Insta-Satisfaction
Remember Polaroid prints? Give attendees a trip down memory lane by installing Instaprint machines around the venue. Participants take pictures with their mobile devices via the free instagram.com app, process them in the printer, and the retro-look Instagram photos come out on paper (which can be customized with logos) imprinted with your event's hashtag. Photos also are saved in an online gallery on photo-sharing site Instagram for later access. Rental cost: $5,000 in the New York City area (additional costs apply in other cities). instaprint.me
Coded Messages
The team at VisitPittsburgh wears custom lapel pins printed with QR codes that link to the cvb's website; the pins are made by Pittsburgh-based CPI Creative (cpicreative.com). Another creative way to flaunt or share your code: 1-800-bakery.com makes cookies imprinted with same. Costs: for pins, $1.20 to $3.35 each; for cookies, $1.95 each.
Spice to Go
Flight 001's compact Mobile Foodie Survival Kits include 13 organic herbs and spices, from the exotic (wasabi powder) to the everyday (garlic). They're the perfect antidote for bland inflight fare or on-the-go meals. Cost: $26. (877) 354-4481; flight001.com
Save and Support
These padded laptop sleeves, made of repurposed mosquito netting, are handcrafted by (and help support) Cambodian artisans. Choose from three sizes and two colors; an embroidered logo is available for an extra charge. Cost: from $24.85 each; bulk discounts available. (773) 890-5900; Helpinghandrewards.com
Loud and Proud
GoSoapBox, an app originally created for teachers, has been adapted as a tool for meetings. It works by letting attendees anonymously submit questions and respond to polls in real-time via smartphone, tablet and laptop. Cost varies, depending on size of group. gosoapbox.com
Sweet and Savory
Robert Gilbert, Walt Disney World Resort's executive chef of special events and catering operations, likes to pair savory and sweet flavors for unexpected, yet delicious, results. For example, he recently paired blackened Waygu beef fillets and crayfish with croissant bread pudding, and topped doughnuts with grilled burgers, smoked Gouda and crisp pastrami bacon. disneymeetings.com
Punched-Up Pops
South Florida-based Feverish Ice Cream handcrafts their gourmet "FeverPops" in eight alcohol-infused flavors such as Mango Bourbon, Strawberry Mojito and Blue Sky Coke and Jack. Pops start at $2.25 each; bulks discounts are available. Thanks to V. Smith of Racine, Wis.-based Very Special Events for the idea. feverpopshop.com
Cacao Crazy
The Ticket Kitchen's hot chocolate-on-a-stick comes in six decadent flavors: French Dark Truffle, Belgian Milk, Salted Caramel, 3-Chili, Vanilla Mint and Venezuelan Bittersweet. Swirl the cube into a cup of steamed milk for a gourmet treat that travels well. The sticks can be customized with colorful cards. Cost: from $3.95 each; bulk discounts available on orders of 50 or more. store.theticketkitchen.com
Cube Art
Sweet Deya's Iced Sugar Cubes, which look like miniature works of art, will dress up any tea or coffee service. Choose the color, design or even scent you prefer. Cost: from $25 per box of 36 cubes. (609) 730-3946; sweetdeya.com
Sweet Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is always a welcome favor or gift, and L’Occitane’s Lavender Organic Hand Purifying Gel is one of the most luxurious on the market. Cost: $7 for 1.7 fluid oz. (888) 623-2880; usa.loccitane.com
Spot Rewards
Need to send a gift on the fly? This free app from Karma lets you send an instant message and notification of a present, such as eCreamery’s premium ice creams and MoMA Design products, to the recipient’s smart phone. The app also gives them the option of swapping the gift for something more to their liking or donating the value of the gift to one of Karma’s designated charities. Costs vary based on gifts selected. getkarma.com
Smart Bag
Invitel’s Slim Bag-in-Bag is extra cushy for keeping tablets and other sensitive gear safe, plus it has 13 pockets to keep cords and accessories organized. Available in six colors. Cost: $29. Invitel.us