Tag: promotional inspirations

photo credit: Kalender / calendar via photopin (license)

Welcome to fall! With the official start of autumn, it’s time to begin thinking about fall events that might not yet be on your radar. As the air gets crisper and days get shorter, we’re not far from the holiday season. Here’s a full selection of October holidays, events, and awareness dates that will keep your business or organization top of mind with clients and business partners as the season changes. They’re well suited for promotional campaigns and giveaways, and they range from fun occasions to more serious, meaningful remembrances.

October!

Daily Awareness Observances & Holidays

October 2-4 – Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah, which means, “Head of the Year” in Hebrew, is the Jewish New Year. It is the first of the High Holy Days, also known as the Days of Awe, which typically take place in early autumn.

October 11-12 – Yom Kippur

Considered the holiest day in Judaism, Yom Kippur is also known as the Day of Atonement. Jewish people observe this important holy day with fasting and prayer, often spending much of the day at synagogue services.

October 16 – World Food Day

World Food Day, celebrated each year on October 16, is a day of action against hunger worldwide and an opportunity to promote the belief that access to food is a human right. Observance events include hunger walks, World Food Day dinners, meal packaging events, and food drives.

October 17 – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Begun by the United Nations in 1993, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty promotes awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries. Poverty eradication is one of the core Millennium Development Goals as well as the developing Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the UN.

October 17 – National Boss Day

Begun by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1958, National Boss Day is an opportunity for employees to thank their bosses for being fair and kind and throughout the year, with the goal being to strengthen intra-office relationships between managers and their employees.

October 24 – United Nations Day

United Nations Day marks the creation of the United Nations with the adoption of the UN Charter in 1945. It is celebrated with a special UN Day Concert at the United Nations General Assembly Hall. Public monuments worldwide are often lit up in blue to promote the message of peace, development, and human rights.

October 31 – Halloween

Celebrated each year on October 31, Halloween is a children’s holiday in which kids dress up in costumes and go trick or treating in their neighborhoods. Homes and businesses often get into the spirit with pumpkin decorations and toys as well as other Halloween accessories.

Weekly Awareness Observances & Holidays

October 3-7: Customer Service Week

Begun by the International Customer Service Association in 1984, National Customer Service Week is a great opportunity for businesses to promote quality customer service and recognize the talent and dedication of their customer service reps.

October 9-15: Fire Prevention Week

Established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 250 people, Fire Prevention Week promotes education on fire safety. This year’s theme is “Don’t Wait—Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every Ten Years.” It’s always a good idea to check your smoke alarm and refresh fire safety best practices.

October 12-18: World Rainforest Week

As tropical forests around the world are threatened by unsustainable logging practices, World Rainforest Week seeks to promote awareness of the situation and encourages people to take action. Communities around the world mark the occasion with documentary screenings, petitions for change, classroom presentations, and other special events.

Monthly Awareness Observances & Holidays

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer affects many women, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to increased awareness of the disease and how it can be detected in its early stages. Communities organize fundraisers, share educational resources, and offer support to women so they can learn how to protect themselves from breast cancer.

Cyber Security Awareness Month

Cyber security is a major issue for us all. As of this writing it looks like Yahoo may have suffered a massive data breach affecting several hundred millions users. National Cyber Security Awareness Month encourages us to learn how to stay safe online, protect our personal information, and identify hoaxes or exploits we may come across. To learn more, visit Stop Think Connect.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Observed each year in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about domestic violence and how it impacts our relationships, our families, and our communities. Many people volunteer or donate to domestic violence prevention organizations, and advocates wear purple on October 20^th, which is known as #PurpleThursday.

Employee Ownership Month

Employee Ownership Month is an occasion for businesses to recognize the many ways in which employee ownership, and having a stake in the company’s success, can help everyone within the organization align toward a common goal over the short and long term.

LGBT History Month

Celebrated each year in October since its inception in 1994, LGBT History Month is a month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history—including the gay rights and civil rights movements. It includes National Coming Out Day, which is celebrated on October 11. It also marks the anniversary of the first march on Washington by LGBT people in 1979. Since then, it has become a national coordinated effort to highlight exemplary role models from the LGBT community.

National Animal Safety and Protection Month

National Animal Safety and Protection Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of caring for both domestic and wild animals. People may mark the occasion by learning about how to microchip their pet so they can be reunited if they should be separated, create a pet disaster plan that includes their pet’s safety needs, volunteer at a local animal shelter, or foster a pet in need of a loving home.

National Book Month

Love reading? Then National Book Month is for you. Schools and libraries offer special events on reading and literacy around this time, but it’s also a great chance to pick a book off the shelf (or download one onto your tablet or e-reader) and get lost in a fascinating novel or biography. It’s also a nice prelude to National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), which takes place in November.

