Lanyard

Fair Trade Ideas for Conferences

Hosting an annual tradeshow, conference or convention takes a lot of planning. From the lanyard you pick for participant name badges to the type of coffee you serve your participants; there are several ways that you can incorporate Fair Trade products in your next organizational conference or convention.

Fair Trade is becoming increasingly popular throughout the United States as more and more people are made aware of the poor conditions for artisans in developing countries. Small business owners and vendors that attend trade shows understand how difficult it can be to make a business work. Because of this, they are sympathetic to the needs of other business owners who rely on fair trading and pricing policies, and they are eager to support their contemporaries throughout the world.

Fair Trade Lanyards can be selected for your convention staff and for registrants. Every employee that works at the convention should wear an identification badge that gives their name, company affiliation, or their role at the conference. However, instead of choosing the cheaply made, mass produced lanyards of the past look for Fair Trade items. BooJee Beads offers a selection of Fair Trade products that have been designed and produced specifically for ID badge holders.

Don’t forget that your convention participants will need a name badge and lanyard in their welcome packet too. Name tags are great for helping people as they network and socialize at large group events. The same kind of lanyards can be used for you participants. Badge holders are staples at conventions, so don’t forget to order them for displaying conference credentials.

You can’t have a conference without drinks, snacks, and coffee. When you are planning the menu for the event, ask your supplier to use Fair Trade coffees. Fair trade items taste every bit as good as the goods from the large chains. The difference is that the people involved in the raising and harvesting of the coffee beans are able to make a living from their labor. Buying Fair Trade coffee is a responsible way to show that your group cares about living wages for workers all across the globe. Other food items such as chocolate, sugar, and spices are available through Fair Trade channels as well.

No convention is complete without random prize drawings and other ”take home gifts.” Whenever possible, choose Fair Trade items. From baskets to office décor, you can find so many things available at markets and stores that only carry Fair Trade products. Look for a Fair Trade supplier in your area before you buy door prizes and other grab bag goodies for your annual event.

There is one more thing you can do to make your convention Fair Trade friendly. Tell your participants and vendors about your mission. Your advertising and literature should spread the word about your efforts. This will help raise awareness for the Fair Trade cause and remind people that using Fair Trade products is not only economically feasible, it’s the right thing to do.
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