Client appreciation events are one of the highest-leverage activities in real estate. Done right, they generate 10+ touches, re-engage past clients, and create referral opportunities in a setting that feels genuine and low-pressure.
Done wrong, they cost $12,000, leave you with a truck full of leftover sandwiches, and stress you out so much you never talk to anyone.
At Foraker Realty, we've hosted five annual client appreciation events at Paradocx Vineyard in Landenberg, PA. Our next one is Friday, June 14th, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m. We're expecting 150 to 200 guests, and the event will cost around $3,500.
Here's the system we use.
Step 1: Pick the Right Venue
We host at a winery. Wine is inexpensive—about $7 per bottle, which pours four to five glasses. The venue already has atmosphere, so we don't need to create it. The space is family-friendly, and there's room for kids to move around.
Your venue should:
- Match the vibe you want (we're boutique and local, so a winery fits)
- Have a reasonable cost structure (per-person vs. flat rental fee)
- Accommodate the size of your list comfortably
We do a Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m.—happy hour timing, not a full dinner commitment.
Step 2: Invite Strategically
We used to mail printed invitations. Handwritten envelopes. The whole thing. It cost over $1,000 when you factor in printing, postage, envelopes, and labor.
Now we use email and text:
- Three emails leading up to the event
- One text message Friday morning
- One ringless voicemail
We invite everyone in our CRM who hasn't opted out—around 1,000 people for this event. That includes A+ clients, past clients, and even some leads who've never transacted. It's a touch. Even if they don't come, they know we're thinking of them.
A note on Smart Plans and timing: If you're using automation, apply your email sequence at the same time for everyone. We learned the hard way that staggered starts create chaos—one year, the