Playback - Spring 2008 - (Page 22)

REPS IN THE FIELD 5 Steps to Great AV Presentations By JAMES EVANS, INDuSTRy REP Your program, meeting or demonstration is very important. Since technology plays a critical role in many instances, what can you do to ensure smooth technology operationsduring your on-site meetings or presentations? Drawing on 15 years of experience in the use of projection and computer technology, I offer the following top five tips for technology success. 1. Reserve equipment and technical assistance in advance. If you do not carry your own AV equipment, be sure to inform the facility staff of your needs as soon as possible to avoid surprises. Laptops, desktops and projectors have one thing in common: The only time they fail is while you’re using them. You can navigate the unforeseeable by having a backup plan. –James Evans 2. Identify special equipment or connection needs in advance. If accessing the Web is vital to your presentation, do not leave it to chance that you can just “plug and play.” Many organizations have firewalls and network policies that prohibit access to their networks without the blessings and permission of their IT departments. If you plan to use audio in your presentation, make sure the AV staff knows this in advance, otherwise you could get the “silent treatment.” 3. Be prepared to operate the equipment. Don’t assume an AV support person will be there the whole time. Most organizations have limited resources in this area; technical support people often wear multiple hats. 4. Murphy’s Law makes it imperative that you have a backup plan. Laptops, desktops and projectors have one thing in common: The only time they fail is while you’re using them. You can navigate the unforeseeable by having a backup plan. Put your presentation on printed handouts, overhead transparencies (yes, I said it), burned on a CD or loaded on a USB thumb drive. 5. Above all else, arrive 30 minutes to an hour before your program. This will give you and the tech support person plenty of time to set up, test and resolve any hardware or software issues before your start time—so that you can deliver your presentation successfully. James Evans is a rep for Presentation Technologies Group, based in Charlotte, N.C. 22 PLAYback

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Playback - Spring 2008

Playback - Spring 2008 Contents From the President NAMM Events Music in the News Bringing Recreational Music Making to Iraq Commercial Retail Reps in the Field New Domestic Members International Washington Watch NAMM Foundation Music Notes Resources Viewpoint

Playback - Spring 2008

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