ETA: I now see that you all are using the term "knick knack" to refer to freebees with no utility like ornaments (although some people love free ornaments). I agree but don't think it has anything to do with gender. I have never attended a Delta or professional org conference or a meeting that wasted money on freebees that serve no utility. Oh well...LOL....

Regardless of the gender of the attendees, only give a couple of things that are commemorative (for lack of a better word) but that people can actually use. My favorite Delta and professional organization freebees have been pens (I have some that were cheap but wrote smoothly and lasted a long time), note pads, calendars/organizers, and (perhaps more costly) longlasting conference bags that can be used for laptops, etc.

Bumping because I just reread the thread and noted the ideas I liked.

I like the Kleen Kanteen idea - I got one for live-in for his birthday and he absolutely loves it. If you go the metal water bottle route, make sure it's BPA free not only in construction but in the lining for it as well (if it's alumninum). :)

I've attended conventions that give cheaper laptop bags (then they have vendors who sell the more expensive/longer lasting ones to members) and also lug-a-mugs/beverage bottles that were cool.

I saw some of the swag handed out at Kappa's Convention a few weeks ago. The person who showed it to me was most excited about the reuasable shopping bag- blue with a big fleur de lis design. She also mentioned a charm (which she wasn't as in to, she said she only sees the point if you always go to Convention and make a bracelet or something- this was her second one). She also showed me a bunch of the materials, but no other swag- so I'm not sure if she got rid of it, consumed it, or just didn't mention it.

Moral of the story: reusable bag = good swag! Not only useful but also great branding & marketing for long after the convention ends.

ETA: Senusret, you better give us a nice post detailing everything you choose- ideally with pictures! After all, we are doing the work for- I mean helping- you :D

Absolutely!

Ok, I am a little late to the party as I was at Theta convention the first time this went around.

I want to echo everyone's positive reaction to the reusable shopping bag, but add an aspect that has not yet been mentioned (at least not in my quick scan through the thread).

I went to a local charity event a few months ago and a reusable shopping bag was the favor that night. Since then, grocery clerks, other people in line, people at the pool when I carry it there, etc have asked about that specific charity. Therefore, if you make the logo easy to see/identify from more than 2 feet away then it also makes for great marketing!

As for our Theta convention last month, we also received the Vera Bradley coin purses. These were perfect for holding Drivers Licenses, Room Keys and a little cash so that we didn't have to deal with carrying purses around all week. Obviously something like Very Bradley would be just for the women, but maybe there is something a little more gender neutral? Or maybe guys would just use their wallet. However, for women this was really welcomed. We also were given tote bags, and the coin thing just attached onto it.

Pens? Yes, a few for convention, and I am fine if they never work again.

Love the flash drive idea. Filing that one away...

Shirt? nah, since sizes are so difficult to match up

I once received a office organizer that had various sizes of sticky notes and the little sticky arrow tab things. The plastic case had our logo on it. As an office supply nerd, I LOVED this.

^^^Thanks Blondie! Great suggestion about the bag.

I wanted to thank everyone very very much for all of the suggestions and advice. I figure I will just bump this thread rather than cluttering up the forum with my requests.

At any rate, I won't disclose exactly the swag we're considering, but it's going to be nice and some of the suggestions were inspired by this thread.

I can say that if we have to limit anything for financial reasons, the t-shirts will be the first to go. They seem to be kind of expensive and not something which everyone wants. And logistically, it's like.... yeah, matching up sizes to brother... not the business.

****

In other news, I was wondering if anyone with special event experience could recommend the best way to sell tickets online. I do think most of our sales will be through direct mail, but we also want it to be easy to buy online.

So far EventBrite looks like the best contender, but I am open to suggestions.

I've had really good experience with Acteva.

OMG WTF WHY DID I AGREE TO PLAN THIS EVENT

Because you were crazy. Now you have to live with it :D

I HATE MYSELF

LOL