Comments on: Hey, whatcha got in that swag bag?

By: louis vuitton

louis vuitton — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:04:18 +0000

to protect the environment ,we should use less unreusable bags .
as a matter of fact ,the reusable bags are convenient .

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:10:00 +0000

Green Resolutions is right!

A note about Indigo from the mixtress: My packaging is post consumer recycled packaging and can go right back into your compost (both the cardboard soap boxes and the glassine ‘market’ packeting). For special events, I can customize logos, colors, etc. I also source all of my local ingredients (honey, produce, herbs, flowers, etc) from my farmers at my farmer’s markets. Indigo is very Green company!

you can find out more at: http://www.indigobathandbody.com

By: Green Resolutions

Green Resolutions — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:59:00 +0000

Did anyone mention handmade soap? I just wrote a post about Indigo Bath & Body. When I read that some of their products were in the SWAG gift bags at the Grammy's 2008 Starry Night Gala, I thought of your request for suggestions…

http://indigobathandbody.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=

I believe sponsors/companies can specify cardboard packaging and have their logo on the package…

By: Colleen

Colleen — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:36:00 +0000

A lot of people have suggested reusable bags, and I definitely second that. It sounds like you are looking for actual promotional products that sponsors can put their names/logos on - I suggest chicobags. Their reusable bags fold up into themselves for convenience (I always carry a couple in my purse) and they will definitely print them up with logos/company names for promotional purposes (also for fundraisers for non-profit organizations).

Otherwise, this subject is always tough and I find that most of the stuff I end up with at conferences ends up being clutter later. I like the idea of no swag bags and instead, just items on tables that people can take if they want.

Another thing that always goes over well is FOOD! If a company wants to get some good organic, fair trade, etc. chocolate bars or whatever and print up their name on the wrapper, that's a great way to give out something people will like/use and still get your name out there.

There are also tons of companies that specialize in recycled products, etc. so those are good to consider.

By: shot in the arm

shot in the arm — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:50:00 +0000

I love the ideas on here! I love all the reusable food storage/food items like the bamboo forks, knives, etc. What about those glass straws that you talked about before. I still haven’t gotten around to buying any. But I always take food to work with me and having containers and bags to carry it in with the bamboo forks, etc would be great. The gift cards are also a great idea! I would totally use those and those are easy to transport.

Brekke, if you see this I’m also going to Blogher 09.

By: Purrfectplay.com

Purrfectplay.com — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 06:24:00 +0000

The swag thing can be a big opportunity for a company such as mine but we are a dedicated green small company so it is an expensive and, as Beth and others share, a wasteful opportunity. We get asked frequently for gift bag items for no-kill shelter benefits so we put together a gift “bag” consisting of a book mark made from reclaimed pet centric calendars and silk ties slipped into a biodegradable sleeve with a small paper coupon and a little glassine paper packet of catnip– the completed product looks great. Takes a bit of time but almost no money and little waste.

Purrfectplay.com

By: Kellie

Kellie — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:24:00 +0000

I’m so glad to see you on this committee Beth! I volunteered on the Green Team for the Democratic National Convention last August and we were, unfortunately, not asked in advance about swag.

The swag bags were canvas bags – awesome! – but they were filled with chapstick in a plastic tube, antibacterial hand gel in a plastic container, mints in plastic, etc.

You’ve gotten some great ideas. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

By: Jess

Jess — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 04:00:00 +0000

Generally, I agree with the idea that coupons or codes to reduce the cost of using a particular product/company would be best.

As for small, readily used goodies, might I suggest monitor wipes -
the old style kind that stick to the side of your monitor, or
the new style that is like your eyeglass or fancy electronics wipe.

...with the sponsoring company's logo, of course.

By: Green Resolutions

Green Resolutions — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 19:58:00 +0000

What about a small coloring book (from recycled paper) or crayons - As long as it isn't inappropriate for the particular sponsor to market to kids.

It might not be inherently "green," but I think lots of the parents in attendance would take them back home as souvenirs for their kids. And they are "green" in that the parents are likely to purchase art supplies anyway.

And what a score for your sponsors if their logo ends up on the potential consumer's fridge?!

A woman that I worked with scouted out every trade show she attended for goodies she could take home to her kids. She had to get two of everything so they wouldn't fight.

By: kale for sale

kale for sale — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:57:00 +0000

I love that you asked this question. What if a vendor chose five charitable organizations and the visitors to their booth could vote for the organization the company would make a set donation to. Or the company could donate so much per person that visits their booth with each person choosing the organization they would like their portion given too. Maybe it could even be a product. If the company did stainless steel water bottles they could be donated to people at a specific food bank, or body products to a women’s recovery house. Recycled paper notebooks to an inner city school. I suspect the possibilities are endless.