How special events can help address America’s weighty issues

Businesses interested in helping Americans shed pandemic pounds might consider hosting special events that incorporate educational tools, along with fun activities, like:

Pandemic Pound Bingo: Print themed bingo cards and incorporate healthy weight loss and activity tips, trivia, and education

Activity Calendar: Create a free event calendar that details local group walks, runs, biking, yoga, and other events (only post those open to the public) and promote them on social media. Consider printing monthly calendars for in-store pick-up.

Better Breakfasts: Think local celebrity chef Small Plate demos or a cross-promotion with a popular breakfast restaurant, expert speakers and education, gift certificates, etc. aimed at pandemic parents (millennial’s average weight gain -41 pounds). Ask your local school if they would welcome sponsorship of an on-site event for parents (along with business-produced flyers, announcements, etc.)

Wednesday Whine Night (Mocktails): Think local celebrity chef, or stand-up comedian emcee, a cross-promotion with a popular eatery, expert speakers and education, gift certificates, etc. Ask your local school if they would welcome sponsorship of an on-site event for parents too (along with business-produced flyers, announcements, etc.)

Transition Tuesdays or Thursdays: Think light healthy snacks, expert speakers (perhaps school nurse or teacher), and take-away tips regarding how to ease back-to-school transitions, avoid stress eating, etc. Plan a complementary social media posting plan too 3 -4 weeks prior to school opening.

Mojo Yoga Events: In-store events, as well as online family yoga pose challenges and related social media posting strategies.

Ugly Sweatpants Contest: In-store event and educational series promoting positive parental mental health
Coffee Sleeve Promos: Print and distribute free coffee sleeves (with coupon and one back-to-school tip) to local area coffee shops willing to partner on sleep education efforts.

Bedtime Bingo: Print themed bingo cards and incorporate back-to-school tips, trivia and education

Signature Gift-Item: Create a signature gift item for distribution to those who participate in your sponsored campaign(s), like Serta’s Sleep Sheep

Operation Round-Up: Invite consumers to “round-up” purchases to the nearest dollar in support of local mental health charities.

Social Media: Promote a themed hashtag for social media posts. Utilize free area event calendars to promote your efforts, but be respectful of guidelines that prohibit commercial messaging.

Take care with messaging. Weight shaming is real and businesses need to be sensitive in addressing pandemic-related weight gain. Focus on healthy activities and lifestyles versus the cosmetic side of weight loss.  Parents respond to activities that look fun, interesting, and are short and convenient.

Also, consider utilizing a press release containing compelling hooks.

Our Get Listed pro tips provide CBD and cannabis brands with proven methods to get listed on local event calendars. No time? No sweat! We can help. Ask us about our event marketing support.

Editor’s Note: Jackie Berg is the Co-Founder and CMO of CBD Marketing Hub l Cannabis Marketing-Hub. You can reach her or anyone on the team at cbdmarketinghub.com  or by email at: hello@cbdmarketinghub.com