Probably one of the less useful events they hold yearly at work is something called "Vendor Day". Basically, various companies (hotels, office supplies and tzchotchky/doodad makers) show up, set up a table, and hand out pens and brochures.
i'm not really sure i understand the idea.
You see, sure, if i was in purchasing or had any actual say in any corporate buying decision, i might be interested. i'm not. i'm a geek, a keyboard wrangler. i have no say in any sort about which manufacturer of branded yo-yo we decide to deluge my fellow workers with to announce the relaunch of Pet Horoscopes.
i'm also quite sure that the other hundred or so folks wandering around with bag(s) full of free crap, brochures and candy were equally less likely to either suggest or even remember the names of the hotels that were vying for corporate deals. Heck, most of the folks wandering around down there don't even use services made by their own company (iTunes vs. YME, Orbitz vs. Y!Travel, Amazon vs. Y!Shopping, etc.).
Yet, it draws us in like flies to.. well.. ok, let's say "honey" since that also attracts flies.
Ah well, it wasn't a total loss for me. i managed to pick up a mini bat to replace the one that got stolen/confescated/whatever. Let the small, controlled threats of violence once again continue.
Man, I HAVE to go to these things for my job, about three times a year. They're only interesting when fights break out – one year they stuck the "Bic Sticky Note" booth next to the "3M Post-It" booth for what I can only assume was intended fisticuffs.
What's the point of working if not to get free stuff from people who want your corporate dollars?
Up with free stuff! :)