Conference technology

Four things decide almost everything: how much power is available and where outlets sit, whether there are rigging points in the ceiling or we need stands, how gear enters the building (lift, door, distance from the truck), and when we actually get access. Many venues have another event the day before, which removes setup time. We cover this on a site visit, but ask the venue when you book.

For a programme with presentations from one PC only, we can rig, test and leave it with you. As soon as there are multiple sources, microphones changing hands, video playback or streaming, someone should sit at the desk. Not because the gear is hard — because someone must fix issues within three seconds in front of a hundred people.

With a stage-ready clicker, not an office presenter. We use Microcue, which gives the speaker their own screen with the next slide, timing and wireless range that holds in a full hall. That removes the most common source of dead air: walking to a PC between every talk.

Yes — that is the hybrid setup. The key questions are whether remote guests can ask questions, whether they see the room or only the slides, and whether hall audio is good enough for them to hear audience questions. The last point is often underestimated — a room without audience mics goes silent for people at home.