Green Game
To encourage attendees to think and act green during the recent Event Camp Vancouver, sponsors QuickMobile, Footprint Management Systems and MeetGreen created a mobile app-based game -- Get Your Green On (GYGO) -- that donated $1 to the BC Cancer Foundation for every eco-friendly action completed by participants. The event raised $1,500, and the app also served as a different way to promote sponsors as well as educate planners on how to build sustainability into their events. For more information on how GYGO was created, visit eventcampvancouver.wordpress.com and download the white paper for free here: bit.ly/NnsH31
Message in a Bottle
Transform ordinary event elements, such as name cards or tiny menus, into whimsical, message-in-a-bottle creations. Cost: $4.50 each. (617) 838-5921; etsy.me/PJdKGl
Cut and Tape
Because it always seems like when you need one, you'll need the other, Scissortape's built-in tape dispenser let's you pare down your on-the-road toolkit. Cost: $10. (401) 621-2324; shop.dcigift.com
Light Bright
Airstar America's giant balloons double as both lighting source and branding platform. The space-lighting balloons come in a variety of models and sizes, including Crystal, which can be rigged or set on a stand or floor plate to light up a 13,000-square-foot area. Thanks to Judy Havelka of Dallas-based Space Lighting of Texas for the idea. Cost: The Crystal model starts at $335, plus $150 for graphics production and application. (800) 217-9001; airstar-light.us
In the Bag
ARK's weatherproof solution for smartphones comes with five colorful bags and an elastic string. Cost: $9; discounts on bulk orders available. arkwhat.com
Copy Editor
Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing isn't just for writers; every meeting professional can benefit from this expert's grammar tips. Grammar Girl, aka Mignon Fogerty, has a website, a free newsletter and podcasts to help you avoid signage woes and presentation snafus. grammar.quickanddirtytips.com
Origami Original
Los Angeles-based Design Printing's fortune-teller-inspired invitation is a fun nod back to invites of yore. Contact the company for pricing information. (323) 549-9444; dprintla.com
Stay Connected
Several carriers have launched personal mobile hot spots that use 3G or 4G networks, but most require mandatory two-year contracts. Virgin Mobile's MiFi 2200 device ($99) let's users opt for a monthly subscription ($35 to $55/month) or on a per-use basis with pre-paid cards. (888) 322-1122; virginmobileusa.com/mobile-broadband/mifi-2200.html
Quick Sip
Stacked Wines are packaged in snap-apart, shatterproof glasses ideal for picnics, beach events and even motor coaches (as long as it's legal in that city/state/country; check with local contacts). Cost: $14.99 for a four pack of chardonnay, merlot or pinot grigio. (714) 870-1227; stackedwines.com/shop
Can Do
For a recent Association of Bridal Consultants meeting, the catering team at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables (Fla.) added a fun twist to what would have been an otherwise typical salad course. After popping off the lid of a sardine can, guests found a nicoise salad of potatoes, green beans, black olives, ahi tuna, hardboiled egg, and heirloom tomato compote. coralgables.hyatt.com/
Nosh and Ale
Instead of a wine and cheese reception, arrange an event that pairs hearty bites with handcrafted or local ales. At the June meeting of the Baltimore Chapter of the National Association of Catering, Baltimore-based Boutique Events (beventsllc.com) paired Breckenridge Avalanche Ale with brisket and hand-cut fries, and Long Trail Brewing Co.'s Summer White Belgium Ale with grilled Thai chicken wings and cucumber mango salad. To arrange one for your group, consult your F&B contact.
Mind Blend
In place of a traditional coffee break, treat attendees to a power juice break. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in California sets up juicing stations, where whole vegetables and fruits are whizzed into healthy, vitamin-rich drinks. Serve in elegant martini glasses or offer mini versions so guests can try different flavors. Ask your F&B contact to create a similar break. Cost: about $5.50-$7.50 per guest. fairmont.com/Sonoma