Looking for some unique gifts, clever giveaways, group-bonding experiences, must-have travel accessories and more? Check out the following 20 top-rated Hot Ideas for 2018, curated from M&C's popular (and free!) daily e-newsletter (sign up for it here).
Stand and Deliver
Turn any conference table into a stand-up desk with this nifty folding laptop stand, which comes in four sizes. The origami-inspired design folds flat in seconds, perfect for carrying in a bag or stowing on a shelf, and industrial-grade materials mean it can stand up to life on the road. Cost: $24-$35.
The Perfect Arrangement
Groups of up to 60 participants can spend a blissful morning or afternoon learning how to craft elegant bouquets at Dragonfly Floral School in California's Sonoma County wine region. Cost $55 per person, plus a $250 fee.
Branded Sand
This ingenious paperweight (dubbed the Logo-Sifter) displays your brand or logo in sand. Choose from three shapes and a dozen colors. Cost: $10 each for a minimum order of 250; discounts available for larger orders.
Tote They'll Keep Toting
These jumbo-sized totes (19 inches wide by 13 inches high by 8 inches deep) can be printed over the entire surface area -- inside and out -- for a unique and eye-catching statement. Better yet: They're made of recycled plastic bottles, so they're eco-friendly. Cost: From $5.85 each for a minimum order of 500.
Prop Shop
Online marketplace Event Options aggregates thousands of décor elements -- couches, chairs, tables, props -- available for events around Florida, to streamline the selection process for planners. Users can then place their order through the website for true one-stop shopping.
Multitasking Scarves
The trendy Sholdit Wide-Cut Convertible Infinity Scarf is a multitasking wonder: At 20 inches wide, it gives plush coverage around the neck, shoulders or as a stylish head scarf. It has a concealed zipped pocket that's large enough to tuck your passport or phone. Got even more stuff? The brilliant design flips around to transform into a handy clutch. Cost: $45.
Steep to Conquer
Liven up a break with Tea Forte's unique iced-tea maker: It has dual pitchers to brew perfect batches of the flash-chilled libation on demand. Cost: $55.
Bubbles on the Double
Set a lighthearted tone at your next outdoor event by renting a bubble machine from Bubbleworks. Price includes the machine with soap solution for two hours and a "professional bubble technician" to operate the equipment. Cost: $2,500.
Go With the Grain
Give oatmeal a refreshing seasonal twist by serving it as a morning (or anytime) parfait. Soak a half-cup of fiber-rich, steel-cut oats overnight with 3/4 cup of almond milk and refrigerate. Stir and spoon into a parfait glass, top with fresh berries or other seasonal fruit, and enjoy. Thanks to the Anaheim Convention Center & Arena for this crowd-pleasing idea.
A Better Backpack
This foldable backpack can hold folders, notebooks, a small laptop and lots more in its multiple pockets. It comes in black, white, gray, blue or green with a big surface to showcase your name or logo. Cost: $50 setup charge, plus $8 each for a minimum order of 25; discounts available for larger orders.
Titan of Totes
The bottom and handles of this sturdy, made-in-America tote are finished in durable nylon -- choose from more than a dozen colors -- and the truly giant canvas interior can handle just about anything you throw at (or into) it. Cost: $43 setup charge, $42 each for a minimum order of 72; discounts available for larger orders.
PJs for the Greater Good
For its new Project Rise: ThreadForward program, Westin offers a line of kids' pajamas made of repurposed Heavenly Bed linens, proceeds from which go toward giving new pajamas to kids in need. Cost: $25.
Say What?
If the din of a trade-show floor or general session makes it really hard to hear, Beth Ziesenis, blogger at YourNerdyBestFriend.com, says the Ava app offers accurate transcription in nearly real time, so you never miss a word.
Desktop Designs
Wooden Stacking Zen Stones can be arranged to form a playful desktop sculpture, featuring a logo or brand imprint, and come in a customizable gift tube. Cost: $59 setup charge, plus $11 per set for a minimum order of 25; discounts available for larger orders.
Admission for Seedy Attendees
These peel-and-stick event wristbands are made from paper embedded with wildflower seeds that guests can plant afterward. Cost: $56 setup charge, plus 85 cents per wristband, per order of 250; discounts available for larger orders.
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Stylish Necking
Cleverly hidden magnets give the adjustable Ostrich Pillow Go a comfortably secure fit, and its curvilinear shape makes it sleek as well as supportive for your inflight snoozing. Cost: $60.
Instant Garden
At a sizable 40 inches by 40 inches each, combine a few of these lush, lifelike artificial-foliage mats to create a visually arresting "living wall" installation or a verdant backdrop display. Cost: $80.
Schlep Lively
This handy nylon strap clips to your suitcase so you can pull as many as four bags with just one hand. Cost: $11.
Clear the Ear
The lightweight, battery-run Eustachi is an air-pressure equalizer that eases pain and discomfort during a flight. Cost: $59.99 at Walmart.
Pitter Patter of Fitter Feet
These supportive FitFlop-brand thongs have a raised midsole for arch support, a cushioned foot bed for improved ergonomics and soft leather straps that won't give you blisters. Cost: $60.