Introducing Your Q4 Holiday Guide: Unleash Creativity and Excitement for the Season Ahead

As we approach 2024's final quarter, the excitement in the air is palpable. The holiday season brings a unique opportunity to connect with shoppers meaningfully, turning your venue into a hub of celebration and joy. Imagine the energy of your audience coming together to honor teachers, celebrate Halloween, and give thanks—all while cheering for their favorite teams or artists! This is the perfect time to tap into the season's spirit and create unforgettable experiences that resonate with your audience.

In this Q4 marketing guide, we’ll explore key holidays and cultural moments, offering you a treasure trove of ideas and promotions that have worked wonders for teams and organizations in the past. From Teachers’ Day to the holiday season, the opportunities for creative campaigns and building bridges to your local communities are endless. So, let’s dive into the festivities and discover how you can launch captivating offers that boost ticket sales and foster a deeper connection with your audience.

October 5th - Teachers' Day

Kick-off October by honoring those who shape the minds of our future—teachers! On October 5th, consider promoting offers that show appreciation for educators. The Louisiana RLR event is a fantastic example of how to celebrate teachers with special ticket packages that honor their hard work and dedication. Similarly, Circle K is sponsoring an event that recognizes teachers and offers exclusive perks for educators and their families.

These types of promotions create memorable experiences for local educators and present a unique opportunity to engage local businesses and corporations as sponsors. Collaborating with local sponsors can enhance your events while showcasing community support for education.

October 16th - Boss' Day

On October 16th, it’s time to celebrate the leaders who guide your teams with creativity and dedication—Boss’s Day! This holiday presents a unique opportunity for teams to tap into their current corporate partners and create offers that foster camaraderie and appreciation. Think beyond standard group ticket packages; consider hosting a special event corporate night that highlights local businesses and their leaders.

Imagine offering a “Boss’ Day Package” that includes premium seating, exclusive access to a pre-game networking event, and a special recognition ceremony, complete with personalized shout-outs during the event. Collaborating with your corporate partners can enhance these experiences, allowing them to showcase their commitment to employee engagement while promoting their brand in a fun environment.

Additionally, you could host contests where employees can nominate their bosses for special recognition, and winners could receive exclusive perks like VIP experiences or gift packages. By involving corporate partners and creating engaging, tailored experiences, you can transform Boss’s Day into a memorable event that strengthens relationships and boosts morale both inside and outside the office!

October 31st - Halloween

As Halloween approaches, let the festivities begin! Picture your venue transformed into a spooky wonderland where your audience can enjoy thrilling games with a Halloween twist. Teams like the Arlington Mavericks are offering unique experiences, such as tickets that include a hat and the Washington Capitals are enticing fans with Halloween-themed pillow cases. For something different, host a family-friendly event like the Junior Halloween Party or a nostalgic drive-in movie experience. The sky's the limit when it comes to Halloween-themed fun!

November 11th - Veterans' Day

November 11th is a day of gratitude and reflection as we honor our veterans. Create special Offers that celebrate those who have served. The San Antonio Spurs are leading the way with discounted tickets and a free t-shirt, while other teams are providing unique experiences, such as a tunnel experience with a donation for veterans.

Additionally, offering exclusive discounts is a great way to engage veterans and active military personnel. For example, the Vegas Golden Knights discounted tickets Offer is available through FEVO, which utilizes ID.me verification services to ensure that Offers reach the right audience.

FEVO’s integration with ID.me allows organizations to easily verify military personnel's eligibility, allowing them to tailor promotions specifically for veterans and their families and hindering brokers from taking advantage.

November 28th - Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude and celebrate togetherness. Launch special week-long promotions, such as a 50% off ticket deal or premium suite Offers with additional benefits to attract families and friends looking to create memorable experiences during this season of thankfulness.

Another great idea is to offer pre-game events and experiences like Turkey Trots, Flag Football Games, and Tailgates, which can include all-inclusive food and drinks. These festive activities not only bring the community together but also serve as fantastic opportunities for increasing revenue and engaging local organizations for fundraising efforts. By creating an inviting atmosphere where your audience can enjoy delicious food and fun activities, you can enhance the overall experience, boost season ticket holder engagement, and foster a spirit of giving back during this special time of year.

November 29th - Black Friday

The excitement continues with Black Friday on November 29th, a day known for fantastic deals that has evolved into more than just a single shopping day; it now often extends into a week-long extravaganza, with shoppers beginning to hunt for deals earlier than ever. Research indicates that consumers increasingly embrace this trend, spreading their holiday shopping across several days instead of cramming all purchases into one hectic day.

This year, think of Black Friday as Black Friday WEEK! Launch a series of promotions that span the entire week, offering exclusive daily deals that encourage fans to check back regularly for new offers. Entice shoppers with BOGO Offers and early bird deals for the first 100 tickets sold. Consider unique packages like holiday packs that include tickets and merchandise to get a jump start on holiday shopping.

