Three Tips For Venue Setup
Posted by Music Archive | Posted in Live Music Archive | Posted on 29-06-2009
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When you’re giving a presentation, whether it’s a keynote speech or seminar, the Venue and facilities could have a very large impact on the success or failure of your presentation, so here are three tips 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 Clubs in Cape Town. The problem is that while our band can draw a crown of about 50-100 individuals, the Club held over 700 individuals we reluctantly turned down the show and instead asked to play in their smaller Club downstairs that only held 80 individuals. The downstairs show was amazing – it was full, crowded and had a amazing vibe – we would have needed at least 500 individuals upstairs to get the energy we had downstairs.
The same happens when all of us speak. Occasionally all of us 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 may always bring in extra chairs at the final minute if important.
Arrive Early
What’s been promised by the Venue, and what they actually provide are not always the same thing. If you arrive early you’ve plenty of time to make final minute differs 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 Club, and he’s responsible for all of the audio visual equipment. They are the people who know where the hidden button is that reduces the projector screen, or where to get an extra extension cable at the final minute etc. If you are speaking at a large conference, you might have a dedicated AV guy, but if it is a smaller function, the Club might have one individual responsible for the entire conference performance up.
This person can make or break your presentation. Befriend him and he’ll be willing to support. Antagonize him, and he can 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 pointers stimulate – nice luck with you next presentation!