If you think coffee is just a morning ritual, your residents would disagree.
It’s a non-negotiable daily habit, a $100 billion industry, and - if done right - one of the most effective retention tools in multifamily housing. Yet, most properties still treat coffee as an afterthought.
A lonely, outdated coffee pot in the corner of the leasing office? Not cutting it. A premium coffee experience that actually enhances daily life? That’s what today’s residents expect (and this micro influence keeps them renewing their leases 😮).
The numbers prove it:
📊 82% of residents we surveyed call high-quality coffee an essential amenity - ranking it just behind fitness centers.
📊 49% of residents use their community’s coffee station more than package lockers or entertainment spaces.
Daily-use amenities = daily brand engagement = higher lease renewals.
If your community isn’t delivering a premium coffee experience, you’re missing an easy (and highly caffeinated) opportunity to build engagement, connection and retention.
At WithMe, we’ve seen the incredible impact of coffee—not just as an amenity but as a valuable driver of resident retention.
That’s why we teamed up with Metropolis Coffee Company to explore how properties can leverage coffee as a competitive advantage. The result? A compelling webinar, “The Power of Coffee to Attract, Engage, and Retain Residents.”
Building on that conversation, we took it a step further and created Brew Better Communities, a comprehensive guide designed to help multifamily professionals enhance resident engagement through premium coffee experiences.
Inside our game-changing e-book, you’ll discover:
Want the full playbook?
Download “Brew Better Communities” here →
Multifamily properties invest millions in gyms, pools and lounges, but how often do residents actually use them? Compare that to coffee:
☕ 73% of Americans drink coffee daily
☕ 36% drink 3–5 cups per day
☕ 87% consider themselves “coffee-obsessed”
A fitness center might get used a few times a week. A pool? Only when the weather’s right. But coffee? It’s a daily ritual. The right coffee setup isn’t just about convenience - it’s an opportunity to foster connection, enhance brand perception and create an experience residents don’t want to give up.
The best properties aren’t just offering coffee, they’re creating an experience around it. Here are 3 ways how they're doing it:
1️⃣ Make Coffee a Social Hub - A well-placed coffee station turns a lobby into a gathering spot, sparking daily conversations and building community.
2️⃣ Host Coffee-Centric Events - A coffee tasting for National Coffee Day, barista-led latte art classes, and coffee education events create memorable experiences that spark engagement.
3️⃣ Offer Premium Options - Craft-roasted beans, barista-quality beverages and touchless brewing stations elevate the experience, signaling high-end living.
The Standard Scottsdale, a Greystar-managed, ORA Top 1% property, embraced premium coffee as a way to enhance community engagement.
The results?
✔ 6,598+ cups served - proving coffee is one of the most valued amenities.
✔ 40+ cups per day - a daily-use touchpoint that strengthens brand connection.
✔ 10/10 resident satisfaction - a small upgrade with a massive impact on renewals.
✔ Featured in 5-star resident reviews - when residents talk about coffee, they talk about the living experience that comes with it.
"If they think positively about where they live a few days a week, they’re probably going to stay longer." - Glenn Schoeneck, Property Manager
Coffee creates daily micro-moments that influence renewal decisions. Whether it's a resident grabbing a cup on the way to work, sharing a morning chat with a neighbor, or enjoying a quiet moment in a cozy lounge, each of these moments adds up. They reinforce a sense of belonging, increase positive associations with the community, and ultimately make residents more likely to stay. A great coffee amenity is a touchpoint that strengthens emotional connections to a place, one cup at a time.
The difference between a good community and a great one comes down to the details.
🏡 A well-placed coffee station turns a lobby into a social hub.
👋 It encourages daily interactions that build stronger connections.
🌟 It elevates brand perception - because premium coffee signals premium living.
And unlike a gym or pool (that might collect dust for months), coffee is a guaranteed daily engagement tool.
But here’s the real question: If your property isn’t providing high-quality coffee, your residents are paying for it somewhere else. Whether it’s $5 lattes at Starbucks or K-cups at home, they’re spending money - just not with you.
The question isn’t should you offer coffee. It’sre you making your property the go-to coffee spot?
If not, it’s time to change that.
