How to Maximize Resident Events: Making Every Moment Count
Resident events are such a great opportunity to build connections, but they can also feel like a lot to handle. In this episode, we're diving into actionable ways to make every resident event count—just like a cherished sweater you love to wear all season. Let’s turn those gatherings into lasting memories, meaningful content, and valuable resident connections. Ready to maximize? Let's get into it on the Multifamily Mix podcast here 👇
Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Resident Events
1. Think Marketing - Get Resident Testimonials
Events are perfect for capturing resident testimonials. Set up a casual “testimonial booth” where residents can share what they love about their community. Simple prompts like, “What’s your favorite ritual in your living space?” work wonders for sparking genuine responses.
Try It Out:
Designate a corner for testimonials with prompts ready to go. Encourage residents to share a quick thought or story—they’ll love seeing themselves highlighted later! Don’t be afraid to ask questions to direct their answers.
FTC GUIDELINE REMINDERS:
No Insider Reviews Without Disclosure: Employees or insiders must disclose their connection when leaving a review (e.g., a leasing agent who lives on-site).
Incentives Must Be Transparent: Incentivizing reviews—like gift cards or rent discounts—require disclosure in the review. Incentives must be provided for any type of review—positive or negative.
No Suppressing Negative Reviews: Manipulating or hiding negative reviews is prohibited to ensure an accurate resident experience. Invite all residents to share their honest feedback.
2. Highlight Residents In Your Newsletter
Take a moment to interview residents about their hobbies or what brought them to the community. Featuring these stories in your newsletter helps neighbors connect and adds personality to your community updates.
Try It Out:
Ask residents at the event if they’d be interested in a mini-interview for the newsletter. People love a little spotlight, and it adds a friendly touch to your updates.
Members: Check out our seasonal newsletter faves here.
3. Capture the Vibe with Photos
Snap photos that show the energy of your event without necessarily focusing on faces. Shots of people gathering around food or chatting create a welcoming vibe perfect for marketing.
Double whammy >> these photos can be used on your social media and your websites so prospects feel like they’re getting a real taste of what it’s like to live at your community.
Try It Out:
Assign your team’s best photographer to capture a variety of shots, emphasizing the atmosphere and interactions over individual faces.
Sprout Members: Search ‘Smile’ to find more options!
4. Send Thank-Yous to Attendees
Set up a sign-in sheet or raffle entry at your event so you can have a list of all the residents who showed up. Afterward, follow up with a quick thank-you note to show attendees that their presence matters to you.
Try It Out:
Personalize your thank-you notes by including a photo or a team message. Small touches make attendees feel seen and valued, boosting turnout for future events.
5. Spotlight The Helpers
Got a resident who’s always the first to lend a hand? Give them a shout-out on social media or in your next newsletter. A little recognition goes a long way in building community spirit.
If you share a photo of them on your social media, be sure to ask if they’re okay with being on there.
Try It Out:
Mention your event helpers by name on social media. Highlighting their contribution makes them feel appreciated and can inspire others to get involved.
Sprout Members: Search ‘Thank You’ to find more options!
6. Create a Recap Reel
After the event, compile a quick video reel of the best moments. Encourage residents to spot themselves on social media, making for fun, shareable content.
Try It Out:
Invite your team to share their photos and videos in a shared folder. Work together to select the highlights and create a “best of” reel that residents will love to watch and share.
7. Gather Resident Feedback
Use your event as a chance to gather real-time feedback from residents. Ask what they’d like to see next and jot down ideas to inform your planning for next year.
Try It Out:
Assign a team member to collect feedback in real-time. A little clipboard or survey station can help ensure you capture those valuable ideas on the spot.
8. Build a Community Memory Wall
Create a wall of photos from recent events, where residents can relive the memories. It’s also a fantastic marketing tool when potential renters walk in and see the happy faces!
Try It Out:
Design a memory wall in a common area or make a memory book as a coffee table feature in your leasing office. These visual touches showcase your community’s spirit beautifully.
Sprout Members: Combine the recap post + the memory wall with these fun ‘Resident Event Scrapbook’ graphics!
9. Share Throwback Thursdays
Highlight past events every Thursday for an easy social post. This keeps the excitement alive and gives you a chance to build anticipation for future events.
Try It Out:
Schedule “Throwback Thursday” posts with favorite photos from the event. Invite residents to comment on their favorite moments and tag their community friends!
10. Organize a Social Media Highlight Reel
Store your event photos and videos in a permanent highlight reel on Instagram or a Facebook album. It creates a binge-worthy collection for prospects who want a glimpse of community life.
Try It Out:
Add event highlights to a permanent social media album, making it easy for potential renters to see all the fun happening at your community.