The small things in life are important, and as a seasoned conference attendee my first rush of excitement is at the registration desk. After I have felt that frisson of panic (did I remember to register?) the registrar acknowledges my efficient planning and reaches under the desk for the conference bag.

Many of us have spent hours planning the scientific content of congresses, but the choice of bag is often seen as of marginal importance. This could not be further from the truth; carefully chosen, the bag may become a cherished possession—an everlasting monument to the congress, living witness to the International Congress of Palmistry (Zagreb, 2001), displayed by the proud owners at work and on planes and trains. However, immortality of this nature is illusive—course members are discriminating, and “cult bag” status must be earned.