So here we are in September – (partially) back to the office; kids back to school. At times it didn’t feel as if we’d ever make it to this point, but thankfully here we are. So, what now? Well, if you work in #housingcomms there’s plenty to get stuck into. Here is our #housingcomms events list 2020 to help you plan ahead, and some tips on how to make the most of the external comms opportunities coming up.
Annual accounts
Many housing providers have just published / are about to publish their audited annual accounts. The finance teams have signed them off, the final designed version is now up on the website. Time for a well-earned pat on the back, and also…. Top tip: make sure you have reviewed the accounts for any potential news stories that trade or local media may be interested in. There are often nuggets buried in annual accounts – good and bad. Either way, it’s definitely best to spot them and prepare, rather than be caught on the back foot or miss an opportunity.
CIH Virtual Housing Festival 7-11 September
The Chartered Institute of Housing’s annual conference and exhibition is usually in Manchester in June. This year’s has been rearranged for next week and it is, as the name suggests, a virtual event. From a #housingcomms perspective, although there is no trip to Manchester or – whisper it – team-building visits to the pub, most other aspects of the event remain. There are a range of keynotes on all the topics you would expect: building safety, net zero-carbon, the economic outlook, house building, new innovations and the latest thinking on the recovery from COVID-19. Many housing providers will have colleagues speaking at the event, and most will have people attending from somewhere in the organisation. Top tip: even if you aren’t attending, colleagues may well be. Assuming your social media policy allows it, identify 1-2 who are already active on social media and discuss with them about posting using the event hashtag #virtualhousingfestival during the week.
STOP PRESS!! NEWS FLASH: See Media is exhibiting at the event this year for the first time! We are also really excited to be providing the comms support to the Climate Change Hackathon taking place on Tuesday 8 Sept. Come along and see us for a virtual chat at our stand https://housingevent.co.uk/home/community/exhibitor/see-media
Housing Day 7 October
I am sure by now the annual social media Housing Day needs no introduction. As always, the focus of the day is on #ukhousing coming together to share everything that is positive and great about the work the sector does supporting communities the length and breadth of England (Scotland has a separate Scottish Housing Day on 16 September). It is a nationwide shout out on the power of good that housing professionals possess. Top tip: this year, as well as all that is great in #ukhousing, Housing Day wants to hear stories from tenants and landlords on the ‘importance of home’ using the hashtag #proudtenant as well as #HousingDay. As housing providers build on the strong connections forged with many customers during lockdown, why not see how frontline teams may be able to capture quick videos or soundbites from their patches to share and tell your organisation’s story?
Other #housingcomms events list 2020
More events coming up include: The Budget (October date TBC); National Social Media Managers’ Day (17 September – we’re involved in this too, so look out for us!); and the looooong-awaited Social Housing White Paper (promised ‘this year’).
There is loads more to get your teeth into. We’ll keep across it all #housingcomms events list 2020 updates on @SeeMediaPR and LinkedIn. To make sure you don’t miss anything, please sign up for our monthly newsletter that covers everything #housingcomms.
Stuart Macdonald is Managing Director of See Media
