Let’s take a look at the coming month of February 2015 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 2015 Easter falls on 3-6 April and no doubt hot cross buns and Easter Eggs will soon be 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 February 19 (and 2015 is the “Year Of The Sheep”).
Remember also “Groundhog Day” (February 2) which is, I suggest, now part of the popular consciousness thanks to the classic Bill Murray movie.
Looking at general events…
February 2 – Groundhog Day(again!!)
February 2 – World Wetlands Day
February 4 – World Cancer Day
February 7 – Charles Dickens born in 1812
February 8 – World Marriage Day
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 19 – Chinese New Year
February 21 – International Mother Language Day
February 22 – World Thinking Day
Taking a look at events in particular countries…
In the USA…
February 1 – National Freedom Day
February 1 – Superbowl
February 12 – Lincoln’s Birthday
February 16 – Presidents’ Day
Canada…
February 9 – Family Day (British Columbia
February 15 – National Flag Of Canada Day (50th anniversary of the adoption of the current Maple Leaf design in 1965)
February 16 – Islander Day (Pr.Edward I)
February 16 – Family Day (AB, ON, SK)
February 16 – Nova Scotia Heritage Day (Nova Scotia)
February 16 – Louis Riel Day (Manitoba)
February 17 – Carnival / Shrove Tuesday
February 18 – Ash Wednesday
The UK…
February 17 – Shrove Tuesday (“Pancake Day”)
February 18 – Ash Wednesday
Australia…
February 9 – Royal Hobart Regatta (Tasmania)
February 17 – Shrove Tuesday
February 18 – Ash Wednesday
…and it’s also the end of summer and “Back to School” in Australia.
Some noteworthy anniversaries…
February 6 – (1935) The classic board game Monopoly went on sale in the USA
February 8 – (1950) First ever payment by credit card. The founders of Diners Club paid their restaurant bill at Major’s Cabin Grill in New York City
February 11 – (1990) Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years
Wishing you every success with your event-driven marketing promotions for February 2015!
UPDATE (17 February 2015):
Today is “Shrove Tuesday” and I’ve listed it above in a couple of places. It occurred to me however, that it’s worth expanding on how this occasion might be used in event-driven marketing.
Note that the occasion is also known as “Mardi Gras” or “Carnival” in different countries.
The event itself is in large part a final celebration before the season of Lent (a 40 day period meant to be devoted to reflection, repentance of misdeeds and making amends, amongst other spiritual activities). So the day could easily be used as the basis for some kind of “celebration” promotion.
That then leads on the season of Lent itself and for any kind of personal development business, this could be used as a time to encourage people to review and recommit to goals and objectives that may have been neglected. By this stage of the year, it’s highly likely that those resolutions from the beginning of the year will have abandoned (or looking a little frayed around the edges!), so this could be a great reason to revisit those goals and get back on track. For 40 days you have a completely legitimate reason to contact people and remind them of why they contacted you in the first place and how you can help them.
UPDATE 2 (21 February 2015):
Given that I’m a bit of a movie buff, I’m a little baffled at myself for not including the “Oscars” (strictly speaking, the “Academy Awards”) in our list of noteworthy events. The occasion provides the opportunity for linking with the awards themselves, as well as having your own “Oscars” for your market. This year the awards ceremony is held on February 22.