Time to take a look at the coming month of February 2014 for the various holidays, events and anniversaries that smart marketers can use as the basis for a promotion or campaign.
And although we’re looking just one month ahead at February, it’s never too early to get started on your preparation for months and major events later in the year.
In 2014 Easter falls on 18-21 April and already in the supermarkets hot cross buns and Easter Eggs are on sale!
Back to February and Valentines Day (February 14) is the standout occasion for the month pretty much everywhere.
Chinese New Year falls on January 31 (and 2014 is the “Year Of The Horse”)…but celebrations continue into the first week of February.
And “Groundhog Day” (February 2) is, I suggest, now part of the popular consciousness thanks to the classic Bill Murray movie…
Great opportunity if you’re marketing any kind of personal development or improvement product or service.
I’m going to change the format of the post a little this month.
After the opening section I’ll list events and occasions that have a wide relevance. I’ll then mention specific occasions and holidays in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia.
Apologies to readers outside of those countries but here’s a great resource where you can quickly and easily look up holidays and other observances in your particular country…“Calendar Info At Time-And-Date.com”.
Looking at general events…
February 2 – Groundhog Day(again!!)
February 7 – Charles Dickens born in 1812
February 11 – Thomas Edison’s Birthday
February 11 – World Day Of The Sick
February 12 – Darwin Day (anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin in 1809)
February 13 – World Radio Day
February 14 – Valentine’s Day
February 21 – International Mother Language Day
February 22 – Happy Thinking Day 
February 24 – National Obnoxious Day (!)
You’ll find more off-beat and unusual occasions listed over at www.BlueMountain.com (see the “On this day…” section)
In the USA…
February 1 – National Freedom Day
February 2 – Superbowl
February 17 – Presidents’ Day
Canada…
February 10 – Family Day (British Columbia
February 17 – Islander Day (Pr.Edward I)
February 17 – Family Day (AB, ON, SK)
No special holidays in the UK or Australia…
…although it’s the end of summer and “Back to School” in Australia.
Two business anniversaries…
February 1, 1898 – The first recorded automobile insurance policy is issued by the Travelers Insurance Company to Dr Truman J. Martin of Buffalo, New York. The premium was $11.25 to provide cover up to $10,000 from possible lawsuits brought by owners of horses frightened by the sight and noise of the car.
February 13, 1959 – The Barbie doll is introduced by Mattel at the American Toy Fair in New York City
Every success with your event-driven marketing promotions for February 2014!