idea that fits into a smarter, lighter way of working—one where you’re still showing up for residents without running yourself into the ground.
Want This Event Ready to Go?
And if you’re already part of the Spark Monthly Resource Kit, the gumball Guess How Many design is already waiting for you in this month’s kit for February 2026, ready to use.
One small setup.
One simple system.
And an event you’ll actually want to repeat.
Don’t have the Spark Monthly Resource Kit yet? Grab it HERE (for only $7)