Seasonal Sweets
Godiva's pumpkin ganache-filled milk-chocolate truffles make decadent party treats for office Halloween parties or fabulous event favors for the rest of the season. Cost, $13 for five pieces. (800) 946-3482; Godiva.com
Pack Smart
Instead of folding clothes, tightly roll them up to double the space as well as keep wrinkles at bay. Travel writer Kristin Luna of camelsandchocolate.com demonstrates this method perfectly in her how-to video here.
Plume Perfect
For a big visual impact, ostrich feather centerpieces add height and unexpected flair to a sit-down reception. Plus, they're easy to craft yourself. Start with 24-inch "Eiffel tower" vases (about $7 each) and add 20 ostrich plumes (about 15 to 20 inches long, $2 each). Use a foam bouquet holder (about $4) to keep the feathers upright in the vase. Cost: about $55 per centerpiece. Feathers: (818) 528-7431; fabulousfeathers.net; vases and foam bouquet holders: (888) 985-6925; koyalwholesale.com
All Together Now
A gift perfect for both sexes, the soft, leather Düller Travel Organizer is as functional as it is sleek. Features include compartments for bills, coins, seven cards, plane tickets, a passport, plus a back that allows for a note pad to be attached. Cost: $135. (718) 360-5320; vettedshop.com
Wi-Fi Wonder
Many of us have experienced the stomach-sinking feeling of seeing our cell phone bill after a trip abroad. Avoid the pain and suffering of data roaming charges by downloading Skype's new Wi-Fi App for mobile devices, available on iTunes for free. The app lets you access more than one million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world; you pay only for the minutes you use.
No Adapter? No Problem.
Converters and adapters from home don't always fit the sockets and outlet shapes in international destinations. As a backup, bring the Powerstick to power mobile devices without adapters or converters. The handy device can be charged using any USB port. Cost: from $50; customization available. (877) 326-7651; powerstick.com
Look, No Lines!
To provide exhibitors and attendees with an exceptional customer service experience, SAP Global Marketing works with the host city's airport to allow conference registration inside the terminal so attendees register almost immediately after they deplane. Greeters guide attendees to registration desks and answer any questions about shuttle service to hotels and the convention center.
Travel Tips
Debuting this month, The New York Times 36 Hours: 150 Weekends in the USA & Canada (Taschen), offers up great mini-itineraries perfect for brief business or leisure travel stints. Cost, $39.99. taschen.com
Petal Power
Floral arrangements can double as both entertainment and gifts when florists create custom bouquets on the spot for attendees. Set up a floral-arranging action station (with various flowers, greens and containers) during the welcome reception. Attendees choose their favorite stems for the floral designer; at the end of the event, participants take their bouquets to their rooms, to be enjoyed for the duration of the meeting. Thanks to Mary Carvotta-Trexler, partner at San Francisco-based ACCESS Destination Services (accessdmc.com), for the idea.
Team Scream
Myles Nye, the team-building game master at Los Angeles-based Wise Guys Events (teambuildingandtraining.com), has created challenges for everyone from Proctor and Gamble to the hit CBS show Survivor. To jump-start the brainstorming, he suggests the "Team Scream," where participants form a huddle, put their arms around one another's shoulders and everyone faces the floor. A moderator counts to three, at which point participants will either look at the person to the left, right or directly across from them. When any two people make eye contact, they scream as loudly as possible. Repeat once or twice. "Setting a precedent of looking dumb together is a good way to start things off on the right foot," says Nye. "Being unafraid to look dumb in front of the group is important, as people are hesitant to submit ideas that might fail if they feel they always have to look cool and composed."
Night Light
Brighten up a dark space with LumiNight, table linens, drapery and other fabrics woven with tiny LED lights. The lights hold their charge for up to 12 hours and come in a variety of products and colors. The 15″x108-inch″ rectangular linen (pictured) rents for $150. (503) 863-0596; luminightusa.com
Compartmentalize This
Black + Blum's genius lunch box contains two pots for separating food, a versatile "spork," plus a convenient carrying strap. Cost: $22; available in black, orange or lime. (877) 360-9222; black-blum.com