Three Tips For Venue Setup
When you are giving a presentation, whether it’s a keynote speech or seminar, the Venue and facilities might have a huge impact on the success or failure of your presentation, so here are three suggestions to make your presentation successful.
Small is more
A few years ago, my band was offer ed a headline show in one of the live music Venues in Cape Town. The problem is that while our band might draw a crown of about 50-100 individuals, the Venue held over 700 individuals we reluctantly turned down the show and instead asked to play in their smaller Venue downstairs that only held 80 individuals. The downstairs show was great – it was full, crowded and had a great vibe - we would have required at least 500 individuals upstairs to get the energy we had downstairs.
The same happens when we speak. Sometimes we think “let’s rather book a bigger room – just in case,” but in general, the small yet full room has far more energy than the large and empty room. Resist the temptation to book the larger room. You might always bring in extra chairs at the last minute if necessary.
Arrive Early
What has been promised by the Venue, and what they actually offer are not always the same thing. If you arrive early you’ve plenty of time to make last minute varys to the room performance up. If possible, check it out a day or two before so that you’ve time to see the room and make a DJ ustments adhead of time.
Get to know the AV Guy
The AV (audio-visual) guy is the individual that (usually) works for the Venue, and he is responsible for all of the audio visual equipment. They are the individuals who know where the hidden button is that reduces the projector screen, or where to get an extra extension cable at the last minute etc. If you are speaking at a large conference, you might have a dedicated AV guy, but if it’s a smaller function, the Venue might have one individual responsible for the entire conference performance up.
This individual might make or break your presentation. Befriend him and he will be willing to help. Antagonize him, and he might not be able to find that extra adapter that you left at home!
(I say AV guy – but in all honesty I have never met an AV gal!)
I hope the suggestions advocate – wonderful luck with you next presentation!