Program Planning

    • A programming manager is always looking to connect with members of CH and within the community at large for partnership/programming possibilities. Take meetings/coffees! Get to know leaders in the community and let them get to know Common House’s goals/priorities for programming opportunities.

    • A great place to start is connecting with the membership team and membership committee (and the common ground members as those programs are established in your house) as these individuals are typically already well connected within the community and have ideas for the types of programming they would like to see within the house.

    • A suggestion would be to keep an ongoing list of ideas/people you’ve met to reference when building out either a house launch calendar or the general programming calendars each month.

    • A newly hired programming manager will work closely with the programming director to build out an exciting, fast paced launch calendar to span the first three months of the club opening.

    • Programs should target every amenity within the house (whether it be conference rooms, movie theater, rooftop deck, pool, gym, wine cellar, etc.) to expose all incoming members to the many spaces located within their house and special attention should be given to the intros for these programs at the beginning of the programs around opening

    • They should also offer a regular cadence of programs that members may come to expect without going overboard. Members are EXCITED to get into the house when it first opens and having light and easy lift programs at the beginning will be beneficial to the staff and less overwhelming to members who are just learning the portal, how to make reservations, etc

      • Start off with happy hours to establish Club within a club, offering weekly music, trivia, tastings, DJs, wellness, and depending on the time of year, yearly & across house programs should be incorporated into opening month

  • Programming calendars should always be worked on at least 6-8 weeks in advance.

    Generally we’re aiming for:

    • 3-4 F&B programs (generally on a slower night like a Tuesday or a Wednesday)

    • 3-4 Happy Hours/connection programs including a New Member Happy Hour, things like trivia, big concert pre-parties, etc

    • At least once per week music (definitely on Wednesdays + an additional if needed to boost sales)

    • Music or a DJ on Friday or Saturday

    • Program that acknowledges any holidays that month

    • Making class

    • Wellness class or series

    • Anything attached to large community events (very dependent on city and local partners, but something good to keep in mind during the planning process

    Partner Communication:

    • If working with a new partner, always conduct a walkthrough of the space to discuss set-up and day-of logistics like parking, etc.

    • Before confirming a program, negotiate payment, start/end times, marketing responsibilities and RSVP expectations.

    • Have all new partners sign the Programming Partner Agreement (house specific) and keep a scan (or copy of .PDF) of this on the internal drive.

    When deciding on ticket prices for each program event, always refer to the Standard Programming Ticket + Pricing sheet for guidelines

    Club within a club: after a house is established, open calls for member-driven club with a clubs should be put out through socials and newsletter.

    • Club within a clubs are typically book clubs, chess clubs, etc.

    Non-profit fundraising: As the house becomes more established, a great way to partner with local organizations is to incorporate non-profit fundraisers either monthly or bi-monthly depending on revenue. This could look like 10% of drink sales will be donated to X organization on X date from X time to X time.

    • Ideally the non-profits align with Common House beliefs and are also a good cross-promotion opportunity for new memberships or private events

    • These can and should be vetted by Director of Operations and/or Membership

  • Yearly programming themes (includes across-house + holidays)

  • Programming Decor Guide

    • Includes decor breakdowns and expectations for all brand level yearly + holiday programs

    • Be vague with the number of pours at beverage programs (as it is dependent on the local ABC store)

    • Do not advertise free drinks

    • Keep the location vague unless it’s an important part of the program (i.e. music on the roof or sunset sounds should be outside, a beverage tasting that could change spaces does not need to include location in description)

    • Pricing should always be included in the listing if there is a fee. Fees are typically double for NMGs if there is a price for members. Even if there is only a fee for non-member guests, free for members should be spelled out (this reiterates the value of membership).

    • If there is a large food program with a special menu, it can be listed with vague highlights from the menu before it’s officially finalized by the Chef. However, closer to promotion/program date, a link to the special menu is needed (especially important with expensive events and prix fixe meals).