Kara Foley, CMCA, AMS, PCAM of Seabreeze Management Company, Inc., AAMC, Michael Hadder of Keystone, AAMC, and Ashley Blair of FirstService Residential, AAMC
This article first appeared in the CAI Orange County Chapter’s Magazine the OC View March/April 2025 Issue.
Community events within an association serve as a conduit of connection for neighborhoods. Events play a central role in fostering a sense of community, where residents form bonds and connections with their neighbors. Additionally, they act as a vital channel for the association board to convey essential information, updates, and plans, ensuring that residents are well-informed and engaged in their community. Such events also encourage the utilization of community amenities, making association assessments more valuable. Community events are the heartbeat of an association, promoting unity, well-being, and effective communication while enhancing the overall living experience for its residents. There are a number of options for communities to hold events for every budget.
No-Cost Community Events
Communities can host a variety of no-cost events, both outdoors and indoors, to foster connections among residents and strengthen their association. Outdoor events, leveraging community amenities like parks or pools, can include activities such as meet-and-greets, community hikes, gardening days, park cleanups, kids’ playdates, or pool days. These events not only build camaraderie but also encourage residents to care for their shared spaces, promoting a healthy association. Similarly, indoor events, depending on available facilities like clubhouses, can range from movie or game nights to book clubs. Tailoring these activities to the audience — adults, children, or families — is essential for success. Marketing these events effectively can be done at no cost through e-blasts, community websites, social media groups, or word of mouth. Engaging volunteers and sponsors enhance events by providing support and resources, such as food, drinks, games, or decorations, while adding value to the community experience.
Mid-Range Budget Community Events
Seasonal celebrations and holiday festivals for homeowners associations can vary depending on the community’s preferences, cultural backgrounds, and traditions. Here are some examples of seasonal celebrations and holiday festivals that an association might consider:
• Winter Holiday Celebration: Activities might include tree lighting ceremonies, caroling, holiday-themed crafts, and visits from Santa Claus.
• Spring Festival: Celebrate the arrival of spring with events like egg hunts, picnics, flower planting, and community clean-up days.
•Summer Block Party: Neighborhoods can host a block party with BBQs, games, live music, and outdoor movie nights. It’s a great way to bring neighbors together and enjoy the warm weather.
• Fall Harvest Festival: Celebrate the harvest season with pumpkin carving contests, hayrides, farmers’ markets, and costume contests.
• Community Service Events: Organize events focused on giving back to the community, such as food drives, clothing donation campaigns, or volunteer days at local charities.
• Educational Workshops: Offer workshops on topics relevant to the season, such as gardening tips in the spring, energy- saving strategies in the summer, and home safety in the fall.
High Budget Community Events
When it comes to high-budget community events, the canvas is vast, offering an array of options to suit varying tastes and preferences. The choices range from sophisticated soirées, such as casino nights adorned with live entertainment and gourmet catering, to more laid-back gatherings like resort-style pool parties featuring water activities and live music. Additionally, professional performances or concerts can infuse an air of cultural richness into the community.
Choosing the right event for your association involves a delicate balance of considerations. Surveying residents’ preferences and interests provides invaluable insight into what will resonate most within the community. Simultaneously, it’s crucial to
consider the budget and funding sources to ensure financial responsibility. Aligning events with the community’s goals and values further solidifies their significance, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among residents.
No masterpiece is complete without a well-executed marketing and communication strategy. Leveraging social media and online platforms amplifies reach and engagement, capturing the attention of tech-savvy residents. Sending invitations and reminders via email and flyers serves as a traditional yet effective method to ensure residents mark their calendars for the upcoming festivities.
Encouraging Homeowner Involvement and Participation
Boosting homeowner involvement in association events begins with effective communication. Use newsletters, social media, and other outreach platforms to promote upcoming activities while emphasizing the value and benefits of participation. Actively seek input from residents for event ideas, create opportunities for volunteering, and acknowledge their contributions to cultivate a sense of ownership and community pride. Establishing an activities committee made up of engaged homeowners not only fosters personal investment but also enhances the success and impact of community events.
Post-Event Feedback and Suggestions
Getting feedback and suggestions from previous events is fundamental. After an event, a survey could be distributed to the attendees that includes a spot for residents’ suggestions. Another way to receive feedback and suggestions is asking residents directly. Whether it pertains to the execution, marketing, or the event itself, positive and negative feedback will benefit future planning and execution.
Impact of Community Events
Community events can create a strong bond with residents and the association they live in. A strong bond can help improve the health and longevity of a community. Events can help boards to better understand what residents want and need from their association and community. Residents tend to be more open and communicative when they attend events. Having events within a community can also be a great sign that the board cares about their community.
In conclusion, community events hold the power to transform communities, turning mundane into the extraordinary and the ordinary into the exceptional. By embracing diversity, aligning with community values, and implementing effective communication strategies, the board can elevate its community to new heights, creating a legacy of cherished memories and enduring bonds. Let the celebration begin!