I’ve been to Tech Conferences. There are vendor booths with lots of “SWAG” to be had from pens to t-shirts. There are drawings for all kinds of goodies and gadgets. These things are provided by the vendors and event sponsors.

Last night I attended an awards ceremony for makeup artists and hair stylists. there were no booths, but there were gift bags! On our way out we each received a backpack/makeup kit full of product. None of it means anything to me, but I have to wonder how much money is represented by the contents.