Get the Full Strategy Inside Brew Better Communities
Learn more about turning coffee into a retention powerhouse? Download the full e-book here.
Because a great cup of coffee, and the community it builds, is a reason to stay.
March 15 is National Espresso Martini Day — the one day a year where it's perfectly acceptable (and encouraged) to mix your coffee with a little bit of vodka. And we think it's the perfect excuse to shake things up at your property with an event residents will actually want to attend.
Espresso martinis have had a serious glow-up lately, popping up on menus everywhere from rooftop lounges to brunch spots. But here's the twist: you don't need a mixologist or a fancy bar to join the fun. With SipWithMe, all you need is a little coffee, a little vodka and a whole lot of community.
The espresso martini was born in the '80s when a patron asked legendary bartender Dick Bradsell for a drink that would "wake me up and mess me up." The result? A bold, slightly bougie cocktail that blends espresso, vodka and coffee liqueur into a rich, foamy masterpiece.
Fast forward to now, and it's basically the unofficial drink of millennial main characters everywhere. So why not let it be the star of your next resident event?
Creating a community event around National Espresso Martini Day is easier than you think. Here are a few ideas to get started:
1. Espresso Martini Workshop: Invite residents to a hands-on cocktail night. Use SipWithMe coffee as the base (barista-quality = guaranteed compliments). Provide vodka, Kahlua, simple syrup, ice, shakers and cups. Bonus points for a printable recipe card and foam garnish tips.
2. DIY Martini Bar: Set up a self-serve station with all the fixings — let residents get creative with flavored syrups, different liqueurs or chocolate shavings. It's like Build-a-Bear, but for grown-ups who love caffeine.
3. Social Hour With a Twist: Turn your lounge into a low-key cocktail bar for the night. Dim the lights, throw on a chill playlist and let the espresso martinis flow. You might be surprised at how many new connections are brewed.
Of course, the secret ingredient here is the coffee. And as anyone who's ever suffered through a bad cup knows, not all coffee is created equal. That’s where SipWithMe comes in. Our machines serve up consistently great coffee that’s as easy to manage as it is to drink.
For properties already using SipWithMe, this event is a no-brainer. For those who aren’t? Consider this your sign to see what all the buzz is about.
So here’s your permission slip to celebrate a "holiday" that’s really just an excuse to drink something delicious and build a better sense of community.
For multifamily teams looking to enhance resident engagement with coffee-themed experiences, our Coffee Calendar highlights key dates to celebrate all year long…
…and many more.
📩 [Download the free calendar here]
And if you’re looking to brew something even bigger? Our free e-book, Brew Better Communities, is packed with actionable tips and event inspo to help you turn everyday coffee moments into unforgettable resident experiences. ☕
Coffee holidays like National Espresso Martini Day present the perfect opportunity to bring residents together! If your coffee amenity could use a jolt, let’s talk.
Amenities aren’t just nice-to-have extras—they’re either driving revenue or draining resources. Yet, many properties invest in flashy features that look good in marketing but offer little real value to residents.
Let’s be real: A pool that’s open three months a year? A rooftop lounge that sits empty? Those don’t move the needle on retention. But the right amenities - the ones residents use every single day - can be the difference between a renewal and a vacancy.
So what’s worth the investment? Here’s what actually delivers ROI.
Before spending a dime on an amenity upgrade, ask yourself these questions:
If an amenity doesn’t create daily engagement, it’s probably not worth the spend. Prioritize tech-enabled, self-service solutions that make life easier for residents while keeping costs low for you.
The right amenities don’t just look good - they generate real ROI and long-term retention.
Want to see which amenities deliver the best returns?
Download our e-book, The ROI of Multifamily Amenities and Proptech, for real-world data, case studies and implementation strategies.
Get your free copy here and start making smarter amenity investments today.
If you think multifamily amenities are just perks, your residents would disagree.
Today’s discerning renters aren’t just looking for a place to live - they want modern amenities that cater to their busy lifestyles, align with their values and enhance their sense of community.
Yet, many properties are resting their laurels on features that barely move the needle on retention. A gym no one uses? A pool that’s empty nine months of the year? It’s time to stop throwing money at things that don’t drive real value.
