• Turn the projector on first, before any auxiliary devices or before the computer is turned on.

LAPTOPS

• Bring the manual, the power supply and all attachments, most presenters forget to. Hitting one wrong button could take hours to fix the problem.

• Rental Fees
• Dimensions
• Capacities
• Lighting
• Column Sizes and Locations
• Built-in Audio Visual
• Airwalls
• Freight Access
• Storage Rooms
• ADA Compliance

Theater or Auditorium
Just like a school room setup, but without the tables. Features a platform, podium, or riser as the focal point and maximizes the number of people that can be accommodated in a room. Fire and building codes regulate aisles, but a good rule of thumb is that side aisles be at least 4 feet wide, increasing to as much as 8 feet if the numbers of rows in a section is greater than 30. Set side sections herringbone or curved for more direct sightlines to the speaker/screen. The front row should be at  least 6 feet from the front of the stage or 2 times the vertical dimension of the screen, whichever is farther. The  standard setup in most facilities is 20 inches between rows; however, 24 inches is preferred.

Conference or Boardroom
For small groups that require a lot of interaction, such as a board of directors, breakout group, committee, or staff, the table can be rectangular or oval; many hotels have a dedicated room with a permanent table. Allow 2 to 3 feet of space per person.

Crescent Round
Round banquet tables with chairs around one-half to three-quarters of the table, facing the front. Used for meetings where networking and note taking are important, as well as breakout group meetings where table members can interact with each other while remaining in the main meeting room. This setup is also a quick and easy solution when a meal is followed by a presentation, allowing attendees to stay in the some room and saving on setup time. Tables can be 60 inches in diameter (seating 5 people), 66 inches (6 people), or 72 inches (7 people). Allow at least five feet between tables.

Graphics

• Keep it simple. Many presenters try to cram too much information on their slides. Try reading the image on the laptop from six to eight feet away; if you can't, it won't be legible to the people in the back row.

• Use contrasting colors. These are easiest on the eyes. Good choices include blue and orange, red and yellow, or black and white.

• Don't use a white background with PowerPoint Slides, white backgrounds make the type look blurry

Laptops

• Know how to turn on the monitor port. The monitor port connects the laptop to the projector; if it's not on, you won't get on image on the screen. It's usually as easy as hitting a function key, but most presenters don't learn how. Connect the laptop to a projector before the show and figure out the connection, or ask a technician to show you ahead of time.