The C.I.N. Welcome Bag promotes and informs in 3 languages: Italian, French, and English, also online at www.up2gether.com. Over time, the Welcome Bag has become a symbol of hospitality and care towards participants of events, conferences, fairs, and ceremonies, explains Barbara de Siena, creator of the Roadshow The C.I.N. Connected Impact Network. But what is its origin? And how is it transforming in the digital context? Let’s discover together the history of this small but meaningful detail that enriches every experience.
The origin of the Welcome Bag
The concept of the Welcome Bag has its origins in the tradition of hospitality, dating back to ancient times. For example, during the medieval period, travelers were welcomed in monasteries or castles with symbolic gifts: a piece of bread, wine, or a map for their journey. Over time, this welcoming gesture was adopted at official events, trade shows, and ceremonies to leave participants with a tangible and useful memento.
The term “Welcome Bag” spread in the United States, where it was initially associated with weddings and business conventions. In the 1980s and 1990s, Welcome Bags began to include promotional gadgets and informational materials, transforming into a strategic marketing opportunity for event organizers.
The Welcome Bag today
Today, the Welcome Bag is truly a statement of intent. Its content may vary, but the goal remains to make participants feel welcome and create a memorable experience.
Here’s what a traditional Welcome Bag might include:
- Informational materials: brochures, event programs, and venue maps.
- Personalized gadgets: pens, notebooks, mugs, USB drives.
- Local products: wines, snacks, or small handcrafted items representing local culture.
- Coupons or gifts: discounts for local activities, free entries, or product samples.
In addition to its practical content, the Welcome Bag often reflects the event’s theme or the message the organizers wish to convey.
The Digital Welcome Bag: the online evolution
With the advent of technology, the Welcome Bag has evolved to adapt to the digital world. The online Welcome Bag is the virtual version of this welcoming gesture and represents an innovative way to engage participants, especially during hybrid or fully digital events.
How does the online Welcome Bag work?
In the case of The C.I.N., the online Welcome Bag will include:
• Exclusive interviews
All video content, such as interviews by Barbara de Siena with sponsors, patrons, and participants, will be compiled into a dedicated playlist on the UP2gether YouTube channel, with direct links in the online Welcome Bag.
• Downloadable brochures
Participants will have access to informational materials, brochures, and exclusive content provided by sponsors and partners.
• Digital offers
Coupons, discounts, or free access to platforms or services offered by the event’s partners.
• Quick access to content and schedules
Direct links to the event schedule, the participant list, and the Book for Buyers and Sellers.
The added value of the digital Welcome Bag
Compared to the physical version, the digital Welcome Bag offers numerous advantages:
- Sustainability
No paper or plastic waste. - Immediate accessibility
Participants can access the content from any device. - Real-time updates
New information can be added even during the event. - Wide distribution
Content can be easily shared with a larger network of people.
A fun anecdote about the Welcome Bag:
Over the years, some Welcome Bags have become legendary for their creative or quirky contents. For example, in 2019, a major convention in Las Vegas handed out mini cactus-shaped lamps, which became so popular among participants that they quickly sold out and were resold online at exorbitant prices. This shows just how impactful a well-thought-out Welcome Bag can be!
The Welcome Bag, whether physical or digital, will be a distinctive feature of the events organized by UP2gether. Each participant will receive not only a personalized experience but also a gateway to a network of content, contacts, and opportunities.
Access our online Welcome Bag through the dedicated menu on The C.I.N., explore the materials, watch the interviews, and discover everything our network has to offer!
The C.I.N. Welcome Bag
If you share this vision and are ready to grow your business internationally, contact us. Together, we can achieve something extraordinary.