Open HOA meetings take place about once a month. Their purpose is to address homeowner's concerns. Members of the community can attend these meetings, but the trouble is getting them there.
If you choose the wrong time or place, many homeowners won't be able to show up. You also can't draw the meetings out, and it's always a good idea to provide refreshments.
These are only a few ways to increase your meeting attendance in Columbia, MD. Continue reading to learn more.
Choose the Right Time and Place
Having productive meetings means choosing the right time and place for them. For example, most community members won't be able to attend a meeting that takes place during the week due to their work schedules.
Some community members may not have a reliable form of transportation, so holding the meetings somewhere close by is ideal. Some homeowners may want to bring their children with them. Hosting your HOA board meetings near a playground will give the kids something to do while the adults talk.
Provide Refreshments
There's almost nothing that can facilitate efficient meetings quite like food. Providing snacks, finger foods, and drinks is a great way to spice up an otherwise uninteresting gathering.
While many homeowners will only attend for the free food, they are likely to stay to participate in the meeting. You can cook the food yourself or order catering.
Address Homeowner Concerns
If after receiving feedback, you learn that homeowners in your community are concerned about HOA holiday decoration regulations, bring it up during the meeting.
If community members know that their issues are going to be talked about, they'll be sure to attend to make their voices heard. Getting feedback and acting on it also tells homeowners that you care, which will make them more interested in the HOA.
Use Technology to Its Fullest
It's not easy to make an HOA meeting interesting, but there are ways to liven things up. You have to use technology to its fullest.
Instead of talking at homeowners, provide a bright and colorful PowerPoint presentation. Presenting topics in the form of videos will help homeowners absorb the information a lot easier as well. These are only a few of the resources you can take advantage of.
Keep It Short
The last piece of advice we have for you is to keep your meetings short. If homeowners see that the meeting is going to last for five hours or more, there's a good chance they're not going to attend.
Meetings should only go on for about two hours. If you have a lot on the agenda, consider breaking it up into two meetings. While it's okay to stray a little off-topic, making a habit out of it will only draw things out.
The Secret to Successful HOA Meetings
Are you tired of no one showing up to your HOA meetings? It might be time for you to spice things up. Providing refreshments, presenting information in the form of videos, and keeping your meetings short will do wonders for increasing attendance.
Hiring a property management company to oversee and organize your meetings couldn't hurt either.
PMI Mason Dixon specializes in both residential and commercial properties in Columbia, MD. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
