GIFTING SUITES 101

Gifting Suites have been going on for about a decade or so. I write about them a few times a year, whenever they are held. So that I don’t have to bore the initiated with the same intro for each new column on the subject, here’s the basic primer, to bring the newbies up to speed:

The week before big awards shows, different companies headquarter in suites at a hotel (hence the term “suites”) or similar luxurious locations, and celebrities are invited to attend and receive gift items and spa services. They’ve expanded the guest list over the years to include a few key media people and some other VIPs. (A couple of poseurs occasionally get through, too, but isn’t that the Hollywood way?)

Just one example of a sponsor display at a Gifting Suite. Now picture about thirty more!

Each “suite” (or “lounge,” as they‘re sometimes called) is different and unique, some better than others, but all usually wonderful in its own unique way. Even the same organizers often host suites that differ from their previous ones! Guests should always be prepared for surprises.

Exhausting as attending them is, I’m very grateful to be included. I meet some really lovely people, and some not so much, but they all make for colorful stories.

The best part is discovering so many new products to tell you about. Sometimes that includes helping new companies that look promising and that is the biggest gift. I hope you find the information in the Gifting Suites columns to be interesting and useful.