There are some things that duct tape can't fix.

Does this sound familiar? You’re at the conference center and the meeting room is full. The audience is engaged. The presentation is on a roll...and then it happens. The projector goes out. And so does the momentum of your meeting, depending on how long it takes to fix the problem. Here are some ways to make sure technology issues don't halt or delay the start of your next meeting:

• Ask if technology audits are performed for every start-up to check for things such as projector bulb lamp hours (so you know if it's approaching the end of its lifespan).

• If the venue has wireless Internet access, ask for connection instructions and a map of hotspots. Share the info with your attendees. They'll thank you for it!

• Do you have access to a printer? If so, ask for local area printing information.

• Let A/V know how many presenters there will be and arrange for A/V to be there for each start-up to ensure a seamless transition.

• In addition to checking brightness of the projection display, find out how to adjust lighting in-room so presentation can be easily seen from anywhere in the room. If there are window treatments, find out how to open/close them.

• Would you like music in the room before meeting starts or during breaks? Ask A/V if they have music to chose from or if you need to bring your own.

• Using a DVD player or VCR? Be sure it's hooked up and running. Also be sure you know how to toggle back and forth from projection to DVD player or VCR.

• Problems connecting to audio? Make sure you’re connected to the headphone port, not the microphone port.

• Feedback or squealing sound coming from microphones? Before adjusting dials, be sure you're standing behind the speakers. Feedback or squealing could simply be because you were in front of the speakers.

• Familiarize yourself with the wireless remote control before beginning your presentation. Ask for extra set of batteries as back-up just in case.

By arriving well in advance of your event, you’ll have plenty of time to run through this technology checklist. Not only will you be able to avoid potential technological difficulties, you’ll be more comfortable with your surroundings which will leave you feeling confident, collected and ready to deliver a winning presentation.

About Q Center

R.L. Fielding Bio

R.L. Fielding is a freelance writer who has written on a wide variety of topics, with special expertise in the education, pharmaceutical and healthcare, financial service and manufacturing industries.