Any media event—from a product launch to a hotel opening—comes with one indispensable takeaway for guests: the press kit. These days, event planners deliver them electronically on USB drives, also known as thumb drives. Proving no event detail is too small, several companies have turned these handheld storage devices into expressions of their brand. Here are some clever thumb drives that also drive home a brand message.
Icelandic vodka brand Reyka celebrated the summer solstice with a June 21 party at the rooftop bar at King & Grove hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Guests received USB bracelets as they entered and were encouraged to wear them at the event. The devices came loaded with images of the four custom cocktails created for the event as well as information about the DJ, model Edda Petursdottir, and the oversize sun art installation from Hrafnhildur Arnardottir, known as "Shoplifter."
Photo: Beth Kormanik/BizBash
The Engage!13 luxury-wedding business summit in June gave out custom journals with vintage key-shaped USBs containing the full attendee contact list and the partner listing. Wedding strategy consulting firm Engaging Concepts planned the June event at the Inn on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
Photo: Jermie Barlow
Burger King debuted its summer menu in May with a summer barbecue at the Glasshouses in New York. Peter Callahan Catering styled the food, and gift bags included barbecue sauce and USB drives in the form of the classic Whopper hamburger.
Photo: Courtesy of Burger King
Sheraton launched its Social Hour wine promotion with Wine Spectator magazine in May with a series of events billed as a "Toast Around the World." At the press event at the Sheraton New York Times Square, several aspects featured wine corks, including the electronic media kit.
Photo: Fred Blauth/BizBash
Aquatica, the new water park at SeaWorld San Antonio, offered journalists photos, videos, and press releases on a USB shaped like a stingray.
Photo: Fred Blauth/BizBash
Univision turned its corporate logo into a USB drive that was given to journalists covering the TV network's 2013 upfront presentation. The colorful takeaway included press releases, photos of executives, and ratings information.
Photo: Fred Blauth/BizBash
To emphasize its identity as a golfing destination, the Westin La Cantera Hill Country Resort in San Antonio designed its media kit as a golf bag.
Photo: Fred Blauth/BizBash