Wondering if there are promotional products that might be a good fit for fall or the upcoming holiday season, or do you have a particular project or campaign on your radar we can help with? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. If you have an idea in mind that might benefit from some creative brainstorming, we’d be happy to share some recommendations. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on custom branded promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

August Holidays, Events, and Awareness Dates to Keep on Your Radar

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photo credit: Kalender / calendar via photopin (license)

August is almost here, and with it, the height of summer. A lot of folks are enjoying well-deserved vacations, and many of us are also beginning planning for back to school. The much-anticipated Rio Olympics are also about to kick off as well, sure to thrill sports and athletics observers alike. As we enjoy the remaining weeks of these long, lazy summer days before Labor Day and the beginning of fall, here are some great opportunities to keep your business or organization top of mind with clients and business partners all month long. These are some upcoming holidays, events, and awareness dates coming up that you might want to have on your radar for promotional campaigns and giveaways—from quirky, fun occasions to more serious, meaningful remembrances.

August!

Holidays, Events, and Awareness Days

August 5-21 – Rio Olympics 2016

The 2016 Summer Games are about to kick off in Rio, bringing thrilling athletic events to our Internet feeds and TVs. No doubt, sports fans will be excited to watch their favorite athletes compete on the world stage. Planning on following the Games? Get into the spirit with some Olympic style medals of your own or even a USOC Olympic car flag.

August 7 – Purple Heart Day

First created by General George Washington to recognize soldiers for exceptional military valor, and also considered the first military combat badge of the United States, the Purple Heart is still awarded to those who have served our country with great distinction and honor. If you know someone who has received a Purple Heart, it’s a fitting occasion to thank them for their service.

August 9 – National Book Lovers Day

Making progress on your summer reading list? Know someone who’s a bookworm? This annual observance day gives you carte blanche to find a cozy nook or a comfortable spot under a tree and while away the hours immersed in a good book. Treat the book lovers you know with some thoughtful book accessories including book lights, bookmarks, and bookends.

August 19 – World Humanitarian Day

First created by the United Nations in recognition of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity to recognize the bravery of those who put themselves at risk in order to help others. It’s also a fitting occasion to note the importance and transformative impact of humanitarian work across the globe.

August 21 – Senior Citizens Day

Each year on August 21, Senior Citizens Day creates awareness about the importance of supporting America’s senior citizens and recognizing their achievements. Created by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, it is also intended to raise awareness about the social, health, and economic issues affecting senior citizens.

August 26 – Women’s Equality Day

We’ve all heard of International Women’s Day, but Women’s Equality Day is likely less well-known. Created in 1971, it commemorates the 1920 passage of the 19^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, enfranchising women with the right to vote. It’s a great opportunity to recognize the strides women have made in participating in public life.

Awareness Weeks August 2016

August 1-7: Simplify Your Life Week. Have you been getting into the KonMari method of reducing clutter, originally popularized by Marie Kondo? Well then you might be interested in Simplify Your Life Week. Not only is it about eliminating clutter from your life, but in removing the obstacles that keep you from fully enjoying each day.

August 25-31: Be Kind to Humankind Week. These days, we all could use a little kindness in our lives. Be Kind to Humankind Week is an annual global celebration of kindness during which we can take steps to create a kinder world together. Here are our tips on how you can practice kindness and make small contributions of your own.

Awareness Months August 2016

– Family Fun Month

As a lot of families get ready to go on vacation or just spend some quality time together, Family Fun Month is a great occasion to celebrate the fun of being with family and creating some lasting memories—whether that’s exploring the outdoors, hanging out at home, or taking a trip.

Wondering if there are promotional products that might be a good fit for the season or a particular project or campaign you might have on your radar? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. If you have an idea in mind that might benefit from some creative brainstorming, we’d be happy to share some recommendations. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on custom branded promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

April Holidays, Events, and Awareness Dates to Keep on Your Radar

March 30, 2016 Cool / Eco / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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photo credit: Kalender / calendar via photopin (license)

April is almost here! We’re excited here in New York. Magnolias, daffodils, and hyacinths have returned to grace our city streets, and the weather’s getting steadily more pleasant each week. As we advance into April, there are several great opportunities to keep your business top of mind with clients and business partners. Here are some of the upcoming holidays, events, and awareness dates coming up that you might want to have on your radar for promotional campaigns and giveaways—from lighthearted humorous occasions to thoughtful remembrances.

April!

Holidays and Awareness Days

April 1 – April Fool’s Day

Kicking off the month is April Fool’s Day. Now if you have a rather witty and irreverent brand image, you might want to make use of this day by playing a good-natured trick of some kind.

April 1 – National Walk to Work Day

Celebrated on the first Friday of April each year, National Walk to Work Day is an event focusing on fitness and environmental awareness. Why not take a pleasant spring stroll to the office on this day?

April 15 – Tax Day

As many folks in the U.S. know, Tax Day is upon us: April 15. If your business is involved in accounting or financial planning, that’s certainly a major date worth marking.

April 18 – Patriot’s Day

Celebrated as a state holiday in Massachusetts and Maine, this holiday commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, which signaled the start of the American War of Independence against Britain.

April 22 – Passover

Beginning at sundown on April 22 and lasting for eight days, Passover celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt.

April 24 – Earth Day

Earth Day arrives on April 24. You may want to honor this occasion by giving out eco-friendly promotional gifts such as eco-friendly tote bags, eco-friendly water bottles, and eco-friendly pens. You can even give out seeds for flowers, herbs, and plants that will produce warm reminders of nature’s beauty long after the date has passed.

