Did you know you can use a razor to shave the little balls off of polyester linen? Have you ever considered keeping some high heel protectors in your bag so you can walk on grass without sinking? Our 10 offices operate thousands of programs each year across the country; take it from the pros and see what our experts say are their “must-haves” at an event.

Toolin’ Around

Multi-Tool

Executive Vice President Douglas Kahler says having a multi-tool on hand is a life-saver: “It’s so helpful to have a multi-tool with you, either a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman type. There are many different versions and they can save you in so many situations.”

Exact-O Knife

“To open the many boxes that often arrive for event setup.” —Danielle Guido, Product Development Manager, Hello! Washington, D.C.

Mini Screwdriver

“Keep both a Phillips and flat head with you…you never know when you’re going to have to jump in and help!” —Amanda Flaum, Senior Account Manager, Hello! Las Vegas

Scissors

Several of our teammates recommended scissors as a “must-have.” Hello! Florida (South) Executive Producer/Department Director Vanessa Lopez particularly loves miniature scissors: “I’ve used them multiple times on site!”

Measuring Tool

“A ruler or laser measurer comes in handy when you need a quick measurement or to help visualize the footprint of smaller items.” —Patsy Phillips, Product Development Manager, Hello! Texas

​For a Quick Bite SELEWARE Portable and Stackable 4-Piece Twist Lock Storage Jars “This snack jar fits in my laptop bag and helps when I don’t have time to eat.” —Kathleen Michael, Producer/Event Designer, Hello! Florida (South) Granola Bar Hello! Florida (Central) Sales Coordinators Lexi Watts, Gaby Delgado, and Bridget LaPorte all agree that granola bars can give you a quick boost when you need it.

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Keep it Tight

Zip Ties

“They’re especially good for hanging signage.” —Susan Saville, Senior Account Executive, Hello! Washington, D.C.

“To fix literally anything that falls apart!” —Kate Connin, Event Designer, Hello! Florida (Central)

Binder Clips, Bobby Pins, Hair Ties, Safety Pins

“Binder clips can help tie back drape.” —Cameron Rust, Senior National Asset Manager – Branding and Continuity, Hello! Destination Management

“Use hair ties as a rubber band to tie things – they’re so necessary!” —Eva Lau, Director of Product Development and Samantha Gonzalez, Sales Coordinator, Hello! California (Northern)

Tape and Tacky Putty “Double-sided tape to ‘hem’ pants when switching from heels to flats on site.” —Paige Weeber, Director of Operations, Hello! California (Southern) “Use duct tape to hold signs in place on a windy day or to mark the placement of items, buses, signs, etc.” —Kathy Turns, Director of Operations, Hello! Florida (Central) “I use tacky putty for everything from keeping easel signs on frames outside to almost any other need.” —Alison Davis, Senior Account Executive, Hello! Florida (Central)

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Staying in the Digital Age

Phone Charging Cables or External Battery Banks

Nearly half of our respondents can’t live without their phone charging cables or an external battery bank while they’re on site. “Taking dozens of calls from suppliers seriously drains a phone battery.” —Regina Brooks, Account Executive, Hello! Florida (Central)

Bluetooth Device

“So you don’t miss a single call from clients or suppliers.” —Kelly Truitt, Destination Services Manager, Hello! Washington, D.C.

Portable Thumb Drive

“I’m inevitably going to need to get something digital from one person to another.” — Cameron Rust, Senior National Asset Manager – Branding and Continuity, Hello! Destination Management

A Strong Defense

Hand Sanitizer, Antibacterial Wipes, Emergen-C

“No one wants to get sick during Busy Season!” —Susan Saville, Senior Account Executive, Hello! Washington, D.C.

“You never know what needs to come off a table.” — Kelly Truitt, Destination Services Manager, Hello! Washington, D.C.

First-Aid Kit, Band-Aids, Tylenol

“A small first-aid kit is a life-saver!” —Eva Lau, Director of Product Development and Samantha Gonzalez, Sales Coordinator, Hello! California (Northern)

Sunscreen, Extra Sunglasses, Water Bottle

“It’s always sunny here in SoCal!” —Bill Yahres, General Manager, Hello! California (Southern)

Rub-Relief Stick

“Avoid those blisters!” says Kate Connin, Event Designer at Hello! Florida (Central.) Hello! Director of National Business Resources Julie Mezzina recommends foot petals’ fabfeet cushions and BLISSTICK anti-friction stick.

High Heel Protectors

“For when you’re on site wearing heels and you need to walk on grass without sinking!” —Eva Lau, Director of Product Development and Samantha Gonzalez, Sales Coordinator, Hello! California Northern.

Lookin’ Good

Compact Mirror, Comb/Brush, Nail File, and Makeup Essentials

“I keep a makeup bag in general, but lipstick, concealer, and mascara are my ‘musts’ to look alive after an all-day install.” —Vanessa Lopez, Executive Producer/Department Director, Hello! Florida (South.)

Toothpicks and Floss

They’re for more than just teeth! “You can use floss for possible cutting needs like cutting a cake into equally/evenly sized and spaced triangle portions,” says Rebecca Waters, Sales Coordinator for Hello! Florida (South.) Eva Lau, Director of Product Development for Hello! California (Northern) has even used a toothpick to hold up a succulent.

Cologne/Perfume and Deodorant

“Especially on those long, hot load-ins, you’ve gotta keep smelling fresh!” —Aaron Tharp, Producer/Event Designer, Hello! Texas

Tide-to-Go Pen or Wipes

“For little accidents, either on yourself or on tablecloths.” —Danielle Guido, Product Development Manager, Hello! Washington, D.C.

Office On-the-Go

Sharpies

“It’s good for everything! Labeling, touching up furniture, etc.” raves Susan Saville, Senior Account Executive at Hello! Washington, D.C. Hello! Arizona Event Designer Tressa Rini goes big: “I don’t just keep black Sharpies but also wood-colored and metallic ones, too. You never know when you may need to fill in a small scratch on a table or charger.”

Mini Stapler, Paper Clips, and Pens

“Pen, pens, and more pens! For signing contracts and making adjustments to floorplans on site…always have pens!” — Amanda Flaum, Senior Account Manager, Hello! Las Vegas