By Beth Mulcahy, Esq.

Our Association Has Trouble Getting Owners to Attend Our Annual Meeting. Do you have any Tips on How to Increase Attendance?

Yes, I do! Here are a few of our firm’s suggestions on how to increase attendance at an Annual Meeting.

♦ Announce the annual meeting date, time, and location in as many places as possible

♦ Plan and publicize a social event after or before the meeting and include food

♦ Give away door prizes or conduct a raffle (vendors of the association may be willing to donate door prizes)

♦ Give away awards for best lawn, flowers, best holiday decorations, etc.

♦ Establish a program; have a discussion on hot topics such as increasing the assessment rate, crime or common area improvements

♦ Arrange for guest speaker(s)(politicians, association attorney, landscaper, city officials, etc.)

♦ Aggressively pursue mail-in or absentee ballots

♦ Acknowledge and thank all of the volunteer work association members have contributed and give written certificates or a written thank you from the board.

Good Luck!