I love freebies.

When the possibility exists for a free customized advertising novelty, I am goal-driven to get one before they run out. This quest is not without hazard, though, because at some of the trade shows I've attended, the quest for a freebie renders some folks completely nuts. They take on the characteristics of genetically-engineered mercenary creature from a Dean Koontz novel. During collectible shows, many such giveaways end up on eBay within minutes of the kickoff and often sooner in the form of pre-sales.

I thought eBay Live would be ten times worse given the attendee profile: eBay sellers. I worried a little about wearing open-toe shoes, thinking I'd suffer a few crushed bones and need to be carried to the airport terminal for my trip home. But to my delight, things are a bit more demure at eBay Live. I haven't seen any fistfights.

The hottest items are the collectible pins and cards from eBay. To get one of each, you take your Treasure Quest map to the Stamping Stations, have the appropriate stamp put on your map, and you're handed a pin and a trading card. With this method, there should be a sufficient amount for all paid attendees.

The relative civility at eBay Live is not to say that the vendor giveaways aren't must-haves. Quite the opposite! Some of the exhibitors have their own collector cards and pins, and many will scan your badge, again to ensure that each attendee receives whatever they're handing out. This also allows them to know who's interested in their products and services.

I have yet to see anyone knocked to the ground or engaged in a tug-of-war! I did have one offer made for my Press badge, but that's not something I'll part with easily. I'm certainly not about to hand it over to a total stranger to sell on eBay (not when I can do that myself should the value top a cool $10K in the weeks to come).

Among the coolest giveaways at eBay Live 2004:

• Blue hospital scrub shirts from Channel Advisor
• Yo-yos and Mardi Gras beads at Vendio
• Can coolers and stress squeezers from JJW Logistics
• Tri-color highlighters from Dymo
• Colorful boomerangs from MyStoreCredit
• Labels and label dispensers from Avery
• Plush stuffed auction hammers from Auktionmaster.net

I'm sure there are more, and I'm about to head back over to the convention center to check it out. And I'm wearing open-toe shoes.