This year's U.S. Conference on AIDS featured a plethora of enlightening panels, discussions, and events, which drew together some of the world's most prominent HIV activists to the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel.
From the presentation by Laverne Cox on the staggering number of transgender women with HIV to the tearful speech by music executive Maria Davis in Merck's I Design Campaign to the solemn and celebratory Day of the Dead celebration, which honored all those lost to the AIDS epidemic, there was much to take away from the conference.
But the most tangible things taken away from the conference were, of course, the swag offered by the many HIV/AIDS organizations present. Be they practical, colorful, or eye-catching, these objects were designed to pique your interest in each respective organization's mission.
In this spirit, take a look at some of the best swag from the 2014 U.S. Conference on AIDS.
Condom-enforcing yo-yos from the Community Education Group, which works with local and national networks to train community health workers and help stop the spread of HIV.
Informative T-shirts from Greater Than AIDS, a leading public information response to the U.S. HIV and AIDS epidemic.
Practical pens, plastic bags, and notebooks from Walgreens.
A poster from Stop the Virus, an educational campaign by Gilead Sciences.
A game of chance for Kindle Fire raffle tickets, T-shirts, and water bottles spun by the National Minority AIDS Council, a D.C.-based organization that tackles HIV in communities of color.
Everyone wanted a water bottle from NMAC — they came in various colors and offered a removable bottom to create a separate cup.
Food was another popular offering. Gilead had trays of cookies.
HIV Equal, an online magazine and social media campaign that promotes HIV testing, styled up the basics: condoms and lube in a branded pink wallet.
With Halloween just around the corner, it was no surprise to see so many candies and sweets, a few of which had inspirational messages tucked inside. Above, A&U, "America's AIDS Magazine," offers Twizzlers and Gummi Bears in between issues.
An innovative condom holder from Total Access Group prevents the condoms from being scattered around an establishment or tampered with. It's a nice visual presentation of safe sex as well.
Avita Drugs Pharmacy had a handy carport for charging mobile devices.
The Wall Las Memorias Project, which maintains a stunning AIDS monument in Los Angeles's Lincoln Park, had some cool shades for sunny San Diego.
Our friends at the newly rebranded National LGBTQ Task Force were passing out pink lanyards.
Biolytical Laboratories passed out foam fingers, which illustrated the speed of its one-minute Insti HIV test.
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, an L.A.-based nonprofit that provides HIV prevention services, had some handy backpacks.
The Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center offered smartphone stands.
Who's got a pen? HIP in Healthcare does!
The stress-relieving foam penises from the San Francisco City Clinic were popular and provided a helpful reminder to get tested every six months at the base of the shaft.
Decked with inflatable pink flamingoes, the San Diego USCA Host Committee's table was the most colorful in the room.
Fliers and magazines, including our very own HIV Plus.
The popcorn went fast.
Capacity for Health, which boasts a compreshensive online HIV resource library, had a helpful sticky-note folder that doubled as a ruler. It also had some cool shades.
A pocket-size first aid kit from Proceed Inc.
And to carry it all? USCA gave out these bags with a gorgous Guatemalan design.
