Besides being occasions for fun, community events and initiatives play a larger role in building bonds and encouraging harmony in communities. 

Community events are occasions to get people together and build relationships. Regular initiatives are becoming a common practice in gated communities. Besides offering a common spot to bring owners and members of the managing association together, community initiatives offer numerous other benefits. Community events play a large role in validating property owners, thereby boosting their morale.

“At this time, when the property market is showing signs of recovery after the pandemic, community events indeed play a crucial role in boosting the morale of property owners. Well-organised community events are good value-added service, especially when such events are in line with the majoritarian sentiments, and generic flavour of a diverse community, and are equally enjoyable for all age groups within the community. With an extremely diverse community at hand, it might be a challenge to find the right themes for such community events, but it isn't hard for a seasoned community manager to strike the right balance. A well-tailored community event which blends the vibes and pulses of the community, equally enjoyable and participatory for all age groups - kids and elderly does go a long way,” says Ambika Raj, Community Manager, Deyaar. 

Community events also present an opportunity to create a more favorable environment where owners can meet the management team, making relations more cordial and cooperative. 

“Community events has always been an integral part of every culture and society, such gatherings not just give an interactive platform where one can connect and build relationships with their neighbors but creates a sense of belonging and identity with the community they reside in. Knowing the neighborhood better brings in a high level of satisfaction and pride for the residents living in the community and in return boost their morale,” says Farha Tabassum, Community Association Manager at Wasl Group. 

Ambika agrees. “Community events are a great initiative to interact with owners and the community in a casual, enjoyable, and unofficial setting, hence enhancing the relationship between CM companies and owners. Community events are an effective method for fostering long term relationships with all property owners,” she said.

They particularly provide an opportunity to move beyond the traditional norms of communication.

“Community management companies deal with issues in the community and faced by residents usually via the facilities team on site which is communicated usually digitally through e-mail, complaints portal or an application. Direct interaction with residents may not even be required to carry out most responsibilities. This is where the importance of these events cannot be understated, the CM companies can really capitalise on meeting and greeting the community to whom they may not necessarily have would otherwise and this brings a face to the management which reassures residents and owners of that community, providing a sense of approachability. Managing people's environment built around their homes is deeply personal to a lot of owners and residents, and I believe it is vital they know that there is someone looking out for them and having their best interest at heart and are accessible and share the same concerns,” says Farah.

Community events are an investment that helps build unique culture and traditions, allowing owners to feel more engaged and connected to the community they live in. Well planned events can be part of what the community is known for. 

“Loyalty in the real estate industry is underrated. The outsider to a community or ownership could look at property in Dubai and UAE as an investment alone, but there is more to it than just numbers and figures, especially in relation to a family-friendly orientated community. There is no denying that holding regular community events makes the community management company a relatable and approachable team. This creation of goodwill will bring value and brand loyalty,” says Farah. 

The key to fostering loyalty is to instill a sense of being cared for and valued, says Ambika. “When community management companies do reach out to owners and solicit their opinions and suggestions prior to planning community events, it evokes a strong sense of being cared for and valued – which enables owners to have a sense of belonging and develops a natural connection with the developer.”

Happy owners are more likely to invest in the community further by buying new properties. They also play a role in upping the value of communities and making them more attractive to potential buyers.

“Community events are such a great value-added service that potential buyers can experience and gauge the generic vibe, harmony, and sociability within the community, firsthand,” says Ambika. 

Community events encourage owners to stay loyal to the developer and increase the value of the community. “This is particularly true because community events are usually organised with the support of developers, CM companies, and owners. When all three work together, it projects a positive atmosphere and reflects the quality of living in such a community,” says Salvador Tellis, Senior Owner Association Manager & Head of Operations, SAGA International Owner Association Management. 

Validate owners, they can be awarded for contributions to the community or how they exemplify the culture and values of the community.

Owners get the recognition they deserve. Plus, they will feel like they are making an impact on the community. Engaged owners play an active role in the betterment of the community and are willing to put in their best efforts because they feel valued and know the role they play in the community’s wellbeing. Even small events can have a big impact. “Be it talent shows, blood donation drives, free medical camps, charity events, sports events, or flea markets, events bring a community together, highlighting the efficiency of a community management company and proving to the owners that their investment in the community is indeed a right choice,” says Salvador. 

For property owners, community events break the monotony of their daily routines and get them to experience something new. Owners get the opportunity to talk to other owners and those who they don't usually interact with. 

“Through events, we can bring together residents of a community, helping them know more about each other and building a sense of unity and bonding. Communities, being places with groups of people sharing common interests, events bring together people sharing similar passions, hobbies, and sometimes, even problems. CM companies aim to meet the expectations of a community and events help in doing that.