Building a Stronger Community at Panorama Portarlington
On Saturday 13th January 2024, Judi Carr and the Property Republic team organised and hosted a "Touch a Truck Day" at the Panorama Portarlington construction site, along with Lisa Thompson from ThinkSolve Development Solutions, Neville Richards Real Estate and BildGroup.
The event aimed to engage purchasers, prospective purchasers and local community members, providing them with an opportunity to witness the construction progress firsthand and foster a sense of community pride and excitement.
The Panorama teams understands the importance of community engagement, and so the main objective of the Touch a Truck event was to build a strong sense of community.
Planning and Marketing the Event
Judi Carr, Director of Property Republic, managed and coordinated a number of moving parts in the lead up to the event, including:
Signage
Event day infrastructure (marquees, tables)
Designing and printing canvas showbags
Event set-up
Event pack-down
Digital marketing (web, social media and email)
The planning phase involved coordinating with the construction team BildGroup, to ensure a seamless and safe experience.
Saturday 13th January 2024 was selected for the event to coincide with the Portarlington Mussel Festival and leverage off the increase in local traffic.
Property Republic managed the marketing and advertising of the event, creating a landing page on the Panorama website as well as an Eventbrite registration page where people could register their attendance. These pages were shared through organic social media posts, a paid Facebook campaign and a number of emails to the Panorama database.
To encourage registrations and attendance, it was advertised that free showbags would be given to the first 100 people to register.
Judi liaised with BildGroup, Geo Fabrics Australasia, Neville Richards Real Estate and Think Fencing for the contents of the showbags, as well as organising the design and creation of the canvas bag.
There were over 200 registrations for the event by Friday 12th January 2024.
Event Day
On the day of the event, a diverse array of construction trucks were parked around the site, allowing children and families to safely view and take photos with the machinery. This not only provided an entertaining experience but also offered valuable insights into the construction process for both children and adults. Over 150 people attended the event – a mixture of families with young children, purchasers and locals.
Random prize giveaways, complimentary donuts and water were also on offer to create a festive atmosphere and encourage participation.
The stunning coastal views of Port Phillip Bay, the You Yangs, and the Melbourne city skyline served as a picturesque backdrop, enhancing the overall experience.
Purchasers had the opportunity to speak with the Development Manager, Lisa Thompson, and witness their future neighbourhood taking shape, fostering a sense of connection and ownership.
Benefits of Hosting the Event
Community Building: Touch a Truck Day successfully brought together purchasers and local families, creating a stronger sense of community.
Excitement and Anticipation: By providing a sneak peek into the construction progress, the event generated excitement and anticipation among attendees.
Purchaser Engagement: The event provided purchasers with an exclusive chance to see the progress of their investment. This direct engagement can enhance their satisfaction and commitment to the community.
Positive Public Relations: Hosting a family-friendly event with free goodies and entertainment generated positive publicity for the development. This positive image can contribute to increased interest from potential buyers and improve relations with the local community.
Post-Event Survey
To gather valuable feedback and insights for future events, a post-event survey was distributed to attendees. The survey included questions about overall satisfaction, favourite aspects of the event, and suggestions for improvement. This feedback would be crucial for refining future community engagement initiatives and tailoring them to the preferences of the residents.
85% of survey respondents said they would be likely to attend similar Panorama events in the future.
“I honestly can’t see how the event could be improved. It was an awesome experience for both the little ones and the parents!”
The Panorama Portarlington Touch a Truck Day was a resounding success. It not only showcased the progress of the development but also played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of belonging and excitement within the community. The event's success, coupled with the insights gathered from the post-event survey, sets a positive precedent for future community-building initiatives at Panorama Portarlington.