Senior Living Marketing Events: Fresh Ideas That Drive Leads

Editor’s note: We updated this article on 9/15/20 in an effort to talk about senior living marketing events in the time of COVID-19.

Senior living marketing events can typically go one of two ways. First, well-planned and executed events can generate qualified leads, re-engage existing leads, and create opportunities to develop new professional contacts and nurture existing relationships.

On the other hand, poorly executed events can be a big waste of time and money. Add in a pandemic, and event marketing becomes even more complex!

Don’t worry. We got you covered. Here are some fresh event ideas, most of which you can adapt in a “virtual” way. Popular options include Zoom and Facebook Live. In fact, we’ve written an in-depth post on how to effectively use Facebook Live during COVID-19…and beyond.

Senior Living Marketing Events: Show That You Are An Expert & a Resource

Educational senior living marketing events will help position you as a trusted advisor and valued resource. Below are some topics and themes to consider.

Author Visit. Many authors are doing virtual book tours right now. You can either host or simply promote a popular author’s upcoming virtual book tour. For in-person events, the author can speak and bring books for purchase and signing.
Downsizing/ Transitions. Invite real estate pros and downsizing experts. Hold a panel discussion in person or via Zoom/Facebook Live.
Financial Solutions Same idea as above. Your community hosts the experts in person or virtually. Think VA benefits, life insurance conversion, and long term care.
Legal Issues/ Financial Planning Topics. Ditto.
Memory Care Topics. Ditto. Think brain fitness, education, research, driving, and dementia.
Support Groups. Ideas include: caregiver support groups, Alzheimer’s, men’s groups, bereavement groups, etc.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Do this at your community, or bring your program to a local hospital or skilled nursing facility.

Senior Living Marketing Events: Be Social & Show Your Fun Side

Some of the senior living events below work better “in person.” But many can be adapted to a virtual environment. We’ve marked those with asterisks.

Art classes. *This can be a GREAT thing to do virtually. The teacher demonstrates via ZOOM, and people follow along/participate at home.
Fitness classes. *Same idea. The teacher conducts the fitness class via Zoom, and people can take part from home.
Networking. Think breakfasts, lunch, cocktail receptions, martini mixer etc.
Dash & Dine. Stop by for a tour or event, and take home dinner on us!
Spa Night. *For a virtual component, perhaps offer a virtual “series” on nail care or how to trim your own hair.
Brunch. Ideas include champagne, jazz, holiday, Mother/Father’s Day.
Senior/Senior Prom with local high school (Star Dust Prom).
Holiday/ Special Day Socials / BBQs. Think of all the possibilities: Valentine’s Day, Saint Patrick’s Day, Mother/ Father’s/ Grandparent’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4^th, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving.
Chef demonstrations & duels and contests. *Another great option for Facebook Live. Think of how many people love watching reality cooking shows!
Fashion Show. Collaborate with a local store and use staff, residents, family, or professionals as models. *Again, a version of this could be transitioned online.
Comedienne. Professionals need to have fun after work. *So many comics are sharing free clips right now on YouTube. Compile a bunch and share with your contacts.
Reading or one act play by local theater group

Senior Living Marketing Events: Grass Roots & Community

Host spiritual groups. Think Parish Nurses, Stephens Ministry, Non Denominational meeting of Rabbi’s, Pastors, Priests etc.
Host seniors groups. Think Red Hat Society, Senior Centers & Groups.
Host art shows for local schools/ artists or resident art
Host piano recitals for local teachers if you have a piano
Dinner & a movie if you have a theater
Sponsor a community yard sale
Host fundraisers. More and more of these are happening online, such as virtual walks/races.
Sponsor a community health fair with free screenings
Host community group car wash
Host a variety/ talent show
Wreath/ Miniature Tree decorating – referral sources & families buy a wreath or tree and decorate it (usually with a theme) and raffle them off for charity at a social event.

Reminder, we’ve helped our clients successfully “pivot” during the pandemic.

In fact, we never missed a beat since we’re a virtual marketing agency. As a result, most of our clients didn’t either. WE CAN HELP YOU. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of our free 30-minute brainstorming session. We can help you come up with effective senior living marketing events that will work now.