"The pins bring them to us, but we get a chance to talk to them about our message," he said. "We're wholesome family entertainment, not adult entertainment."

The one gift that has received the most attention prior to the convention was a Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD, which was offered by Utah officials as their hosting committee gift. The choice was a hit, state Legislative Auditor General Wayne Welsh said after spending a day behind the booth, when he said that more than 700 had been distributed the first day alone.

"They're pretty pleased. In fact, most people are quite excited by it," Welsh said. "I think there is a universal appeal to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. They're really thrilled to get it."

There were also many groups providing free services, such as free massages from two massage therapist advocacy groups or free beer from the Beer Institute, which servers said was perfectly legal under Utah liquor laws because the convention is a private event. "Shoppers" could also test their target skills with a free round of shooting at clay pigeons on a huge video screen, courtesy of the people from lasershoot.com, rejuvenate with chocolate dipped fruit from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, and test their cholesterol, glucose and body fat at the Alliance for Pharmaceutical Care.

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Contributing: Lisa Riley Roche

E-mail: jloftin@desnews.com, sspeckman@desnews.com