*Dates and events subject to change due to the coronavirus

Look ahead three months for observances that provide a number of solid promo opportunities, from pet shelter events, to eco-friendly efforts, to entrepreneurial initiatives. Vegans, coffee-lovers, small-business owners and adoptable pets (and their caretakers) will thank you.

Adopt a Senior Pet Month

It’s an unfortunate reality that senior pets are often the last to be adopted from shelters, but there are many benefits to bringing in seniors: They’re often already house- and litter box-trained, so they don’t require the constant monitoring that kittens and puppies do, and they already have an established personality that makes it easier to find suitable homes.
PITCH: Help animal organizations with outreach by providing outdoor feather flags, and consider “new pet parent” kits with branded collars, leashes and bowls.

Polyester dog collar (DC-100) from BamBams (asi/38228); bambams.com

Nov. 1/World Vegan Day

Established in 1994 by the U.K.-based Vegan Society, this observance recognizes people around the world who abstain from consuming and using animal-based products. In recent years, it’s become a growing trend at eateries, many of which now offer a variety of vegan options, and the fashion industry, where designers avoid use of fur, leather, wool and other materials derived from animal sources.
PITCH: Consider vegan giveaways or raffle items like those made of non-animal materials. Clients in the restaurant and bar industry would appreciate vegan leather menu holders and coasters, and the travel and finance markets are great fits for accessories like luggage tags and credit card holders.

Vegan leather card holder from Clik Clak Co./World Packaging Corp. (asi/98289); clikclak.com

Nov. 8/National Cappuccino Day

A little espresso, hot milk and foam combine to create cappuccino, a popular coffee drink. This day is set aside to celebrate this Italian favorite that’s become trendy all around the world, thanks to heavy-hitters like Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Peet’s. Your local coffeehouse could use some promo love too, especially after the past year fraught with challenges for independent locations.
PITCH: Present signage for coffee shops to advertise their specials this day, along with T-shirts for staff, and tumblers for customers that spend above a certain amount on cappuccinos.

15-ounce double-wall stainless-steel mug (97963) from Moderne Glass Company (asi/71920); glassamerica.com

Nov. 15/America Recycles Day

Led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this day is set aside to encourage consistent recycling efforts across the country. According to the EPA, recycling rates have increased from just 7% in 1960 to more than 30% today. But there’s still more work to be done, and thankfully, the promo industry has lots of eco-friendly and sustainable product options that would be ideal fits for special recycling and eco-friendly events.
PITCH: Target recycling companies, township awareness initiatives and clean-up efforts with giveaways and gifts for loyal volunteers.

Recycled plastic cooler (3750-37) from Leed’s (asi/66887); pcna.com

Nov. 27/Small Business Saturday

This observance, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, encourages consumers to patronize small businesses for their holiday shopping needs instead of the “big box” stores that often see significant sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It was first held in 2010 by American Express and has since become a nationwide campaign.
PITCH: There are countless small retail and food service businesses that could use promo to increase foot traffic this day. Choose a few in your local area and have conversations with them now on how you can aid them in promoting their products and services with items like signage and special uniforms.

A Frame chalkboard kit (AFKCB24321) from National Banner Co. (asi/73280); nationalbanner.com

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