January Resident Events That Build Community and Create Marketing Opportunities
January is the perfect time for apartment communities to bring residents together, celebrate fresh starts, and create cozy moments during winter. In this episode of The Multifamily Mix, we’re sharing creative event ideas to engage your residents this month—from polar plunges to hot cocoa bars and everything in between. Tune in for inspiration to make your community the place everyone loves to call home!
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Mmm Good Soup - Three Ways
Did you know that January is National Soup Month? As the winter chill deepens, there’s no better way to warm up than with a bowl of your favorite soup—be it the classic chicken noodle, zesty tomato basil, or creamy broccoli cheddar—or perhaps something a bit more adventurous. This January, invite your residents to join in the celebrations with a series of soup-centric events. Whether it’s indulging in an all-out soup-tasting extravaganza, grabbing a quick and comforting bowl on the go, or participating in our engaging virtual soup spotlight, we have just the right flavor for everyone!
(1) Soup Tasting Bar
Host a sumptuous Soup Tasting Bar showcasing a diverse range of soups and create a memorable experience for residents. From traditional favorites to a bit out there creations, offer an experience that will warm their stomachs and their hearts this winter season.
Have a variety of soups - think rich chili, creamy bisque, hearty minestrone, and aromatic pho. Use small serving cups to allow residents to sample multiple types without overwhelming them. Ensure each soup is well-labeled and consider dietary preferences and allergens.
Offer a selection of toppings that complement the soups. Include options like croutons, shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, and a range of hot sauces. Organizing the toppings creatively can enhance the visual appeal and interaction at the event.
Provide a selection of breads such as crusty bread, garlic knots, and soft rolls. Ensure there’s enough variety to suit different tastes and soups. Consider setting up this station near the soups to facilitate easy pairing.
(2) Grab & Go: Sip N’ Dip Soup To Go
If a sit-down event doesn’t warm your schedule, don't worry; that’s where our Soup To-Go Bar comes into play. It’s a practical solution for busy residents who want to enjoy a warm meal without the wait. This event is easy to set up and manage, offering a quick and satisfying option for your community.
Choose 2-3 popular soup options, such as chicken noodle, vegetarian chili, and creamy tomato. Keep these soups warm in crockpots and clearly label each option. Consider offering both hearty and light choices to cater to different dietary preferences.
Provide sturdy takeout containers with lids, along with disposable sleeves for easy carrying. Set up this station efficiently so residents can quickly select their soup, grab a container, and go.
Offer pre-packaged toppings like shredded cheese, croutons, and dried herbs. Include a small selection of bread or rolls in paper bags for convenience. This allows residents to customize their soup without slowing down their departure.
Consider setting up in the leasing office, community room, or even a covered outdoor area during lunch hours or as a dinner pick-up option. Feel free to make it as personalized as you can, for example, with a branded recipe card, a community newsletter with the soup containers, or a small thank-you note to reinforce community appreciation.
(3) Go Virtual - Soup Spotlight “Guess the Restaurant”
If organizing a physical event doesn't fit your schedule, our virtual "Soup Spotlight: Guess the Restaurant" offers a fun and interactive alternative. This event can engage residents without requiring them to attend in person, perfect for busy schedules or those who prefer to participate from the comfort of their own homes.
Collaborate with 3-5 local restaurants to feature their signature soups. Ask them to provide high-quality photos and interesting facts about their dishes, which you can use for your social media posts. This not only supports local businesses but also adds an authentic local flavor to the event.
Schedule daily posts on platforms like Instagram Stories or Facebook to showcase each featured soup. Include the soup's photo, a brief description, and the fun fact provided by the restaurant. Engage residents by adding interactive elements such as polls or comments to guess the restaurant's name.
The next day, reveal the correct answer and give a shoutout to the restaurant on your social media. Consider offering small incentives like gift cards to the guessed restaurants, which can be awarded randomly to participants who guessed correctly. This not only encourages participation but also fosters community spirit and supports local businesses.
Since this event is hosted online, it requires less physical setup and can be managed remotely, making it an efficient option that still offers significant resident engagement. Plus, featuring local restaurants helps build relationships within the community and offers them valuable exposure. And most importantly, residents can join in the fun whenever and wherever it suits them, making it an inclusive and accessible way to connect with the community.
Members: Grab your pre-made digital graphics to make this event easy and breezy!
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4. Polar Plunge & Warm Up
Take the plunge this January! Brave the cold and dive into the new year with a Polar Bear Plunge event! It's a thrilling way to kick off the season and support a great cause.
