The Geek's Guide to Getting Free Stuff

Conferences and Tradeshows

Some tips for getting swag at tradeshows and conferences. most of these are gleaned from John Chow's How to get free stuff at trade shows, unless otherwise linked to.

1. Show up early. A lot of the small bags of software and mousepads, etc., are in limited supply and are given out on the first day of a show.
2. Ask for samples. if you don't see any, you can always ask at a booth.
3. Get a media pass. if you're going to be reviewing products on your blog, show proof of that, and you might get your hands on some nice swag. You may need to show a business license and/or Federal Tax number to a tradeshow official.
4. Make an appointment. an exhibitor may have more samples but may need to retrieve them.
5. Crash parties. some companies will have side parties in the evenings where they give stuff away.
6. Work for it.
7. Wait until the end. at some shows, exhibitors may not want to pack up items. Full article.