Events: Guess How Many & 11 More February Event Ideas
Try It: 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.
Guess How Many Event
This is one of those events residents instantly understand.
No explanation needed. No convincing required.
You’re simply inviting them to participate.
Here’s how it comes together.
Step 1: Grab the designs
Step 2: Create the station
One filled with gumballs or Candied Hearts
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.
Spark Resources:
A $25 Resident Event That Gets Crazy Engagement
If you’ve been around here, you know I’m all about making your job lighter, not heavier. The truth is, you’re not short on ideas—you’re short on time, energy, and margin. Between tours, follow-ups, renewals, and unexpected surprises, resident events can start to feel like one more thing on your plate.
That’s why I love events like this one. They’re simple, repeatable, and still fun for residents—no big setup, no planning committee, no burnout. Set it up once, reuse it forever, and you’re done.
Perfect for a year focused on less busywork, staying consistent, and saving energy for what really matters. Let me show you one of our easiest, most-loved event ideas—and how to 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.
This is exactly why we love events like Guess How Many.
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.
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.
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.
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.
11 More Ideas for Event Inspo
[Designs exclusive to RESIDENT RETENTION and ALL-ACCESS MEMBERS]
#1 Luxe Romantic Sip and Social
Host a sweet-themed Sips & Social where residents can enjoy wine, chocolate, and charcuterie while mingling in a warm, relaxed setting. It’s an easy, feel-good way to spark connection and remind residents they’re truly at home in the community.
#2 - Florals & Frosting
Host a refined, hands-on resident event that blends fresh florals and sweet treats, inviting guests to create their own bouquets and/or decorate mini cakes to take home. Equal parts creative and cozy, this experience adds color, indulgence, and connection to the late-winter season in a way that’s welcoming for everyone.
#3 - Selfie Station Photo Booth
Create a heart-themed selfie station that invites residents to snap, smile, and share a feel-good moment together in a fun, inclusive way. This light, colorful photo experience adds warmth and connection during a quieter season—perfect for friends, families, roommates, and solo residents alike.
#4 Natural Artistry Paint Party
Part creativity, part social hour, this event is an easygoing way to unwind and connect. Guests can paint nature-inspired canvases while enjoying curated cocktails or mocktails.
Station 1: Paint Bar
Station 2: Cocktail + Mocktail Bar
#5 Sparks Fly Happy Hour
Host a red-themed “Sparks Fly” Happy Hour this February to create an easy, welcoming moment for residents to unwind, connect, and mingle with neighbors. With simple décor, a signature drink, and a relaxed vibe, this low-lift event sparks community without overcomplicating planning.
#6 BYO (Build Your Own) Bouquet
Build Your Own Bouquet: Residents will love having a convenient way to make a special something for their special someone, which could be themselves.
1) Gather some bulk flowers and greenery (Trader Joe’s or your local grocery store).
3) Set out a table with tags, ribbons, and scissors, along with cute jars, vases, or flower bags.
#7 Cookie Decorating
Need something sweet but creative? Set up an assembly line where residents can grab their edible decorations and then sit at a shared table while they decorate their cookies.
Add Some Music
Watch A Film
Make It Boozy
Decorating Contest
#8 Land of Candy Bar
Join us for a sugar-filled adventure at our Land of Candy event! Step into a world of treats and fun as we transform the space into a candy lover's paradise with vibrant decor, delectable sweets, and exciting games. Choose from a full candy bar or a grab-and-go treat situation. 🍭
#9 Rom-Com Movie Night
Bring residents together for a cozy and fun movie night featuring everyone’s favorite romantic comedies. This event creates an inviting atmosphere for residents to relax, mingle, and enjoy a timeless crowd-pleaser—perfect for any time of year!
#10 Super Snackdown Watch Party
A football “snackdown” to remember! Kick up the watch party a notch with a snackdown:
Create a tailgate-inspired atmosphere
Feature classic game-day treats.
Bonus Ideas: Host a “Best Dip Contest,” set up a simple football trivia, or create a snack bracket.
#11 Pizza Party
Is there anyone on this planet who doesn't love pizza? Host a pizza party at your community.
1) Partner with a Local Pizzeria
2) Set Up a Pick-Up Station or Serving Station
3) Add Drinks & Desserts
