Getting folks to turn off the tube and turn up at the annual meeting can be a challenge. How do you trump the pros of entertainment? While it's tough, there are several things you can do, including:

Plan Ahead

Successful promoters do it early and often (promoting, that is). One idea whose time has come is the Management Planning Calendar. Since you budget a year in advance, why not schedule maintenance events and meetings a year in advance? If you do, who possibly could say they are tied up next year?

Seduce Your Audience

Make each owner feel special, like the show couldn't go on without them, instead of just another spoke in the wheel. Make the message: We need YOU!

Punch Up the Program

Make the steak "sizzle". Include a drawing for those that show up, like a dinner for two or a gift certificate from an area merchant that everyone uses.

Recognition Program

Include an awards ceremony to honor community volunteers. Give plaques, certificates and gift certificates. Be creative and make it fun.

Eat Well

Why not have this event catered with a menu too good to pass up? Have their mouths water just reading the Menu. Make it a night to remember. If your social fund is sparse, pot luck barbecues and holiday themes work well. Dessert only is good too.

Libations

Depending on the crowd, after-meeting beverages could be in order....enough for socializing but not for an all-nighter.

Casino Night

Organize a casino night using play money and prizes for the big winners.

Stay on Schedule

The Annual Meeting need not last more than two hours. Plan to keep the action moving so that folks can come and go on time if they want to. If they want to stay because they're having fun...great!.

Let's face it, there are many things that distract folks from the community business. Rather than bemoan the fact, energize your annual meeting to make it a Night to Remember. If you do it right, owners will actually look forward to it next year.

For more information on this subject, see www.Regenesis.net.

Published: February 7, 2001

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Richard Thompson owns Regenesis, a management consulting company that specializes in condominium and homeowner associations. He is a nationally recognized expert on HOA management issues. Regenesis publishes The Regenesis Report, a monthly newsletter for HOA boards, developers and managers. To subscribe, go to Regenesis.net. He can be contacted by email at .