There’s a new word to add to your vocabulary—Semiquincentennial—and a new opportunity to add to your bottom line.
Happy Semiquincentennial!
Next year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States, and the official celebration will take place on July 4, 2026. But the party will begin in January, and you should begin planning immediately after reading this.
A dedicated America250 Commission is already hard at work organizing the official nationwide observance. For those who remember the Bicentennial in 1976, you'll recall the wealth of opportunity it brought, especially in branded products. Expect the same—and more—this time around.
The operative word for us is “commemoration.” Your role is to help clients tie their brand and business to this historic moment. While the spotlight will be on the original 13 colonies, celebrations will stretch across all 50 states, featuring traveling exhibits, educational programs, concerts, fireworks, parades, and community events.
The national mood will guide how your clients approach this. But one thing is certain: “Made in America” will matter more than ever. A red, white, and blue product stamped “Made in China” won’t cut it. Now is the time to gather every item you can that is 100% made in the USA—from under $1 giveaways to high-end commemorative gifts.
Timing matters. Momentum will build through spring, peak on July 4, and taper off after Labor Day, but won’t disappear—especially since 2026 is an election year, with every seat in Congress up for grabs. Expect a surge in patriotism and demand for branded, patriotic merchandise.
Visuals are key. There’s an abundance of red, white, and blue artwork available from stock photo houses. Don’t wait—secure, customize, and use AI to create proprietary Semiquincentennial logos for use on the products you sell. It’s a chance to own the design space and offer exclusivity to your clients.
Don’t overlook the basics. From small desk flags to large outdoor banners, America will be waving flags everywhere. “Happy Birthday, America” can begin with a holiday card, a commemorative calendar, or even a branded blank journal. It’s also a perfect time to repurpose previously sold products—like mugs, pens, or bags—with a new commemorative twist.
Once your line is ready—and it should include American-made apparel—you can begin opening new doors. States, counties, cities, towns, schools, historical societies, and local businesses will all be participating. Don’t rely solely on email—consider mailing a tangible sample featuring your branding, a patriotic design, and your message.
A quick personal note: I remember the Bicentennial well. In 1976, I was the publisher at an industry supplier. Among the programs we developed:
- A Bicentennial Cookbook for Avon
- A K-6 school kit for Coca-Cola
- A historical sites atlas for AAA
- A state stamp set and passport as a trade show traffic builder
The takeaway? Whatever you produce, there will be a partner or customer for it. Posters, decorations, premiums, displays—there’s room for it all. The hospitality and travel industries are also preparing for a surge in activity.
If you're based on the East Coast, brush up on Revolutionary War history—events and anniversaries leading up to July 4, 1776 offer rich thematic opportunities for campaigns.
This is your moment. As a marketer or consultant, you have an obligation to help your clients tap into this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Get proactive. Get patriotic.
Start now.
Joel D. Schaffer, MAS is CEO and Founder of Soundline, LLC, the pioneering supplier to the promotional products industry of audio products. Joel has 48 years of promotional product industry experience and proudly heralds “I was a distributor.” He has been on the advisory panel of the business and marketing department of St. John’s University in New York and is a frequent speaker at Rutgers Graduate School of Business. He is an industry Advocate and has appeared before the American Bankers Association, American Marketing Association, National Premium Sales Executives, American Booksellers Association and several other major groups. He has been a management consultant to organizations such as The College Board and helped many suppliers enter this industry. He is a frequent contributor to PPB and Counselor magazines. He has facilitated over 200 classes sharing his industry knowledge nationwide. He is known for his cutting humor and enthusiasm in presenting provocative and motivating programs. He is the only person to have received both the Marvin Spike Industry Lifetime Achievement Award (2002) and PPAI’s Distinguished Service Award (2011). He is a past director of PPAI and has chaired several PPAI committees and task forces. He is a past Chair of the SAAGNY Foundation, Past President of SAAGNY and a SAAGNY Hall of Fame member. He was cited by ASI as one of the 50 most influential people in the industry.