Cash Flow
When offering a cash bar, post the price of all the available drinks on the bar; that way, attendees will have their money ready before ordering. Even better: Sell drink tickets at the door -- especially if you plan to accept credit cards. Thanks to Greg Jenkins, partner of Bravo Productions, based in Long Beach, Calif., for the idea. bravoevents-online.com
Division of Labor
Create several specialty bars that serve drinks based on a single liquor, e.g., tequila, rum or vodka. Alternatively, consider creating beer and wine grab-and-go stations, and limit the number of choices for both, to save time and money. Then offer a separate bar for specialty drinks (and if budget permits, splurge here on an ice luge or other eye-catching presentation). This division of drinks will shorten all the lines considerably. Thanks to Greg Jenkins, partner of Bravo Productions, based in Long Beach, Calif., for the idea. bravoevents-online.com
United We Stand
Instead of putting bars on opposite sides of the room, find an open space and put them back-to-back. That way, attendees will know where to go, and the lines will be more evenly distributed. Thanks to Greg Jenkins, partner of Bravo Productions, based in Long Beach, Calif., for the idea. bravoevents-online.com
Eau de Energy
Balance beverages look and taste like water, but contain small doses of floral essences from Australia, which are purported to sharpen thinking and ward off jet lag. Offer "Travel" as a welcome gift, and set out "Mind" at breaks. A number of hotels already offer the drink; otherwise, it's available by the case on Amazon.com (a 24-pack costs about $40). For orders of five cases or more, buy direct from the company at a discount. drinkbalance.com
Smart Cart
These custom-designed golf carts look like classic roadsters, limos or Jeeps, making them perfect for VIPs at golf tournaments or for driving inside a convention center. The 1929 Ford Model-T limo pictured comes with a cooler in the trunk and surround sound. It rents for $1,000 per day, including a mandatory driver (for those on a tighter budget, the firm has smaller carts that cost significantly less); shipping to anywhere in the United States is extra. (845) 856-4440; orangecountygolfcarts.com
Burning Desire
Write a wish or pledge on Flying Wish Paper and light it on fire; once it burns completely, the film of ash floats away. At a benefit, charge a few dollars for attendees to make their own wishes, or at a retreat, give attendees the chance to write down negative thoughts before burning the papers all at once. A kit of 50 sheets costs $15, or the papers can be customized for orders of 2,000 kits minimum. It's relatively safe, but the event space needs to allow open flames. (503) 626-8784; flyingwishpaper.com
Tini Toppers
One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa in Atlantic Beach, Fla., sets up a garnish station next to the bar. Attendees order their martinis ungarnished and then proceed to a side area where they can spear their choice of toppings: olives, onions, apple slices, etc. The garnish station slightly expedites the bar line, too. oneoceanresort.com
On the Map
These artworks show off the map of a country or state with graphical flair. Framed, they make attractive keepsakes of a meeting or incentive trip. The 5-by-7-inch size costs $20 unframed, $34 framed, or for customized orders (logos, etc.), $34 unframed and $49 framed. (857) 225-4917; jhilldesign.com
Caffeine, Not Carbon
A pound of coffee generates about three pounds of carbon dioxide -- a lot, considering how much coffee we drink. Dean's Beans Organic Coffee Co. plants one tree in Pangoa Cooperative in Peru for every 17 pounds of No CO2 Peruvian coffee the company sells. (One hardwood removes about 50 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.) For giveaways, the No CO2 coffee comes in a 4-ounce size with a custom label for $2, or a 12-ounce size for $5.75. (800) 325-3008; deansbeans.com
Get a Load of This
From the look or smell, there's no way someone would know that this charming stationery is made from 75 percent elephant dung. But because it is, the paper is helping grow elephant populations and create human jobs in Sri Lanka. Note boxes cost $4.99 each; contact the company for information and pricing on custom orders. (701) 746-1489; mrelliepooh.com
Disappearing Act
When we bag our trash in plastic, we add an extra layer of toxic waste to our landfills. BagUps, made of 100 percent biodegradable and recyclable material, disintegrate quickly and safely. Three boxes of 23 13-gallon bags costs $17.34 plus shipping. Call for commercial sizes or bulk orders. (516) 521-9301; bagups.net
Wrapper's Delight
In the age of the gift bag, it's rare to find wrapped gifts at events. But a bag, along with all of its attendant tissue paper, adds up to a lot of trash. Consider simply tying a pretty cloth around gifts, such as a silk handkerchief or bandanna; recipients can wear it or reuse it. Shrapps sells specially made cloth gift wrap, starting at $6.95 for individual orders or $4.25 each for wholesale orders. (203) 589-6758; shrapps.com