The summer months provide for some of the best holidays of the year – Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day are held during months that are ideal for poolside parties, cookouts and outdoor fun.
Travis Twilbeck, the aquatics director for The Club at the Township in Ridgeland, Miss., believes that celebrating national holidays like these with your members is a great way to show appreciation for their patronage. That’s why this Labor Day, September 5, 2013, The Club will throw a free Labor Day Bash featuring two poolside bands.
The Club’s members aren’t strangers to parties – each Saturday during the summer, The Club features a local band, and the Fourth of July is a popular bash as well. Twilbeck explained that members love parties as kickbacks, and that national holidays are great excuses for throwing get-togethers. “I think it helps with member retention, because it lets members know that their membership is going towards more than just equipment,” he said. “Their membership is going towards fun events that benefit everyone.”
Fun for members, the parties are beneficial to The Club, as well. Guests are charged a small entry fee, which provides for an additional source of revenue. In addition, The Club has partnered with local restaurants to provide poolside food service during the summer months, to members who wish to grab a snack while lounging in the sun. “It’s a really good partnership that’s still evolving,” said Twilbeck.
One local restaurant, Anjou, even developed a menu exclusive to The Club’s membership. “They created a small menu with small plates and appetizers our members can order from,” explained Twilbeck. “Anjou’s number is posted in the pool area, and members can call in, and they’ll deliver food directly to them.”
According to Twilbeck, the poolside service and parties are a great draw, especially for members with families. “Families can spend all day at the pool and not have to worry about anything,” he said. “They can have food delivered directly to them and never have to leave.”
This Labor Day, The Club’s members can enjoy Anjou’s services, or order from another of The Club’s partners, Soulshine Pizza Factory.
This being the second year The Club at the Township has been open, Twilbeck said members could expect even more fun and games next summer. “We’re looking in to hosting family pool games for members with kids next year,” he said.
If your club has an outdoor pool, think about taking advantage of summer holidays to celebrate with your members and show your appreciation. Though it may be tempting to close, members will appreciate having a place to celebrate holidays by the pool. Market the party via social media and e-mail marketing, and charge a small guest fee to bring in some additional revenue. Most importantly, create an opportunity for your members to have fun in your facility, instead of outside of it.
By Rachel Zabonick
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
