Broadcast News
New software, developed with input from meeting professionals, lets planners send news, schedules and presentations to attendees' smartphones. It works both ways, too: Through their phones, attendees can sign up for an event, provide feedback, ask questions and participate in contests. As with most custom-designed software, it's not cheap ($5,000 to $40,000 depending on the amount of customization), but it could make life easier for everyone involved. (415) 255-5727; macroviewlabs.com
Sales Tales
The Moth, which started as a gathering of people who liked to tell stories about themselves, has become a nationwide phenomenon. The storytellers offer team-building, corporate shows and training, in which employees learn how to turn pitches and presentations into compelling stories. Half-day programs for small groups cost $7,500 when held in New York City, more if farther afield. (212) 742-0551; themoth.org
Wrist Twist
Once the gyroscope inside this translucent plastic ball starts spinning, it becomes harder and harder to hold the ball, making it great for strengthening the hand and wrist. TBD Promos (yes, that's really the company's name) sells it for $6.50 to $9.50 for a minimum of 1,000 units; add-ons, like a speedometer or a light, are available. (626) 698-1183; tbdpromos.com
Beauty on the Cheap
Some events demand printed invitations, but a small custom (say, 30 or less) order through a stationery company can easily cost hundreds of dollars. Enter 9SpotMonk's beautifully designed, imprintable stationery: Just print the event's details using an inkjet printer. A set of eight invitations, thank-you notes and gift tags costs $38 here. Contact the 9SpotMonk directly for larger, more customized orders. (201) 795-1668; 9spotmonk.com
Doodle Mugs
These mugs, featuring playful designs by artist Alyson Fox, make an ideal gift for design-conscious employees and clients. Cost, $6.25 each for orders of more than $100, or buy individual gift sets of two here, for $25. (619) 467-6517; inkdish.com
Second Skin
TerraSkin is a new kind of paper crafted from mineral powder mixed with a nontoxic resin. It's made without wood and produces no pollutants (a byproduct of traditional paper-making). Custom gift bags cost about a dollar each for a minimum order of 3,000 bags. Smaller quantities of preset designs will be available by summer. (212) 265-8632; terraskin.com
Roving Registers
PAYware Mobile is a card reader that attaches to an iPhone and lets you charge a credit card securely anywhere -- in a trade-show booth, at a silent auction or at the door to a ticketed event. Just swipe the card, have the guest sign using the stylus, and a receipt is e-mailed to the customer. The product is free with a two-year agreement (subscription, processing and merchant fees are separate; contact credit card firms for details; your firm might already have accounts set up with one or more of them). (866) 853-7600; paywaremobile.com
Box Set
In hotel rooms, miscellanea such as spare change, name badges and business cards can get dispersed everywhere. Plenty of portable storage systems exist, but none so lightweight and inexpensive as these drawer organizers, which cost $9.99 for a set of six from IKEA. The containers fold flat while in transit and open up to hold any number of easily misplaced items. Thanks to organizing expert Nancy Nemitz (480-325-0994; createthespace.com) for the suggestion. ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90050590
Itinerary Maker
When attendees are booked on different flights, meeting and travel planners can easily track everyone's plane schedules with the new TripIt Groups. Once you set up an account, simply forward flight confirmation e-mails to plans@tripit.com, and all of the itineraries will be displayed in a map format. tripit.com/uhp/groups
Wine Shrine
Over the course of some meetings, VIPs will be given two or three bottles of wine. If they don't drink it in their travels, that leaves the decision of whether to pack it -- and risk a dastardly spill -- or leave it behind. BottleWise is a third option. The corduroy or leather Duo protects two bottles with a padded liquid barrier and can be packed in a suitcase or carried with a shoulder strap. The Duo costs $58.95 individually or $47 in bulk, with further discounting possible. The setup charge for custom embroidery is $100. (800) 673-9770; bottlewise.com
At Your Service
Top managers might wish their personal assistants could attend meetings with them. When that isn't possible, offer them one on-site. Your Personal Assistant offers helpers in 10 major cities around the world and can deploy one to cater to VIPs for whatever they need, be it a concierge service, clerical work, errands, transportation, etc. Hourly rates start at $35. (866) 228-8589 ext. 911; ypanow.com
Bath and Beyond
The best pillow gifts are those that attendees can use up while they're at the conference, i.e., toiletries. Here's one that will be appreciated by male VIPs: Men-u's Shaving & Skin Care Intro Set, filled with mini shaving cream, face wash and moisturizer. Cost: $11.99. 800-987-6790; Bulk discounts are available. (800) 987-6790; men-uusa.com