3 Easy Resident Events to Boost Engagement This April
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your apartment marketing strategy and bring your community together with creative resident events! If you’re a property manager looking for low-effort, high-impact ways to increase resident engagement, you’re in the right place.
In this episode of The Multifamily Mix, we’re diving into three standout resident event ideas designed specifically for apartment communities. These events are not only easy to execute but also help foster a stronger sense of community, improve resident retention, and boost your property's reputation.
Whether you’re looking for a quick grab-and-go event, a fun resident wellness challenge, or a spring-themed community gathering, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll share how you can access ready-made event flyers, shopping lists, and customizable templates to make your planning even easier.
Ready to take your resident event planning to the next level? Hit play on this episode and start creating memorable experiences for your residents today!
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3 Easy Resident Events to Boost Engagement in Your Apartment Community This April
Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time for property managers to refresh their resident engagement strategies with creative, easy-to-execute resident events. Well-planned events can transform your apartment community into a place where residents feel connected, valued, and eager to renew their leases.
1. “You’re the Bomb” Self-Care Grab & Go Station
One of the easiest ways to show residents you care is by providing a grab-and-go self-care station. This resident appreciation event is perfect for busy apartment communities and requires minimal setup. This chillax event hosts a little staycation for your residents. Think bath bombs, eye masks, stress balls & more. No matter how busy we are, there’s always time for a Starbucks stop. We played on that idea with this clever cup gift!
Setup: Stock a rolling cart with stress-relief goodies like herbal teas, face masks, aromatherapy sachets, and soothing hand lotions. Roll through high-traffic areas like the lobby, poolside, or fitness center, offering grab-and-go self-care treats. Alternatively, you can decorate a grab-and-go station in a high traffic area.
Goodies:
Bath bombs and loofahs
Eye masks or face masks
Add our sticker on each kit with the tagline: “You’re the bomb!”
Flyer Pairing: Include a customized flyer in each self-care kit highlighting your community’s wellness features, include a hashtag encouraging your residents to post about their kit or how they relax in the community, or even your referral bonus information.
Why It Works:
Promotes Wellness – Encourages residents to unwind, reduce stress, and focus on their well-being.
Feels Thoughtful & Appreciated – A small but meaningful way to show residents they’re valued. Strengthens the sense of community by showing you care about their well-being.
Convenient & Easy – No need for a scheduled event; residents can pick up their kits at their convenience.
Make This Chillax Event Effortless with Spark - for only $7
Want to host a stress-free, high-impact resident event without spending hours planning?
With Spark Membership, you’ll get everything you need to pull off the Chillax Grab & Go Station—without the guesswork!
Spark Members Get:
Customizable Event Invite – Get the Chillax Invite to share with residents
Event Sign & Labels for Cups – Make your setup look polished & professional
Amazon Shopping List – Grab everything you need with one click
2. Move More Steps Challenge
Encourage residents to stay active this spring with a fun, community-wide fitness challenge! A resident wellness event is a great way to foster engagement and build relationships among neighbors. All movement counts in this fun and friendly competition. Track your daily steps, challenge your friends, and work toward personal and community-wide step goals. This challenge is a great way to stay active, stay motivated, and move more together while celebrating Active Month.
1. Plan the Challenge Details
Duration: Decide how long the challenge will run (e.g., one week or a month).
Participants: Open it to all residents or create teams for a competitive twist.
Goals: Set achievable goals, like hitting a collective step total or rewarding the top steppers.
Pro tip: For inclusivity, encourage all forms of movement (e.g., arm exercises, handcycling, or activity minutes).
2. Choose a Tracking Method
Use apps like StepUp (free), Pacer, Strava, or Fitbit for easy tracking.
Create a shared spreadsheet or encourage participants to send weekly updates if apps aren’t an option.
3. Engagement
Host kickoff walks or group strolls to build excitement.
Use a community hashtag to encourage residents to share photos or step milestones on social media.
Highlight progress in weekly emails or on a bulletin board.
Offer prizes for:
The most steps or distance overall.
Creative achievements (e.g., best route photo).
Team achievements if teams are involved.
Why It’s Important
Encourages a Healthy Lifestyle – Walking/strolling is an easy, accessible way to promote fitness and well-being for residents of all ages.
Fosters Community Engagement – A shared challenge brings neighbors together, creating a sense of camaraderie.
Showcases Community Amenities – It encourages residents to explore on-site paths, fitness centers, and local trails.
Supports Sustainability – Choosing to walk or roll instead of driving supports eco-friendly initiatives.
Adds a Fun, Competitive Element – Tracking steps and offering small incentives keep participation exciting and rewarding.
3. Splash of Spring: A Community Planting Event
Nothing says spring like fresh flowers and greenery! Hosting a spring-themed resident event is a fantastic way to add a touch of seasonal charm to your apartment community while engaging residents in a fun, interactive activity. This event brings neighbors together for a day of fun, sustainability, and beautification. Attendees can pick up free plants, learn about eco-friendly practices, and enjoy activities that make the community greener and more vibrant.
1. Planning & Coordination
Choose a date close to Earth Day (April 22) to highlight a sustainability theme for your spring party.
Choose a location, such as a community green space, or bring it indoors if that’s not a possibility.
Partner with local nurseries, garden clubs, or environmental organizations for plant and seed donations.
2. Event Activities & Attractions
Plant Grab Station – Set up tables where attendees can pick out free plants. Offer a mix of flowers, shrubs, and trees.
Gardening & Sustainability Workshops – Invite local gardeners to teach about composting, water conservation, and native plants.
DIY Planting Booth – Provide soil, pots, and seeds for kids and adults to plant their own flowers.
Eco-Friendly Vendor & Information Booths – Feature organizations promoting recycling, energy efficiency, and wildlife conservation.
Community Clean-Up Challenge – Encourage groups to pick up litter in exchange for bonus plants or small rewards.
Live Music & Refreshments – Add entertainment with local musicians and provide light, eco-friendly snacks.
Why It Matters:
Enhances Community Beauty – Distributing plants encourages residents to beautify their homes and public spaces.
Promotes Environmental Responsibility – Encourages sustainable gardening and eco-conscious habits.
Strengthens Community Bonds – Fosters collaboration and unity among neighbors.
Supports Pollinators & Local Wildlife – Native plants attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Encourages Green Spaces – More plants mean cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Get 12 Resident Event Ideas every month when you join the $7 Spark membership.
(Plus 12 other resources for marketing and retention. 👀)
Why Resident Events Matter for Apartment Marketing & Retention
Engaging residents with fun, well-organized events isn’t just about making them happy—it’s about building a thriving apartment community that encourages renewals and referrals. Studies show that residents who feel connected to their community are more likely to renew their lease.
By incorporating monthly resident events into your apartment marketing strategy, you’re not just planning activities—you’re strengthening resident relationships, building a sense of belonging, and making your property stand out from competitors.