Check out our blog, A 15-Step Guide to Maximizing Sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to help guide you into creating and launching your Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer.

November 30th - Small Business Saturday

On November 30th, celebrate Small Business Saturday by spotlighting the local businesses that enrich your community! This day is a perfect opportunity to create partnerships that not only boost ticket sales but also promote local entrepreneurship. Consider offering special ticket packages, such as the one from Motor City Cruise with the small business campaign sponsored by local small businesses, which highlights sponsorship opportunities for small businesses at your events.

Get creative with your campaigns by hosting a “Shop Local” event, where local vendors can set up booths before the game, allowing fans to discover and support businesses in their area. You might even consider special event nights that feature local products, such as local food trucks or craft breweries, turning your venue into a community marketplace.

December 2nd - Cyber Monday

The excitement of the holiday season continues with Cyber Monday on December 2nd! Offer fans a selection of exclusive promotions, such as Cyber Monday deals that let them choose from multiple games with a special code or BOGO offers. Consider creating unique packages that include tickets and exclusive merchandise, giving fans even more reasons to celebrate. (Cyber Monday doesn’t even have to be just one day, we’ve seen lots of partners surprise & delight fans by extending their deals.)

December 3rd - Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday, observed on December 3rd, is a global day of giving that follows the shopping frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s a wonderful opportunity for organizations to engage with their communities by focusing on fundraising, donations, and charitable initiatives. This year, consider launching campaigns that promote ticket sales and give back to those in need.

For instance, the USC Athletics program hosted a Giving Tuesday Flash Sale specifically tailored for UCI alumni, with proceeds benefiting the UCI Athletic Fund. This type of initiative allows your audience  to support their favorite teams or artists while contributing to a good cause.

Similarly, the Long Island Nets embraced the spirit of giving with their Buy One, Give One campaign. For every ticket purchased, they donated a ticket to a child in need, ensuring that local kids can experience the thrill of live sports. This initiative increases attendance and builds a strong connection between the team and the community.

Encourage your organization to brainstorm additional charitable initiatives, such as partnerships with local nonprofits or hosting special events where a portion of ticket sales goes directly to community programs. Participating in Giving Tuesday can create a meaningful impact while fostering goodwill and loyalty among your audience.

December Holidays - Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and Diwali

The holiday season is a wonderful time to celebrate diverse traditions! From special ticket packages for Hanukkah that include foam fingers and concert packages to exclusive Christmas hats, there are endless opportunities to engage your audience. Host events like the Lighting ceremony during pre-game or the Diwali Night Performance to celebrate various cultures and bring the community together in joy.

December 21st - Super Saturday

Super Saturday is the last Saturday before Christmas Eve and is often regarded as one of the year's busiest shopping days. In fact, the retail trade organization forecasts that 141.9 million American consumers will shop on Super Saturday, making it a prime opportunity for teams to engage with last-minute shoppers looking for thoughtful gifts and festive entertainment.

This year, focus on creating enticing gift campaigns that allow fans to purchase vouchers for friends and family. These vouchers can be redeemed for tickets to future games, creating a unique gift experience that extends the holiday spirit beyond December. Promote options like “Gift a Game” vouchers, where fans can buy a ticket for someone else to enjoy a future match, ensuring that their loved ones have something to look forward to in the new year.

December 26th - Boxing Day

Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, is a tradition that originated in the United Kingdom and is now popular in many countries. It traditionally marks a day for giving to the less fortunate and a time for families to relax and enjoy sports and shopping after Christmas. In the sporting world, it often features exciting games and sales, making it an ideal time for teams to engage fans with special offers.

To capitalize on Boxing Day, consider offering enticing packages that combine game tickets with exclusive experiences, such as post-game meet-and-greets with players or behind-the-scenes tours. You could also create “Boxing Day Bundles,” which might include family ticket packages with concessions or merchandise, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.

Another fun idea is to host a “Boxing Day Bash” where your shoppers can participate in festive activities, such as themed games or contests, along with special food and beverage offerings. For example, you can promote packages like this one from the Winnipeg Jets, which includes tickets to a game along with exciting extras, or this Boxing Day campaign from the Abbotsford Canucks featuring multiple Offers. Partnering with local charities for a donation drive can also align with the spirit of giving that Boxing Day embodies, inviting fans to contribute while enjoying the festivities.

Let's harness the magic of Q4 together and inspire your team to create compelling campaigns that resonate with fans throughout the holiday season! This guide is your blueprint for crafting experiences that keep shoppers returning for more, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. If you are not currently working with FEVO for your live event campaigns or ticketing, schedule a demo to talk with our representatives and learn more.