Did your summer just go by so fast?
Is your community trying to adjust your resident engagement events during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Are you finding yourself stuck on what to do in September?
You’re not the only one. I’ve been having a lot of conversations over the last few weeks. Every state and community has been handling the pandemic differently.
My goal is to give you five ideas that you can implement immediately in your community for September. Let’s jump right into it!
Outdoor movie
Over the last few months, I think I have mentioned outdoor movie nights multiple times. We are finding that most states are open to outdoor options and solutions during this pandemic. If your community has access to an outdoor space, I highly recommend using it while the weather is holding up.
Outdoor movie nights are great for properties that have the space. You can mark off the 6 feet distance requirements, and depending on your state regulations a mask may be necessary. Use your outdoor space To your advantage. Check out some fun movie night themed decorations and do individual concession kits. Boom! You have a hit event in the making.
Chili Stations or To Go Kits
Some communities have adjusted it with food truck nights when it comes to happy hours. If you have a space to host a grab and go or an outdoor bonfire, try a chili night on a nice fall evening. I do recommend keeping the food options very specific and limited to avoid conflict on food allergies or choices. We often get requests for complex menus, yet variety often creates confusion. Keep it simple! Keep it cute! Keep it on the theme!
Margaritas Station
This idea depends on your state regulations when it comes to alcohol. Margaritas on the go are fantastic for happy hours. We work with bartending services that do individually bottled cocktails that can be passed out to your tenants. Communities love the idea of the individually bottled beverages for outdoor social gatherings or deliveries to the actual tenant apartment.
If your community has started to do social distanced events, you can also do a margarita station in your outdoor space where a bartender is serving. The only thing to keep in mind is that alcohol usually warms people up with the risk of running into following the rules on social distancing or wearing masks.
Back To School
We may be a little bit late with back to school. Every county and every state is handling this differently. We do recommend hosting a back to school event even if the students are having to do it virtually. Check out our previous blog about ways to execute back to school events. You will see some great ideas and tips that will help you knock it out of the park.
Fall Celebration
Lastly, I love a great fall celebration. One of my favorite things about fall are s’ mores, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and the beautiful evenings. Don’t let COVID-19 discourage you! There are safe ways to still do fall celebrations within the CDC rules and any management requirements.
If you’re needing tips to do this for your community, please set up a free consultation to talk. The biggest thing to keep in mind with a fall celebration is your social space. Granted, every community does not have large amenity spaces or outdoor options. A fall celebration is perfect for communities that have outdoor seating and multiple spaces.
I hope that these five ideas help give you inspiration for tackling your community events during a pandemic. I would love to hear from you on which of the five you are going to try. We all need a little inspiration this season. Sign up for our newsletters to get more information on our services.