Libation Liberation
For the recent launch of the new line of Carrera sunglasses, The BMF Media Group (212-591-0101; bmfmedia.com) saved some cash by asking Skyy Vodka to sponsor the bar. By posting a short menu of creative Skyy cocktails, BMF made it easier on attendees to pick a tasty drink, allowed the bartenders to prepare the mixers in advance, gave Skyy an extra shot of promotion and, ultimately, sped up the bar line.
Bling on a String
For groups of fashion-forward females, a customized DivaZ rhinestone lanyard will add sparkle to an event. Any cuter, and they could be worn as jewelry; 1,000 pieces start at $2.50 each, plus a $175 setup charge. (888) 447-6840; snugzusa.com
Clip Art
Use these paper clips to bind registration packets or any other convention-related information. Attendees might keep them as mementos or reuse them, for future exposure. Prices start at $563 for 1,250 clips, plus shipping. (800) 777-9909; admatch.com
Pooch Patrol
A group of dog-owners will get a kick out of these adorable canines: The small plastic bags they dispense are the perfect size for picking up after dogs, and the bone-shaped carabiner hooks it to a dog collar or leash. Doggie Containers cost $2.89 each for 150 units, plus a $30 setup fee. Bag refills cost 45 cents or can be purchased at major retailers. (909) 930-9868; handyproducts.com
Styled to Have Substance
Permanent name badges look far more professional than the flimsy plastic variety, but they're not cost-effective for one-shot attendees. With the Mighty Badge, the name is printed on-site with a regular printer on a disposable plastic film, then slipped beneath the plastic badge cover. Badges cost about $4.50 each for 100 -- a good deal, as long as attendees return them at the end. (800) 563-2464; imprintplus.com
An Affair to Remember
Sometimes the best memento of a celebratory event is a simple photograph. Arrange to get a shot of all the attendees, make a note of who's who and send everyone their 3-by-5-inch photo in a sophisticated display card like this one. It takes extra effort, but for the right event, it will make a big impact. The cards cost $12 for a box of five, with discounts on large orders. www.sallbo.com
Luxurious Curves
Even in an economy when budget is king, some events demand high glamour. These modern-gothic pieces, swathed in white leather, will set tastemakers' eyes awhirl. The entire setup shown here can be rented for under $2,000. (718) 629-6909; signatureeventrentals.com
Happy Feet
Especially for a company focused on fitness, give attendees a pair of embroidered socks to remember their meeting by. Unlike most other logoed apparel, they'll wear them even if they don't want to advertise your company name. The socks cost only around $2.50 per pair when ordering 500 from Marathon/Prestige, and the company can do runs as low as 18 pair. (800) 521-2860; marathonmfg.com
Bloom-inescent
A small bulb called a FloraLyte was placed inside these lilies to make each one glow. The whole vase is also lit with tiny LED spotlights from an E-Square PivotLuminator at the base. The FloraLyte can be purchased for $2.49, and the E-Square for $32, at partybrites.com.
Decked Out
Logoed playing cards have long been a standby of casino night, but they can be used for plenty more than that. Emblazon a different product on each card to help sales reps learn the catalog, or slip a winning ticket into one of the decks and hand them out as a sort of raffle. Cost: $2.95 each for 400 custom decks, or order a single deck for $25. (973) 448-1766; admagic.com
TLC for the CMP
Make meeting-goers a little more comfortable with a small spray bottle of lotion that can be clipped onto a lanyard, from Custom HBC Corp. The Pocket Sprayers can be filled with scented moisturizers, antibacterial gel, sunscreen, stain-remover or wrinkle-releaser, and they cost about $2 each when buying 250. Contact Adventures in Advertising (800-460-7836; aiacorporation.com) to find a distributor.
Party Rocks
When an event needs just a little more warmth (and a little more cool), scatter these 24-inch jewel-shaped lights in dark corners. Rent them from prop company Taylor Creative for $75 each. (888) 245-4044; taylorcreativeinc.com