Gather at the Waters: Choose a local lake or pool as the plunge site.
Dive In: Encourage participants to take a chilly dip.
Warm Up: Host a warm-up party with hot drinks and cozy blankets afterward.
This invigorating event is perfect for adventurous residents looking to make a splash in the community!
5. Houseplant Pop-Up
Just because its chilly out, doesn’t mean we can’t try and green up our space. Invite residents to join your Houseplant Workshop to learn about indoor gardening and take home a new leafy friend.
Learn from Experts: Bring in a local nursery expert to share tips on plant care.
Shop on Site: Allow residents to purchase plants and supplies directly from the workshop.
Plant and Take Home: Provide pots and soil so participants can pot their new plants right away.
This workshop will turn your residents' thumbs green and their homes into vibrant living spaces!
EVENT EPISODE YOU CAN’T MISS
Here’s A Listener Review:
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6. Calligraphy & Cocktails
Combine the art of beautiful writing with the enjoyment of bespoke cocktails with a Calligraphy & Cocktails evening.
Master the Pens: Teach basic calligraphy strokes and techniques.
Mix and Mingle: Serve custom cocktails to inspire creativity.
Create and Take: Have residents create a piece of calligraphy to take home.
This elegant gathering is perfect for residents looking to unwind and learn a new skill, all while enjoying a sophisticated night out.
7. Poppin’ Popcorn Grab & Go
Pop in for a delicious treat. Whether you do it on January 19th (National Popcorn Day) or some other time during the month, a quick popcorn grab-and-go is a fast and tasty way to treat residents to some snack-time fun.
Offer Variety: Provide different flavors of pre-popped popcorn.
Package Conveniently: Use bags or boxes for easy carrying.
Enjoy Anytime: Set up in a common area for residents to grab as they pass by.
A simple, satisfying snack event that everyone can enjoy on their own time, adding a pop of joy to their day!
FREE DOWNLOAD: The Ultimate Resident Event Resource PDF
8. Notebook Decorating & Goal-Setting Workshop
Start the year off right and inspire organization and creativity with a Planner/Notebook Decorating Station and Goal-Setting Workshop.
Decorate and Personalize: Provide stickers, markers, and other decorating supplies.
Set Goals: Lead a goal-setting session to help residents plan their year.
Take Home: Residents leave with a personalized planner or notebook.
Perfect for residents looking to get organized and set personal goals for the year, this event combines fun and functionality!
9. Hot Cocoa Sip N’ Tour
Host an elevated Hot Cocoa Open House for the perfect casual drop-in event for residents and prospective residents to enjoy a warm drink and relax.
Serve Hot Cocoa: Offer a variety of hot cocoa flavors with fun toppings.
Create a Cozy Atmosphere: Set up comfortable seating areas with blankets.
Mix and Mingle: Encourage residents to relax and get to know their neighbors.
A cozy, comforting gathering that’s sure to warm everyone’s spirits, making your community feel like home!
10. PJ’s, Puzzles & Popcorn
The three p’s: yes, pj’s, popcorn, and puzzles. Spend a cozy evening in PJs with popcorn and puzzles.
Snack and Play: Provide popcorn and a variety of puzzles.
Enjoy Leisurely Fun: Create a relaxed environment for residents to socialize.
This game night is an ideal event for residents to chill out and connect over simple pleasures, fostering a laid-back community atmosphere.
11. Apartment Glow-Up Contest
Encourage residents to show off their style and revamp their space with an Apartment Glow-Up Virtual Contest.
Submit Photos: Have residents submit before and after photos of their apartment makeover or just pictures of their apartment decor.
Vote Online: Allow the community to vote on their favorite transformations or stylings.
Win Prizes: Award prizes for the most impressive makeovers.
This contest is a great way to foster community spirit and showcase resident creativity, bringing a new energy to your community!
12. New Year Active Expo
Host an Active Expo your way by picking a few activities to feature that fit your time, budget, and resources!
During this season, many are eager to embark on a fresh start and kick off the year positively! Health, fitness, and personal growth are at the forefront of people's thoughts, and there are numerous ways to foster and promote this mindset within your community.
Sprout Ideas:
Invite local trainers or instructors to host a workout session.
Host a YouTube-led workout session.
Enjoy some friendly competition by organizing a game featuring a sporty community amenity.
Invite local businesses that support self-improvement, health, and wellness to visit and advertise their services.
Print, email, or post our 31-day challenge and talk to residents about their goals for 2024.
Provide energizing grab-and-go snacks and drinks.