The numbers tell the story:
The right mix of smart, scalable multifamily amenities increases resident satisfaction, reduces turnover and enhances your bottom line.
Investing in the right amenities isn’t just about trends - it’s about delivering real ROI.
Download “The ROI of Multifamily Amenities and Proptech” here →
At WithMe, we’ve seen it firsthand. Tech-enabled amenities don’t just make life easier, they keep residents renewing their leases.
That’s why we created The ROI of Multifamily Amenities and Proptech, an e-book breaking down exactly which amenities deliver the biggest returns and how to implement them without adding operational headaches.
Inside, we break down real-world case studies, compare owned vs. managed amenities, and provide a data-backed framework to help multifamily professionals make informed investment decisions.
Want the full insights? Download the e-book here.
Multifamily owners spend millions on movie theaters, sports simulators and lounges, but the reality is that most of these spaces sit empty. Turns out, the popcorn isn’t the only thing getting cold. According to the 2024 NMHC & Grace Hill Renter Preferences Survey Report, residents are more interested in tech-driven conveniences they actually use:
A gym might get used twice a week. A pool? Only when it’s hot outside. But amenities that enhance everyday life, like printing, coffee and coworking spaces, create daily touchpoints that reinforce the value of your community, which translates to stronger renewal rates.
The best properties don’t just offer amenities - they create experiences around them. Here’s how:
Bozzuto properties were stuck with a managed printing service that caused delays and constant frustration for both residents and staff. Their solution? Wireless and secure self-serve printing.
The results were instant:
“I’ve had great interactions and immediate responses from PrintWithMe’s customer service. Convenience is wonderful for both staff and residents, so the resident is free to print any time.” – Kim Lam, Executive Concierge
Every small touchpoint matters. From a quick coffee stop in the lobby to a frictionless print experience, these micro-moments create subconscious loyalty triggers that keep residents renewing.
To see this and more case studies, download the e-book:
Get your free copy of The ROI of Multifamily Amenities and Proptech here.
The difference between an average property and a sought-after community comes down to the details.
If your property isn’t offering high-quality, hassle-free amenities, your residents are finding them somewhere else.
Are you making your community the go-to place for seamless, modern living? If not, now’s the time.
Want to future-proof your amenity strategy?
Download the full e-book here and discover how to transform your property’s approach to retention, resident satisfaction and long-term profitability.
Because the right amenities don’t just fill a checklist - they create a home residents don’t want to leave.
Student housing is booming — now a $10 billion market with demand expected to hit 9.2 million beds by 2031. That means more properties, more competition and a race to attract (and retain) residents.
But here’s where things get interesting: What actually gets students to sign a lease — and renew it — isn’t what many properties are investing in.
Developers are spending millions on eye-catching extras — rooftop pools, rock climbing walls and high-tech game lounges. But Gen Z? They’re not looking for a resort experience. They want a place with practical amenity services that support their real, everyday lives—where they can juggle deadlines, fuel up for early classes and get through the all-nighters that come with college life.
They don’t need flashy amenities. They need function, convenience and spaces that work for them.
These five amenities do just that — giving students what they actually want while making properties more attractive (and easier to manage) in the process.
It’s 11:45 p.m. Your final paper is due in 15 minutes. The campus printer is offline — again.
Students live between deadlines. Last-minute papers due at midnight. Financial aid forms that can't wait. Internship and job applications that need to be perfect.
Traditional campus printing? A nightmare. Sprinting across campus and battling long lines. Enduring broken printers and lost documents. Hoping confidential information doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.
PrintWithMe makes student printing seamless and simple. It’s wireless, secure and completely device-agnostic. Documents are encrypted instantly and deleted automatically — and support is available seven days a week.
For property managers, it’s just as easy. With 99%+ uptime, automated supply shipments and 24/7 remote monitoring, PrintWithMe eliminates the operational drain of traditional printers.
Ryan Baker, Senior General Manager at the Post on Nord in Chico, California, puts it best: “Having the printer available at the last minute for that final or term paper is something that will make a property a lot more appealing.”
Students run on caffeine. But campus coffee shops mean long lines, limited hours and overpriced drinks that drain meal plans one latte at a time.
