THE HEADWEAR ASSOCIATION HAT DAY IN THE SUN TOOK PLACE LAST WEEK

The Headwear Association Hat Giveaway was on June 20th and we hear that the event was a success. The media coverage (print and broadcast) was good, over 15 companies were involved, and hopefully next year will be even better! More companies need to rally around this cause. This was the first of many to come - the THA is planning on making Hat Day in the Sun an annual event.

We found this little story about The Bollman Hat Company from WGAL.com.

This is what the media had to say:

“Summer officially begins at 7:59 p.m. Friday and a hat company in Lancaster County wants to protect people from the hot summer sun.

The Bollman Hat Company gave out free hats Friday morning at Lancaster's Binns Park.

It's part of a skin cancer prevention program called Hat Day in the Sun. Bollman is one of 17 members of the Headwear Association taking part in the event.”

We heard that there were 12 locations across the country participating in this auspicious hat event.

But, last week the real media focus was on the Royal Ascot in London (and Tim Russert). And that brings me to another idea for hatters to consider. Since social events are where women (and some men) like to show off their hats, why not have hat give-a-ways and hat contests like the English do? Give hats away (and hat literature) at the Bridge Hampton Polo Matches, The US Open or the Fifth Avenue Easter Parade in New York City?

It makes sense people. You want to go where the action is – and no where is the action greater than at polo matches, horse shows, film festivals, movie openings, fashion shows, restaurant openings, holiday’s parks, etc.

Not only that, but the media must be alerted way in advance so they can print an announcement about your event in advance. Then you have created an “event.” And no one wants to be left out of an event.

There is an old saying that to succeed you must find out who is doing the best and then copy them. Well, the English are loyal to hats and make hats part of the centerpiece (and the social countenance) of their social scene. They have hat contests and hat hoopla at all horse races and big social events. If you want to give out free hats, do it at places where there are TV cameras and newspaper reporters swarming in your midst. There is Saratoga Springs, The Kentucky Derby, and other social happenings (what about topless beaches)?

There you have it – my two cents. If you were involved in the Hat Day in the Sun, let me know how it went. The goal of these events is awareness and hat consciousness - you have to touch a lot of heads to make headway here.

Remember hats are a status symbol at major sporting events in England; why not create this same hat drama in the USA?

HAT DAY IN THE SUN PROMOTION