Latest Events

At my community, we boast extra large patios. One of the challenges of this feature is getting residents to maintain their ample outdoor space to keep it looking beautiful and marketable. When I first arrived at the property, it seemed as though I were sending out weekly notices asking people to remove debris and clutter from their patios. My solution is a Patio Party and Contest. Each resident will have the opportunity to enter into the patio contest. They will spruce up their patio for a chance to win $50-$100 off of their next month's rent. For those residents who don't have the time or means dress up their patio, can participate as judges in the contest. All judges will be given a small potted plant or some gift of equivelant value, for their participation. During the contest, there will be refreshments at the pool and community area. The...

Host an event to encourage your residents to dispose of unwanted personal financial and confidential documents for free. This is a great spring event after tax time, a perfect beginning of the year event to create a fresh start; really this event is perfect for any time of the year. This is a great way to show your residents that you appreciate them.

I ran into a friend recently who had been to a team building exercise for the company he works for and he could not stop talking about it! His office went to a one day fire school where they were taught some of the methods and strategies that firefighters use to put out fires. I asked for as much information as I could gather in order to share it with you here. So, you can contact your local fire department to set up the training for anywhere from 5-30 people--they do charge a tuition for the class but prices will vary depending on your local department's policy. During the class, your office team will have to rely on each other to make it through the course, put out mock fires, and rescue each other from danger. I contacted my local fire department to get information on...

The internet and news media are all buzzing with wedding details for Prince William and Kate Middleton's upcoming ceremony. I know here in the states, the time of the wedding will be fairly early in the morning so why not invite your community out for tea and crumpets to view the ceremony together.  Afterwords, you can arrange a reception luncheon as part of the celebration. These events are time markers in most people's lives and royal weddings don't come along every day! So take the chance to create an event for your community to share in the joy together.  This event won't soon be forgotten, just think back, do you remember watching Princess Diana walking down the isle? Where were you?

If you want to try out a different twist on game night - try a game of Mafia! An awesome group mystery game that will be sure to get your residents thinking. This game is a really great way to get your residents interacting with each other. Offer ice cream, pizza, and/or popcorn during this event because food really entices residents that are hesitant to play a group game to come check it out. A lot of times residents enjoy just watching the game. This will become an regularly requested event by your residents. If you have never heard of the Mafia Game you can google "mafia game rules".

We partnered with our local cable company for this event. They brought the 5'x5' inflatable screen, the movie (we requested Finding Nemo) and even snacks and drinks. They set it up at the end of the pool so people in and out of the pool could see it. All we had to do was advertise the event as being sponsored by them and be there to help co-host it. Our cable rep was there to answer any questions and give out their flyers if asked but they did not use it as a time to try to sell more cable - just a "we appreciate you" event. :) The residents loved it and so did we because the only cost to us was to print out flyers and tossed in a few of the $1 inflatable toys from Dollar Tree. SUPER easy and fun! P.S. - It will need...

You remember how exciting it was to get out of school for the summer? We do! Residents of all ages will have so much fun at this event. You will need your staff to help with this event or if you are short staffed, just ask a few residents ahead of time if they would be able to help. What to rent: bounce house, folding tables and chairs if you don't already have plentiful outdoor seating. We have ours in the largest courtyard so seating is also available around the pool and at the grilling tables and we have an additional 15-20 folding chairs. Some residents even bring a picnic blanket to sit on. We use 2-3 folding tables, one for the food, and the others for residents to sit and eat. Even a DJ if you have the budget. We usually just bring out a large CD player...

How about a Margarita Mixer in honor of Cinco De Mayo? What a great time to let your hair down (or dance around your hat?) You could host this event inside your community center or outside in a park area if the weather is nice. Customize this party idea to your community and location. Remember, success in most community events depends on advertising, Post information on your community Facebook page, Put up a banner and get the word out! If you really want to go all out, you could make this event an all day celebration. With music, dancing, chalk art, food, and drinks for the day time. Then, once it gets closer to sunset, pull out the Margaritas for the adults. And what would a Cinco De Mayo party be without a Mariachi Band? ...

We decided to do a Valentine's Day themed dessert bar. We had all kinds of desserts from cakes, cookies, candy, cupcakes, and even ice cream with red and pink sprinkles. We decorated the all kinds of hearts and red decorations throughout the clubroom.We also encouraged residents to bring their own Valentines themed dessert. It was a HUGE success, especially with the kids!

I just learned that yes, April 30th is actually Hairstyle Appreciation Day! I know, how goofy is that? But frankly, goofy ideas often make the best events! So in honor of Hairstyle Appreciation Day, I propose a fun social media program for your apartment community. The plan here is to do a real-life event mixed with a Facebook contest! Before you do anything, think about how you are going to promote your event. Making a couple of Facebook posts will help, and maybe a sign in your office, if you get really industrious! Once you think of a plan to get the word out, try out these steps: First, have all your team members dress up their hair to any style of any generation. This could mean a beehive, a mohawk, or a mullett! Wigs are fine,...