SipWithMe brings the coffee shop experience inside your property, serving customizable barista-quality drinks in under 60 seconds. From classic espresso to premium hot chocolate, students can grab their favorite drinks without braving the weather (or breaking their budget).
And property managers love it, too. Remote monitoring, automatic supply replenishment and up to 60% operational savings? That’s a win-win.
“Our residents love the new SipWithMe coffee and machine,” shares Sherry Haney, Senior Property Manager at Security Properties. “I have received multiple compliments on the variety of brews they can select from, how easy the machine is to use and the flavor of the coffee. The team here is very impressed with the machine and the quality of the coffee!”
Trendy murals look great on a website. But what do students actually need? Study spaces designed for real productivity.
That means:
Adaptability is key. The best spaces flex between quiet, focused work in the morning and collaborative study groups in the evening. They offer:
And don’t forget fast, reliable printing — because study spaces should be equipped for more than just note-taking.
The takeaway? When students can seamlessly switch between solo work and group projects (with a little mindless scrolling in between), they aren’t just studying in your building — they’re shaping their college experience around it.
Gen Z cares about sustainability, but they see right through performative greenwashing..
A Veritrove study found that 30% of students rank sustainability as a top-three factor in school selection. And according to the 2022 American Campus Communities Resident Pulse Survey, 71% of student residents say sustainable features matter when choosing housing.
The properties that get it right focus on real, impactful upgrades that benefit both students and operations:
These aren’t just marketing buzzwords. They cut costs, improve efficiency and deliver real value — for both students and property managers.
Campus recreation centers are overcrowded, inconveniently located and often have limited hours. And student housing properties keep building massive gyms outfitted with Olympic-grade equipment no one actually uses.
Wellness amenities work best when they’re accessible and flexible:
Properties that prioritize wellness beyond the gym stand out. Because when amenities fit into daily routines, students actually use them.
The student housing market is more competitive than ever. The properties that win won’t be the ones with the flashiest amenities. They’ll be the ones that enhance student life and make daily routines easier, more seamless and less stressful.
Is your property delivering what students really need? Let's chat about how PrintWithMe and SipWithMe can help make your property the one they choose — and stay with.
A great cup of coffee isn’t just a perk—it’s an experience that can shape how residents feel about their community. Inspired by a WithMe webinar, this e-book uncovers how premium coffee amenities can create a welcoming atmosphere, keep residents engaged and encourage lease renewals.
Here’s what’s inside:
☕️ How Coffee Creates Community – Discover how coffee has become more than a daily habit—it’s a powerful way to bring residents together and make your property feel like home.
☕️ Win Over Residents (and Keep Them Happy!) – Find out how premium coffee amenities can attract new residents, keep them engaged and encourage lease renewals.
☕️ Simple & Fun Coffee Events – Get expert tips on easy, low-lift ways to turn your coffee amenity into a go-to gathering spot with events residents will love.
☕️ Making Coffee a Connection Point – Learn how thoughtful placement and interactive experiences can turn your coffee bar into a welcoming social space.
☕️ Proven Success Stories – See how properties like The Standard have used coffee to enhance resident satisfaction, drive positive reviews and improve retention.
Download your free copy of Brew Better Communities and see how a great cup of coffee can help create a thriving, connected resident experience!
Imagine losing $4,000 every time a resident walks away - not because of a bad view or noisy neighbors, but because you missed the mark on what they actually want.
While properties are busy photoshopping glamour shots of unused poolside cabanas, residents are silently plotting their escape.
Here's the truth: 75% of multifamily property managers feel renter expectations have increased. Yet, many still completely misread the room. And with rising inflation pushing cost-conscious residents to scrutinize every expense, traditional multifamily amenities like game rooms and golf simulators sit empty while practical, tech-enabled solutions deliver daily value.
Forget flashy. Forget fancy. Resident retention is about frictionless, intelligent, life-enhancing services that look good and work brilliantly.
Apartments are no longer simply havens for sleeping, eating and binge-watching your favorite shows .They're command centers. They're business hubs. They’re makeshift workstations.