April 29 – Arbor Day

National Arbor Day, celebrated on the final Friday of April, is a holiday in which people and community groups plant and care for trees. Now celebrated nationwide, Arbor Day began in Nebraska in 1872.

Awareness Weeks April 2016

April 24 – April 30: Administrative Professionals Week

This is a perfect occasion to honor the administrative professionals at your firm and recognize their many contributions to the company’s success with something sweet like a chocolate gift set, perhaps, or a classy option like an elegant desk set. If you want to focus your efforts on a single day, Administrative Professionals Day (formerly known as “Secretaries Day”) is that Wednesday, April 27.

Awareness Months April 2016

– Procrastination Awareness Month

Could it be a coincidence that with Tax Day on the 15th, April is also Procrastination Awareness Month? With so many of us feverishly crunching numbers right up until the tax deadline, you have to wonder if there’s a connection there. But on a more serious note, procrastination is often linked to stress and anxiety, two difficult conditions with which many people struggle, and so Procrastination Awareness Month is also a good occasion to promote genuine well-being and a balanced, happy life. Stress relievers and stress toys are popular, but wellness trackers and journals also make fine gifts.

– National Humor Month

Want to brighten someone’s day with a laugh? April is National Humor Month—a perfect opportunity to celebrate the lighter side of life.

7 Ways Social Media Can Help Your Business Stand Out at a Trade Show

January 28, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Branding / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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When it comes to trade shows, businesses are always looking for smart and novel ways to get the word out about their products and services. In a crowded exhibition hall full of competitors and distractions, it can be tricky to stand out and make a strong impression. At times like these, social media can be a great asset for getting yourself on people’s radar. It can help you reach potential customers before, during, and after the event. Here are seven tips for marketing your business on social media at trade show time:

Use the event hashtag – Find out what the event hashtag is and see who’s using it prior to the show. Attendees are likely using or monitoring that hashtag on Twitter, looking to connect with others who are also planning to go, but depending on your industry or how the show organizers are using social media, this hashtag may also be in use on Instagram as well. Conversations may already be underway on the trade show’s Facebook page. Join in. It’ll get the word out about your business and show your enthusiasm for the event.
Connect before the trade show – If there are people you know you’ll especially want to talk to at the trade show, whether they’re prospective clients, business partners, or journalists, reach out to them on social media before the big event. Connect with them on LinkedIn, Twitter, or wherever they appear to be most active on social and start a conversation. Let them know you’d love to grab a coffee if possible at the event. People are often pressed for time at trade shows, so be sure to let them know the specific business opportunity or topic you’d like to discuss.
Share video and photos – People are more likely to respond to your social media posts and share them with others if they include video clips or photos. Consider taking snapshots or quick video clips of the scene at the trade show and sharing them on social media during the event. You can occasionally post snapshots of your booth, which will make it easier for people to find in the exhibition hall. Some companies even get started early, snapping pictures of their trip as they’re en route to the show. It gives their followers, and even people who can’t make it to the show but wish they could, a glimpse into what the event looks like behind the scenes.
Run giveaways and contests – Everyone likes a good contest or trade show giveaway featuring cool and useful swag like USB drives and power banks. Running such a contest or giveaway on social media is a great way to draw an even bigger crowd to your booth. You can encourage people to participate by tweeting using a special contest hashtag or by posting a photo of themselves at your booth and sharing it with their followers, for example, which gets the word out about your business to even more people. There are many different ways you can run a contest during a trade show, and incorporating social media into the mix can give it a turbocharged boost.
Advertise your social media campaign with promotional products – Handing out promotional products that feature a social media campaign is a great way to do to let potential clients and business partners know that you’re active on social. You could print a campaign hashtag on pencils that you give out, for example. Another great idea is to choose a promotional product that ties into the concept of the campaign itself. For example, an advocacy group promoting the health benefits of vaccinations might choose a syringe pen or a syringe highlighter and print the hashtag #VaccinationsSaveLives on it to reinforce the messaging in a meaningful, memorable way. Whatever the campaign you are running or the message you want to send, there are a variety of creative ways to amplify it by syncing promotional products with social media.
Get video testimonials – Customer testimonials are among the most powerful forms of marketing out there. If you know that some of your most loyal customers will be at the trade show, see if you can get them to record video testimonials for later use on social media as well as your website, YouTube channel, and email newsletter.
Blog about the show afterward – Share a recap of the trade show and the highlights from your perspective after the big event is over. Include photos, details on the giveaway if you offered one (don’t forget to thank everyone who participated), and any other interesting things that you think are worth mentioning. This gives folks who couldn’t be at the show a look at what it was like from your perspective, and it also presents your business as an active member of the industry community. Just as with the video testimonial, this blog post is perfect for sharing on social media as well as in a company email newsletter.

Do you have a trade show on the horizon? We can help advise you on custom branded promotional products that can make a difference for your brand. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 for creative and innovative branding ideas to help your company stand out and make a great impression.