November 2014

American Diabetes Month

Help companies across industries educate employees about what they can do to lower the risk of getting Type 2 diabetes with pocket calendars that contain healthy eating tips and internal wellness competitions that provide free company swag – a fleece, a nice polo, water bottles – as rewards (www.diabetes.org).

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

Your clients can earn positive publicity by sponsoring events and programs that generate money for Alzheimer’s research and increase public knowledge about the disease. Support their sponsorship efforts with branded products such as buttons and pins, ribbon-shaped awareness magnets and pocket sliders that cover Alzheimer’s awareness, symptoms and treatments (www.alz.org).

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Temporary tattoos, logoed pencils and fun snap bracelets that all bear an anti-smoking message are just a few of the products schools can give to students to reinforce the important message that lighting up could lead to lung cancer (www.lungcanceralliance.org).

Movember

Known as “Mo Bros,” Movember (us.movember.com) participants pledge to grow facial hair throughout the month to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and other diseases that affect men. Campaigns and events promoting the ever-more popular initiative play out in workplaces, communities and health centers. Cleverly sloganed T-shirts are perfect for such efforts, but you can really amp up the impact with fun items like novelty foam mustaches, mustache bead necklaces, glitter mustache rings and plated round cufflinks with a mustache design.

Nov. 3 - Sandwich Day

This day recognizes the inventor of the sandwich – English aristocrat John Montague, Fourth Earl of Sandwich. Delis, diners, local eateries, chain restaurants – all can use the day to introduce new sandwiches or run deals on already popular sellers. Inflatable balloon dancers, banners and promotional buttons for staff can promote the delicious initiatives (http://goo.gl/vE66mJ).

Nov. 17-21 - American Education Week

Spotlighting the important role of public education (www.nea.org), this week gives you the chance to cook up spirit-building campaigns for schools. Start with banners
and signs that celebrate educators’ commitment to strengthening young minds.

Nov. 20 Beaujolais - Nouveau Release

By French law, Beaujolais Nouveau, a popular young red wine, cannot be released for sale until the third Thursday of November (www.beaujolaisnouveauday.com). The annual release sparks celebrations around the world. Restaurants and wine bars may host such celebrations, while companies that want to run a special appreciation event for clients or employees will do the same. Branded items like pocket cork screws, vino glasses and reusable wine bags will enliven the party.

Nov. 24-30 Better - Conversation Week

This week is a time to have better conversations with friends, family and coworkers (www.conversationmatters.com). Suggest to clients that they host internal networking events where employees get to know each other better to facilitate cross-department cooperation. Provide notepads, pens, pencils, stress relievers and more for the interactive events.

Nov. 27 Turkey Day - Fun Runs

“Turkey Trots” – 5k and 10k running races – occur on Thanksgiving around the country. Use www.runningintheusa.com to find a few in your area, and then provide T-shirts, hats, signage, water bottles and/or other items for organizers to give to runners.

Nov. 28 National - Flossing Day

Help dentists promote flossing – and their practices – with giveaways of floss to patients on this day and the week leading up to it. You can also put together a direct-mail package that includes floss and tips on proper flossing (www.flossing.org).