Over one-third (35%) of U.S. workers who can work remotely are doing so, choosing to ditch traditional offices altogether and join Zoom calls in business tops and pajama bottoms. Tamina Sheikh, President of Property Management at PCP, says 20-30% of residents work from home on any given day. That's a massive shift in how your property functions.
These folks are no longer asking for permission. They're demanding solutions that match their new reality. When 82% of residents consider printing an “essential” amenity, that lobby waterfall starts looking pretty useless. And with coffee consumption hitting a 20-year high — up 40% since 2004 — residents want more than a dusty drip maker in the corner.
Savvy multifamily owners and managers are catching on. They’re designating spaces specifically for tech-enabled amenities during the design phase, recognizing that modern multifamily properties need infrastructure that supports remote work. Because here's what your work-from-home residents won't tell you: They're silently comparing your amenities to their old office perks. And if you're not measuring up? Well, there's always that property down the street.
The Washington Post sounded the alarm in 2023: Most third-party printing services treat your residents' confidential documents like social feeds - reading, storing and sometimes selling the juicy details. Tax returns, bank statements, medical records - all fair game. That ancient printer in your leasing office? It's a liability nightmare waiting to happen.
For managers of multifamily properties, PrintWithMe offers an easy-to-use solution. We're talking about high-speed, high-quality printing accessible from any device. No software to install. No drivers to update. No IT degree required. Just hassle-free printing without all the drama.
But PrintWithMe isn't just another printer in your lobby. This is security meets resident convenience. Every print job gets encrypted the moment it's sent. Documents stay locked down until residents physically show up to collect them. Then? Nuclear deletion. No lingering files, no data breaches, no 3 a.m. panic calls about exposed social security numbers.
"When you combine the positive resident impact with the cost savings for our properties and the reduced liability from our on-site teams who may have been helping residents by printing their private documents, it is simply a no-brainer," says LuAnne Acton Ross, Partner and Executive Vice President at Asset Living. Especially when you consider how quickly individual printing requests pile up across a large property portfolio.
The best part? This centralized solution practically runs itself. Automated supply reordering means no more emergency paper runs. Remote monitoring catches issues before residents do. And with 99%+ uptime, your staff has more time to focus on what matters most instead of playing printer tech support. This all leads to a consistently exceptional experience for residents.
Nearly three in four Americans (73%) drink coffee every day, per the 2024 Coffee Statistics: Consumption, Preferences, & Spending Report - and they're proving it with their wallets. Twenty-eight percent of people surveyed spend $21 to $40 on coffee at shops each month; another 14% spend over $40.
Unlike unreliable DIY setups with consumer-grade Keurigs, SipWithMe spices up the resident experience with barista-quality beverages in under 60 seconds.
But this isn't just another coffee machine. The machines feature sleek, modern designs that transform dead spaces into social hubs. "Our residents love the SipWithMe coffee and machine. I have received multiple compliments on the variety of brews they can select from, how the machine is easy to use, and the flavor of the coffee," says Sherry Haney, Senior Property Manager at Security Properties.
The numbers speak volumes: 33% of residents save at least $20 monthly compared to café visits, while one in five saves 15-plus minutes per coffee break, according to a recent WithMe, Inc. survey. In student housing properties and luxury multifamily communities alike, that's the kind of practical value that drives retention.
Plus, property managers love the Cup Allowance technology, which controls costs while keeping the coffee flowing. No budget surprises. No supply headaches. Just automated monitoring, remote maintenance and 24/7 support — all while delivering up to 60% operational expense savings compared to a traditional coffee service.
Modern residents don't need meditation rooms or infinity pools. They need practical solutions that power their daily lives.
While other properties chase trends, give residents what they really need: secure printing that protects their data and premium coffee that fuels their day. All without adding to your team's workload.Ready to improve your resident retention numbers? Let's talk about making your property the one residents never want to leave.
This e-book, inspired by a webinar co-hosted by WithMe and Flamingo, delves into the art of creating impactful resident events.
From emerging trends to mastering the design process from start to finish, learn how to elevate your planning skills and create resident events that will leave a lasting impact on your community.
Here's what's covered:
There’s something special about shared spaces that bring people together, especially when those spaces offer more than just a place to sit.
In today’s world, where remote and hybrid work has become the norm, these hubs in apartment communities need to do more than look pretty—they need to function as versatile, work-friendly environments.
