Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1499105
ASK A COMMUNITY MANAGER Q How Can We Make Our Outdoor Community Event a Success? EXPERT TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT NEIGHBORHOOD GATHERING. Owning a home in a community with an HOA includes many benefits, but the biggest may be the true sense of community. To promote this harmony, the board of directors may host regular events. Fun get-togethers allow residents to connect in a personal way and enhance the positive environment of the association. Plus, taking those events outdoors means plenty of fresh air and lots of space for attendees to spread out and vendors to post up. To learn some best practices for hosting outdoor community-sponsored events, we asked Cianna Herselius, CMCA®, AMS®, to share her top tips. 1. Hold your event at a central location. I find that well-attended community-sponsored events are usually held at the community park or swimming pool. These locations are central and frequently visited. In addition, they simplify your job because they already have the necessities: bathrooms, grills, trash cans, parking, shady areas, tables, chairs, and opportunities for physical activity. 2. Get the proper permits. When you host an event outdoors, you often have the space for event-appropriate vendors and entertainment, such as food trucks, bands or musicians, bouncy houses, and other attractions that boost attendance. While the options are endless, it's essential to check local and city ordinances for permit requirements. Employ unapproved contractors, and the sheriff may stop by and shut down an event that the board worked hard to make happen. 3. Pick a theme that's family-friendly. The Fourth of July party is an all-time favorite for one of the communities I manage. The parade, candy, kids running free, and residents coming together contribute to an eagerly anticipated annual event. Add food and ice cream trucks to really set it off! Building a sense of community comes easy when you sprinkle in some fun, fresh air, and forward planning. To guarantee your outdoor event is a success, just think about what would make you more likely to show up. Brainstorm, get creative, and collaborate with your fellow board members and social committee. And most importantly, enjoy the experience! " Cianna Herselius, CMCA®, AMS®, is a community association manager for Associa Colorado. She has been a community manager for six years and earned her Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA®) and Association Management Specialist (AMS®) designations within nine months, thanks to the support of her leaders. She enjoys solving problems and providing helpful advice to her clients. 31