BOARD PERSPECTIVE
BY ADAM SATTLEY , AAMD NETWORKING COUNCIL CHAIR ELECT
Tips & Tricks For Planning Creative Resident Events This Spring
No one is ever going to remember how amazing your Monday morning reports turned out , or how organized your renewal spreadsheet was kept , but everyone will certainly recall that epic pool party with the gigantic inflatable pink flamingos floating near the poolside DJ .
Community interactions are one of the most important elements of our industry . Whether it be attending an apartment association trade show , a supplier-focused happy hour , an education seminar or just rooting for your team at Maintenance Mania , socializing with others is what drives us in the industry . We want to see our clients happy ; we want to see our residents laughing , and we want to see our vendors engaging with potential new clients .
The positive , feel-good vibes from social events also help to offset the negative connotations that surround our industry . Wouldn ’ t it be great if folks associated “ multifamily ” with fun tailgate gatherings , happy hours , and charity events instead of evictions and rent increases ?
Obviously , the recent pandemic has placed a heavy burden on these types of functions . Yes , many tried to keep momentum with virtual offerings , but I think we can all agree that in-person human interaction cannot be substituted .
As Chair of the Networking Council for the AAMD , I help plan lunches , breakfasts and happy hours as part of our POWER series . We bring engaging speakers to compliment pre-meal vendor networking opportunities . However , planning resident events at properties is also one my passions . As an opera singer , I enjoy being able to utilize my creative side to plan , decorate and execute resident events .
Tips & Tricks for Creative Resident Events
Use local talent when possible : Consider hiring local magicians and harp players to enhance grand openings for lease-up properties .
Invite local high school jazz choirs to perform at your next resident happy hour .
• Don ’ t Be Afraid To Be Silly : For your next ‘ Breakfast Burritos On the Go ’ event , dress up as a giant burrito ! Your residents will never forget that !
• Embrace Diversity : Find cultures and heritages that can be shared positively with food and music for your team and residents . We recently planned a Greek American Heritage Party . With the help of two-day shipping from Amazon . com and Costco ’ s diverse grocery selection , we were able to transform our clubhouse into a Mediterranean oasis and stay within budget . Don ’ t forget to find the perfect playlist on Spotify and use clubhouse tvs to display panoramic videos in the background .
• Think Hyper-Local : What does your immediate neighborhood offer that other competitors don ’ t ? Plan a walking tour of the antique stores on South Broadway . Celebrate the Denver-specific holiday of Cesar Chavez Day . Create a “ light rail to Aspen Grove ” shopping experience for your residents .
• Bring Back The Old : Use childhood memories to bring back traditions like cake walks , sock hops , and “ name that tune ”. You might be surprised how interesting younger generations find these parlor games of yesteryear .
• For Smaller Budgets : Partner with vendors to help sponsor food or beverages . Always be on the hunt for affordable decorations at thrift stores and yard sales . Create your own decorations as a team building exercise . With a small drill bit , we recently made attractive Easter garlands from ribbon and inexpensive hollow plastic eggs to brighten up the common areas .
The most important thing to remember is to have fun , spend time with those around you and make genuine human interactions . I am excited about the upcoming season of social events within AAMD , our companies and our properties . See you at the next event ! Don ’ t forget to wear something memorable .
Adam Sattley is the Senior Community Manager at Mission Rock Residential .
6 | TRENDS APRIL 2022 www . aamdhq . org