When someone invites me to be the lecturer at their conference, they usually get a list of questions from me first. Questions that help me prepare myself for the lecture and to create the unique experience for the audience.
At first, these questions cause panic and fear among the organizers, but they soon realize these questions can help them prepare themselves better for the organization of the conference.
This question builds on the previous one, “What is the presentation format?” The computer type might seem like a minor detail, but believe me, it can make or break your presentation. Some speakers might just assume it’ll all work smoothly, but for those of us who prefer Mac (and even for some PC users), this is a crucial question, especially when we talk about compatibility, effects, and specific technical requirements.
But that’s not all! There are a few more sub-questions I usually need to ask to make sure everything goes as planned.
What else do I need to know?
Besides the operating system on the presentation computer, here’s what’s important to me:
- Will I need to bring my own laptop if I have specific audio or video content?
- What adapters will be available in that case (VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort)?
- Will there be internet access in the room for loading online content?
These might seem like small things, but they can make the difference between a smooth presentation and a technical disaster.
At conferences, organizers often prepare a PC in the presentation room, loaded with all the presentations for the day. But for those of us who use Macs, this can be a challenge, especially if our presentation includes animations or transitions unique to PowerPoint or Keynote.
If Mac users can’t use their own laptop, we’re often forced to convert the presentation to a PDF. While this preserves the basic look, you lose all the interactivity. That’s why it’s always good to know if I can just stick to my own laptop, especially when dealing with multimedia-heavy content.
Why is this important to me?
There’s a big difference between what I need for a conference talk (shorter presentations) and what I need for a full workshop (which can last several hours).
For workshops, I often need internet access to connect to tools like Google Analytics. In these cases, it’s much easier to use my own laptop, where I already have my login credentials, bookmarks, and everything set up.
On the other hand, if the session is being recorded or live-streamed, sometimes it’s simpler to use the venue’s equipment. But still, I need to know what software and technical settings will be available on site.
What if the organizer doesn’t know what computer will be used?
If the organizer doesn’t have detailed information about the equipment a few weeks before the conference, it’s crucial to get those details as soon as possible. This includes not just the operating system but also technical specs like screen resolution and file format compatibility. Without that info, speakers might show up with presentations that don’t fit the screen properly or have compatibility issues.
All in all, clear communication about technical details helps speakers prepare properly and deliver a smooth, engaging presentation!
Take a look at other questions for conference organizers, which help me prepare myself for the audience.
Also, if you want me to help you organize your event or to hire some great speakers, do no hesitate to contact me 🙂