Chamber Event Trend: Zip Code Day

If you’re seeking a fun way to engage your local community and foster a sense of pride and belonging, this idea is a winner.

One emerging trend gaining traction in chamber events is the utilization of zip code and area code days as unique ways to highlight the businesses, organizations, and residents that make the community special. This type of event mixes a powerful combination of community pride and shop local opportunities. Not to mention it’s an enjoyable feel-good event theme with room for creativity so you can customize it to showcase your part of the world.

What Are Zip Code and Area Code Days?

Zip code and area code days are designated days to celebrate specific geographic areas based on their unique numerical identifiers. Zip codes, consisting of five digits, and area codes, consisting of three digits, are more than just postal and telephone codes – they represent distinct communities with their own identities and histories.

Zip code and area code days are celebrated on the date that corresponds to the code itself. For example, a community with the zip code 90210 might celebrate on September 2nd (9/02/10), while a community with the area code 212 might celebrate on February 12th (2/12). It’s an event date everyone can remember, and these types of celebrations are growing in popularity.

Towns of all sizes are getting involved including this one—a town of only 600 people—that celebrated in 2023.

Why Run a Zip Code or Area Code Day Event at Your Chamber?

There are several compelling reasons why you might choose to organize a zip code or area code day event in your area.

They’re ideal for generating and showcasing:

Community Pride. These events create a sense of unity and pride among residents, businesses, and organizations within a specific geographic area.

Economic Boost. They can drive foot traffic to local businesses, restaurants, and attractions, providing a much-needed economic boost. Many chambers also choose to sell zip code (or area code) souvenirs.

Collaboration. These celebrations offer an excellent opportunity to partner with other chambers and various community groups including tourism entities and nonprofits. Collaboration creates opportunities and strengthens relationships for future projects as well.

Publicity. Zip code and area code day events can generate positive media attention, showcasing the community's unique identity and spirit.

While there are many reasons to celebrate a zip code or area code day, selecting the right mix of fun activities can be the difference between a “one and done” event and an event that becomes an annual celebration of your local area.

Fun and Engaging Activities for Zip Code/Area Code Days

The possibilities are endless when it comes to planning activities for these events. You can focus on one or have several. Take a look at what Gardner did this year.

Here are a few ideas to get you started including several that have worked for other chambers:

Business Promotions
Encourage local businesses to offer special discounts or promotions in line with the numbers (or offer exclusive savings to residents within the zip code or area code). On 727 day (the area code in Pinellas County Florida), some businesses offered 7.27% off discounts. Participants could also offer deals at 7:27. Play with the numbers to create a fun discount or special.

Neighborhood Block Parties
Organize block parties along Main Street or favorite retail clusters, complete with food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities. Sidewalk sales can also draw people to town.

Historical Tours
Partner with local historical societies to create guided tours highlighting the area's unique history and landmarks. Share your community’s (and businesses’ stories). Create a video series, Reels, and live stream tours around town and businesses.

If history isn’t your thing, you could host a bar crawl, retail run, trolly tour, or other way to enjoy the area.

Athletic Events
Outdoor hikes or strolls can be a great way to encourage residents and visitors alike to enjoy your area. Some chambers host 5ks. In Evansville, for 4/24/20 day (their zip code), they encouraged everyone to run or walk 4.2420 miles around town along a specific route .

Scavenger Hunts
Design scavenger hunts that lead participants to various businesses and points of interest within the community. Check out what the Carbondale Creative District hosted for their zip code day.

Social Media Contests
Run contests encouraging residents to share photos or stories about their favorite places or memories within the zip code or area code.

Titles
Make something the official _____ of the day. For instance, the City of Phoenix encouraged restaurants and mixologists to submit a “602 cocktail” to become the official drink of the day. This type of contest gets people engaged with voting and gives them something fun to root for as they are supporting their favorite establishment/bartender. If you don’t like the idea of supporting an adult beverage, you could easily make this a dish, dessert, song, or a million other official designations.

Commemorative Souvenirs
Mark the day as something special by creating commemorative souvenirs. They make great mementos and unique gifts. Check out what this chamber did using its zip code and a local vendor.

You can also tie a souvenir into a local shopping push as this chamber did with their shirts. (this was not part of an official zip code celebration but did feature the zip code on the t-shirt.) All profits were invested back into local businesses.

Collaborating for Success

An event like this offers a great opportunity to collaborate with other organizations that have mutual goals. To ensure the success of a zip code or area code day event, collaboration is key.

Consider partnering with the following groups:

Engage local businesses to sponsor events, offer discounts, or participate in activities.

Partner with neighborhood associations, civic groups, and non-profits to reach a wider audience and leverage their resources.

Involve local schools by organizing student-led art projects or performances.

Invite local government officials to participate in events, showcasing their support for the community.

Partner with local media outlets to publicize events and generate excitement.

Involve other chambers. It’s likely that a zip code or area code extends across several towns or even counties. You can combine your resources and creative ideas with other chambers and local destination marketing organizations for a more expansive event.

By embracing zip code and area code days as creative community celebrations, chambers of commerce can strengthen their role as community leaders, foster local pride, and contribute to the economic vitality of their regions. These events provide fun and engaging experiences for residents. They also serve as powerful tools for promoting local businesses and forging lasting partnerships throughout the area.

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