Not to be too self serving but we know a thing or two about how to get residents out to events.

We like to look at your club-room as an actual comedy club. Or even just a club club.

It's about motivation and repetition. Offer them an event that is unique and stands out. That's the first thing. Food and drinks are always a plus. No matter how funny we are if you could serve alcohol or give away food of some kind that tends to always attract residents.

Some communities can't serve alcohol. No problem. Some offer BYOB and some just provide sodas. Just something would be nice.

Plus, when we book a resident comedy night we provide promo material in the form of a poster that can be place around the community as well as emailed to residents. Also a cool promo video you can email too.

Just like with any event whether at an apartment community or a comedy club you've got to promote, promote, promote.

Honestly, with the promo material provided for free all you'd have to do is blast out once a week. Fyi, you could also promote any event you're doing to your prospect list as well. This will give the potential residents the sense that you guys not only do cool events but you take them seriously.

Oh, and if you can, be there for the event. We have had too many communities where no one from the staff was even there. Just the residents and our comedians. And the residents have more often than not expressed their disappoint in the fact the PM and leasing staff were not at the event.

Just my two cents.

Hi! You know your residents best- so offer resident events that are property specific. If the majority of your residents work a 9-5:00 job, I wouldn't have a resident event at 1:00 PM on a weekday- try your best to schedule events that will allow residents to attend. I feel that making the events as easy and convenient as possible also helps with participation. Example: "breakfast on the go" is a WONDERFUL event for the busy morning commuter... pre-pack some easy breakfast friendly items in brown paper sacks and stand at the entrance of your property. As residents come and go, you simply hand them a breakfast bag and wish them a great day. Advertising is key! Two weeks before the event, send out e-mail reminders, post some flyers around your property and invite residents to the event as they stop in the office, call, or e-mail. Being consistent with advertising is a great reminder of any events coming up!

We've done drink tickets that limit the number of drinks a resident can have. We've also hired a bar tender that can keep track of how much is served. We as property staff never even hand a resident a drink so we are not liable for 'serving' someone.

Shayne this is an excellent idea! We use an online tool for this and it works great. We spend money on event production and effort promoting events that we think residents want without better understanding who our residents are and what their preferences may be.

We had a game night the attracted more residents we don't typically see at events. We provided some games and let residents know they could bring their own. Those who came made it a point to let us know how much they loved it!

We also did a "Winter Night In" with a hot chocolate bar, light desserts and puzzles. Very diverse group of people. Again, not our "typical crowd" so many appreciated it.

Wine and paint night is also good!!!! We have a talented LC who can run the paint instructions though.

These three events appealed to those who don't come to the big, crowded parties.

We learned that our "typical crowd" will always show up for food, drink and raffles but NEVER come to anything requiring them to spend money, such as a vendor show with jewelry, crafts, etc.

When we were first in a slump, we hired a licensed bartender - boy that gets people out! But I find the smaller group events are the ones the less vocal residents prefer.

Sometimes it's just getting the word out there. We've realized the old-fashioned flyers on main entrances brings them in as does free food. Does anyone use text programs to send out event notifications? The open rate for emails isn't great.