This is our collaboration page for work on getting "swag" donations for BarCampMemphis.

Beth, what do you think are some good contacts we could make for getting swag donations? Here are my thoughts so far; this brainstorming, so some may be goofy:

* Maybe contact some (local?) promotional item manufacturers to see if they'd like to donate samples? I'm guessing that a conference of media-savvy aspiring business people might be among their target audience.
* Think of major corporations in the area who might have some items to donate; contact their marketing departments. Especially techie places.
* Maybe university business schools? I have some Ole Miss contacts; you know anyone from any of the Memphis business schools?
* I'm developing a list of Tennessee & mid-South bloggers/authors/podcasters to contact. I thought some of them might want to donate copies of their latest books/CDs/etc. for the swag table. I'm also letting them know about the event meanwhile.
* Computer repair/tech support companies.
* Restaurants?
* Brainstorm about companies we've seen that give out promotional materials. For example, my chiro gives out those silly crooked pens; I'll ask her to donate some. Can't hurt to ask, right? Do you know any others?

That's it for now. If we can work up an action list, split the tasks down the middle, and get going, I think we'll be in good shape.

EVERYONE ELSE: Please give us your ideas too! And please also let us know if you have any contacts we can exploit, ... er ... I mean, that we can offer this fab promotional opportunity to! :o)

Another thought: We should probably clarify how the swag will be used. Here's what I'm assuming; let me know your thoughts?

* Swag in bigger quantities: Will go in everyone's goody bags.
* Swag in limited quantities: Wll go on the "Swag Swap" table for people to grab.
* We should try to hit up a promotional item manufacturer for a donation of goody bags, or at least price them in case we have to buy, right?

Reminder to self of swag-related question to ask at next planning meeting:

- Do we have (or will we get) tax-free status for purchases? I'm thinking about when we have to purchase some goody bags, if we don't get them donated. I think this was mentioned at last meeting.

Red Bull is now a sponsor ... i'm sure they would chip in something - hats, or drink holders?

I'm wondering if someone could donate the bags - wonder what "green" -oriented businesses might be willing to do so - better than using plastic.

Jim is getting ready to take his G4 to MacAdvantage - they would be a great prospect -they repair Macs and I've given them a LOT of business. We need about 100 units, right? They are small, not sure if they would do that many, but they may do something.

I've done a load of quick printing with documart (oops - sorry, they are the competition now!) - i will ask them about notepads. and EM printing as well - i think printing companies might be a pretty good fit. i love notepads - they always get used.

i will keep my thinking cap on -