Earlier this year, Multifamily Executive reported that flexible coworking spaces and on-site cafes were at the top of multifamily renters’ wish lists. With over one-third of U.S. workers now working remotely full-time, according to USA Today, apartment communities are rethinking how they design common areas.
It’s not just about giving residents a desk in a quiet corner anymore; they want comfortable, tech-enabled spaces that make their workday easier and more enjoyable. Tamina Sheikh, former Senior Regional Property Manager at Willow Bridge Property Company, captured this perfectly in a recent webinar, noting that on any given day, "it’s about 20-30% of the property that is working from home."
So, how do property managers keep this growing segment of residents happy? By creating shared spaces that offer both productivity and a sense of community.
Today’s residents expect more than free Wi-Fi and a coffee table. They want well-thought-out shared spaces that include high-speed internet, seamless reservation systems, and amenities that actually enhance their work-from-home experience. This might sound like a tall order, but integrating these elements into shared spaces doesn't just benefit remote workers—it boosts resident satisfaction and retention, too.
Take PrintWithMe, for example. This seamless apartment printing solution fits perfectly into these coworking environments. Whether it’s for work-related documents or personal use, residents no longer need to clutter their apartments with bulky printers. Lindo Mayo, Property Manager at The Bottling Plant, shares that having PrintWithMe in common areas gives residents a "convenient alternative to having a printer set up in their apartment."
Plus, PrintWithMe’s ability to connect to any electronic device cuts out the usual headaches associated with traditional printers. No more troubleshooting or maintaining machines—just a quick, reliable print service that property managers don’t have to worry about.
And, of course, what’s a productive workday without coffee? That’s where SipWithMe steps in, offering residents barista-quality coffee without ever leaving the building. Within 60 seconds, SipWithMe can serve more than 20 different beverages, providing residents with the perfect pick-me-up to fuel their workday. With its easy-to-use technology and craft-roasted coffee, this resident coffee amenity ensures everyone has access to their favorite drinks without ever leaving the property.
Sherry Haney, Senior Property Manager at Security Properties Residential, said she has “received multiple compliments on the variety of brews they can select from, how easy the machine is to use, and the flavor of the coffee.” SipWithMe is a shared amenity that not only provides residents with the fuel needed to carry out their days but also helps build community and encourages residents to have organic interactions with one another.
PrintWithMe and SipWithMe aren't just crowd-pleasers for residents—they're game changers for property managers, too. In the fast-paced world of property management, where balancing day-to-day operations and building relationships with residents is key, managers need solutions that simplify their workload. Thankfully, these hands-free, hassle-free printing and coffee amenities do just that, helping save time, reduce operational headaches and effortlessly cut costs.
In today’s competitive multifamily market, offering amenities that cater to work-from-home residents is a must. With solutions like PrintWithMe and SipWithMe, property managers can elevate their shared spaces while reducing operational headaches. Easy installation, minimal upkeep, and a boost in resident satisfaction—all with one smart investment.
For more information on how PrintWithMe and SipWithMe can transform your property’s common spaces, contact us today.
Executing resident events is the most common strategy that apartment communities use to build a sense of community.
WithMe’s “4 Ways to Plan Impactful Resident Events” webinar, co-hosted with Flamingo, brought together a group of the industry’s foremost event experts to delve into the art of creating impactful resident events.
Moderators Becky McLaughlin (vice president of marketing at WithMe) and Jude Chiy (founder of Flamingo), alongside powerhouse panelists Shellie Greer (director of Ovation lifestyle at Ovation Property Management) and Brooke Sandella (manager of national events and community engagement at Equity Residential), shared insightful perspective on the current state of resident events and offered compelling strategies for curating memorable and meaningful experiences.
Here are four key takeaways from the dynamic discussion that took place.
1. Think outside the box if you have a modest event budget.
Every year, Flamingo conducts exhaustive research for its State of Resident Events Report. This pioneering report sheds light on virtually every aspect of multifamily events, from the primary challenges property managers are facing to the types of events that are most popular. It also provides valuable benchmarks for the multifamily industry, drawing insights from hundreds of apartment communities across the United States.
