Even if the closing is over, your relationship with your clients should continue. Those relationships can blossom into future opportunities, which will keep your business thriving for years to come. Client appreciation events are one way to get face time with clients – both past and present – and thank them for their business.

Even in a digital era, studies show that clients want to be thanked in person. Your clients are at the heart of your business. Making them feel appreciated is vital to your continued success as a real estate agent.

Ideas for Unforgettable Client Appreciation Events

Planning and hosting client appreciation events can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled these ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

1. A Holiday Extravaganza

With the holidays just around the corner, this might be the timeliest of our suggestions. The holidays are a natural time of celebration and appreciation. Think about ways you can make the holidays easier for your clients. These might include:

• Inviting Santa to your office and offering free photos with the Jolly Old Elf.
• Give every attendee a chance to win this year’s “must-have” gift or give a gift card to everyone who shows up.
• Hire certified babysitters and offer a “Parents’ Night Out” to help parents get their holiday shopping done.Grat
• Cater an unforgettable meal and make your event a respite amid holiday chaos.

There are countless ways to make your holiday client appreciation event the best party of the year.

2. Client Carnival

Few things in life are more fun than a day at the carnival. Thankfully, you can put on a good old-fashioned fair without spending much money. The carnival can be as big or as little as you want: rides, entertainment, games, prizes, and, of course, plenty of food. If you don’t want to do the planning yourself, hire a party planning company and let them do the hard work. Then, you just get to show up, eat the popcorn, and have fun with your clients!

3. Sporting Events

Sporting events are an All-American favorite. Purchase a block of tickets to a home game and invite your clients to attend for free. While this can be an expensive venture (most professional sporting event tickets will cost you a pretty penny), it is possible to find semi-professional and college events tickets at an affordable rate.

4. Free Family Photos

Hire a professional photographer (or two!) and invite your clients to come and update their family photos. You might make an entire day of it, hosting the photo session at a popular park or landmark. Depending on your budget, you can even offer after-photo snacks and beverages for attendees.

5. Food and Drinks

Nothing brings out the masses more than fine food and drink. Consider hosting a catered meal, complete with wine or beer tasting, or a fancy brunch. Nothing says “thanks for your business” like an out-of-this-world culinary experience!

6. Games and Prizes

Who doesn’t love free stuff? Get creative! Host a game night inspired by your favorite TV game show. Invite your clients to trivia. Set up an Amazing Race-inspired challenge around the city. And here’s the incentive: amazing prizes for the winners. You’re sure to get a great turnout!

7. Private Movie Nights

Most theater chains will rent an entire movie theater to a private group. Keeping in mind the demographics of your clients, choose a movie that fits their interests. It might be a family film, a comedy, a documentary, or a classic film. Then, host a free movie night, complete with free popcorn, snacks, and drinks.

Hosting client appreciation events can help you increase your social media presence, too. Take lots of photos and video during these functions. Show past and potential clients just how much you value their business. The event itself shouldn’t be “salesy” – it’s simply a time to thank your clients. But you can certainly take advantage of your event and use it to gain social media and website traffic!

This list is only the beginning; the options are limitless! No matter what you choose, you’ll be telling your clients “thank you” with an experience they won’t soon forget. And that is the greatest gift.