10 EASY Resident Events
We’ve combined some of our EASIEST and favorite resident events to make life easier for you as a busy property manager! Some you can do right from your desk on ZERO budget. Let us know which ones are your favorites.
3 SOCIAL MEDIA EVENTS FOR APARTMENTS
WHAT’S A MICRO, SOCIAL MEDIA EVENT
In 2015, Google coined the term micro-moments. It identified four game-changing moments that really matter in a consumer’s journey. Micro-moments occur when people reflexively turn to a device to act on a need to learn something, do something, discover something, watch something, or buy something. The article goes on to say that they are intent-rich moments when decisions are made and preferences are shaped.
Fast forward to 2022 and consumers have even more opportunities to act on micro-moments with the increasing popularity of platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Consumers can now have an actual experience in just 15-30 seconds thanks to TikTok and Instagram reels. Just think, a consumer can learn how to make a recipe, style an outfit, or do a breathing exercise in 15-30 seconds!
How can apartments maximize these micro, social media moments?
It starts by shifting our approach to content creation. Apartment communities should no longer just think about sharing content about their community, but rather shift to providing content to support the lifestyle of their residents.
According to Pine and Gilmore of The Experience Economy, the most successful experiences include the following four components:
Entertainment
Education
Provide a sense of escape from daily life
Aesthetically pleasing
I’ll be sharing more about creating these micro, social media moments at your apartments, but for the sake of this article, I want to focus on turning these micro-moments into social media events. Micro-events are “events” that happen on TikTok and Instagram Reels and they are meant to entertain, educate, provide an escape, and are aesthetically pleasing and happen in 15-30 seconds.
1. DESK STRETCH INSTAGRAM REEL
Working from home? Feeling the physical effects? Your residents definitely might be! Offer up some relaxation with a simple Instagram reel to guide a stretch session.
Social Media Benefits:
IG engagement with Reels boosts your social media accounts and gets you more exposure. That means more potential residents are seeing your posts, which means more opportunities to lease!
Resident Retention Benefits:
Choose one (or a few) of these benefits to encourage your residents to follow along at their desks.
Flexibility. Stretching improves flexibility.
Posture. Stretching is also beneficial to improve your posture.
Injury Prevention.
Calm Mind.
Release Tension.
Increased Energy.
LEVEL UP:
This is a short event, yes. But it can still be impactful! Have your team join in and record or go live with a stretch session. Follow the stretches in the reel and invite residents to share selfies of themselves at their desks!
FREE APARTMENT IDEAS
GET A YEAR’S WORTH OF RESIDENT EVENT IDEAS AND A FREE EVENT DESIGN TEMPLATE IN OUR RESIDENT EVENT EBOOK.
“We use all of the templates and content that you share almost daily. Love the creativity and ease of use for all sorts of different occasions with really good content and design!”
2. ESSENTIAL OILS TUTORIAL INSTAGRAM REEL
This Instagram Reel shows residents which essential oils to pair together for specific benefits.
Just think, in 15 seconds residents will learn something new with the content you’ve shared.
LEVEL UP:
If one of your residents sells essential oils, this is a great way to promote their business while hosting a fun event and getting all your residents connected. Your goal is to create community while boosting everyone’s mood.
3. CHARCUTERIE BOARD INSTAGRAM REEL
Let’s get real, charcuterie boards are just grown-up Lunchables. Everyone loves them and we feel extra fancy when we make our own! Host a quick virtual event with this reel and add a quick video of your team putting together their own board.
What this looks like in practice:
Post the reel to Instagram. This can be a stand-alone reel or you can take it a step further below.
LEVEL UP:
Purchase your own ingredients and film yourself or your team putting together your own board at the office.Show off the finished product. Smile, and wave to the camera - just show some joy!
Invite your residents to make their own board and tag you in their creations. Encourage them to get creative!
TIP: We love Trader Joe’s for some of the best affordable cheeses and jams.
4 VIRTUAL EVENTS FOR APARTMENTS
4. VIRTUAL FITNESS EVENT
When your community hosts a virtual fitness class, you’re helping your residents crush their fitness goals!
DO IT NOW IN A FEW EASY STEPS
Pick a theme. Reach out to local gyms or fitness instructors and ask to partner with them for a virtual event.
Schedule a time for the event. Review the event with the instructor. Be sure to share important information with residents:
How long, what intensity, what type of workout, and what equipment they will need.
Post on all your social media accounts about your virtual fitness event. Encourage your residents to join in and start off the year right!
“I was able to do what I needed! Thanks for making it easy!”
5. VIRTUAL ORGANIZATION EVENT
Life is too complicated to not be orderly. - Martha Stewart
Isn’t that the truth?! Help your residents get 2022 started on the right foot and host a virtual organization event for them.
Reach out to organizational experts but DON’T just DM them. Send a professional email asking if they would be interested and available to help host an event for your community. Outline what benefits your community can offer. For example, exposure to __ (number) of residents and an opportunity to be the go-to expert and first choice to educate new residents. Many smaller organizational accounts and businesses may be trying to build their business and an event like this could be mutually beneficial!
6. VIRTUAL WINE AND ART EVENT
…or as we like to call it Sip & Script
New year, new hobby! Host a painting, calligraphy, coloring, or other class to learn a new skill or to improve an existing one. Have a wine station to-go and then have everyone login for the zoom class once they are settled at home.
If someone in the community enjoys calligraphy as a hobby, ask if they will instruct the class or check with a local stationery/invitation shop to see if someone could come in. If you can’t bring in an instructor, there are THOUSANDS of videos on YouTube you can use.
You can also make this an in-person event too.
7. VIRTUAL TRIVIA EVENT
Trivia night has now become easier than ever! Virtually host a trivia event on your social media channels to encourage engagement on your page.
Need to boost your following? Add a prize element.
Anyone who gets the correct answer can be entered to win a prize. You can also have them take a guess and tag a friend in the comments for an extra entry to win!
3 GRAB-AND-GO RESIDENT EVENTS
8. SELF CARE EVENT
Few things are more relaxing than a long bubble bath. If your community boasts a bathtub amenity - encourage residents to take the time to use it! Last year was so stressful and your residents deserve a little “me time"!
Shopping List:
9. POPCORN TO-GO EVENT
Post on social media letting residents know you have bundles for them to pick up.
Stand at the gate handing these out to residents coming or going.
Leave them out on a bar cart.
Set them up in common areas. Leave out small amounts and refill as needed.
Have maintenance leave them in the homes of service requests.
Leave them for new residents in their apartments as a sweet surprise.
GET A FREE POPCORN FLYER WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR A FREE MEMBERSHIP
10. BAGEL BAR EVENT
Is there anything better than a fresh chewy bagel to start the morning? Bagel Day is January 15th, but we think your residents will love this any Friday.
Shopping List:
Bagels, Cream Cheese, and Toppings
MORE FREE RESIDENT EVENT IDEAS
8 Heartwarming Events to Keep Your Residents Falling in Love with Your Community
Unique (and easy) Resident Appreciation Ideas for Your Apartment Community
12 Fun and Easy Resident Event Ideas to Show Resident Appreciation
Episode 53: Building a Sense of Community in a No-Touch World
See how Sprout Members are bringing Resident Events to life at their apartment communities!