According to Flamingo’s latest report, an overwhelming 35% of property managers cite budget constraints as the biggest obstacle to hosting events they believe would be valuable for their residents.
Working with a modest budget can be challenging, but there are numerous creative hacks that can be used to maximize and supplement event budgets:
If you have a set budget for an event, calculate the maximum number of residents you can accommodate within that budget and cap attendance accordingly. To give all of your residents an equal opportunity to attend, employ a first-come, first-serve RSVP policy and set up a waitlist. That way, if someone decides to cancel, another resident can take their spot.
If you have a limited event budget for the year, with only a few hundred dollars allocated per month, focus on quality over quantity. Instead of hosting a low-budget event each month, invest in one high-quality event each quarter. This approach will ultimately have a greater impact and provide more value to your residents.
Consider introducing a nominal lifestyle fee, which can supplement your budget and give you the opportunity to curate a wider range of events that target everybody’s interests and needs.
If there’s an event you want to host that’s outside your budget, have your residents pay a discounted rate and underwrite the remaining cost.
This approach has the benefit of increasing attendance and engagement, because when residents are paying to attend an event, they are usually more likely to show up.
Amenities and amenity spaces can serve as the foundation for outstanding budget-friendly events. For instance, if you have a printer amenity, print out blank coloring pages and host a coloring party that’s fun for all ages. Leverage a coffee amenity by hosting a tasting event or happy hour.
As an added bonus, you’ll remind residents about the incredible amenities your community has to offer and help drive utilization.
2. Research proves that events increase positive online reviews and increase overall resident satisfaction.
The time and expense associated with resident events often deters property managers and property management companies from investing in them. Thanks to Flamingo’s research, there’s now data to prove that events increase the volume of online reviews and overall resident satisfaction - both essential to attracting new residents and retaining existing ones.
Approximately 55% of participating property managers reported that events lead to new online reviews for their properties within three days. Building on this self-reported data, Flamingo conducted an in-depth analysis of online review scores, revealing a direct correlation between event budgets and review scores. Properties with the top 10% highest review scores allocate, on average, $1,121 per month for events, while those with the lowest scores allocate only $693 per month.
A deeper analysis of resident satisfaction data uncovered a strong correlation between overall resident satisfaction and the number or quality of events. Researchers combed through internal resident reviews and surveys, discovering that when the presence of events was mentioned, 89% of the time it was in a positive review. Conversely, in 87% of cases where a resident mentioned the lack of events, that resident was either neutral, unhappy, or very unhappy.
Events also have a significant impact on intent to renew. In 82% of instances where a resident mentioned the presence of events, they reported their likelihood of renewing as “yes” or “probably.” Conversely, in an astounding 100% of the cases where a resident called out a lack of events, their reported likelihood of renewing was rated “no” or “probably not.”
These findings underscore the importance of investing in resident events. Not only do they boost online reviews and satisfaction, but they also significantly influence residents' decisions to renew their leases. By prioritizing events, property managers can create a vibrant community atmosphere that attracts new residents and retains current ones, ultimately driving long-term success.
3. Experiential events are trending.
Flamingo’s research reveals that happy hours, pool parties and outdoor movie nights are currently the most popular resident events. However, you heard it here first - the next big trend is experiential events. Property managers have noticed a significant rise in resident demand for creative workshops and classes. Examples include:
These educational and creative events inherently bring together niche groups of people with similar interests, sparking genuine connection and friendship.
4. Let your unique resident community dictate your event mix.
Ultimately, regardless of your budget or current trends, the key to executing impactful resident events lies in understanding your residents and their unique interests.
Begin by analyzing basic demographics. Does your community include a large number of children and young families? Are your residents mainly young professionals? Take it a step further by engaging in conversations with your residents. Be intentional about discovering their likes, interests and preferences.
Once you've gotten to know your residents and their preferences, step outside your comfort zone and don't be afraid to experiment. It's okay if an event doesn't attract a large turnout; this simply means that particular event type doesn't resonate with your community. Experimentation is beneficial, as it helps you discover what truly works and allows you to refine your future events for maximum engagement.
For more expert insight on planning and executing resident events that will have a lasting impact on your community, watch the full webinar: