But if you must fill an empty space on a limited budget, consider balloons instead of backdrops, props or fresh flowers. It doesn't have to be expensive. And they can literally wake up a party. McKinney recently attended a balloon conference reception during which decorative balloons exploded, launching confetti and streamers over guests' heads. Concluding an event with a bang creates quite a memory.
Some planners prefer more material reminders, however.
Prior to the event, send participants sandals that can be mailed flat, suggested Brian Darby, president of Small Wonders Promotion Products. The clever footwear leaves imprints of the company's logo on the sand. Instead, give tropical meeting participants a gift bag of sunglasses and suntan lotions. Supply them with all the items they need to have a good time. At an international conference for French executives, she asked Chanel to donate lipsticks and perfume.