So You Want a Successful Event?

So do we!

Here you'll find details about creating an environment that will foster success both for Karla's presentations and your event overall.   

There are several details that will create synergy between your audience and Karla. Here are some suggestions:

1. Karla does not speak from behind a lectern or a head table. If the head table is on a riser or a stage, pull it back from the edge to allow space for her to perform in front of it.

2. Try to have the group in a positive frame of mind before introducing Karla. Sad announcements, though appropriate to your conference, are best made at another time.

3. To get the most from the investment of bringing Karla to your conference, keep in mind that an extended cocktail party is not a good way to maximize her message. Nor is having her speak early in the morning when attendees have been up late the night before.

4. When you place Karla after an awards program or extended announcements, consider giving the audience a stretch break for a couple of minutes before introducing her. You could also place her before the awards or announcements.

5. When speaking for a luncheon or dinner, Karla prefers to start after the attendees have finished eating. At a banquet, please ask the wait staff to clear the tables AFTER Karla's speech.

Maximizing Your Team's Experience

Articles. If you desire to run pre-publicity on Karla's scheduled program, she has several articles that can be printed in your newsletters or other company publications. Just ask about the topics that are the most appropriate for you.

Learning Tools. Audiences always want to take some of Karla home with them. When you call to ask about permission to print Karla's articles, ask about purchasing her learning tools as gifts for each attendee. At your conference, the learning tools will be for sale at the back of the room and a book signing can be arranged.

Logistical Considerations

Microphone:

For Karla's keynotes a hand-held wireless mic is best. She frequently likes to have an additional mic to capture audience comments.

For some interactive breakout sessions and workshops, she prefers a lavaliere (lapel) mic so please clarify with her which is best for your session.

Lighting:

Please make sure the entire room is well lit, especially the stage area. If spotlights are available, consider using them.

Room Set-up:

The stage should be appropriately decorated to make a stimulating and pleasing look from which Karla can present to your audience. Large plants or sprays of flowers are a typical choice, balloon bouquets or even a simple colored and lit background are also effective.

Many hotels forget the finer points of building rapport between a speaker and the audience. Make Karla's presentation even more effective by asking that the hotel:

• Set the chairs so audience members are close to each other. Have them set only as many chairs as you anticipate. It is a good idea to block off the back rows so the front will be filled.
• Insure that the chairs are set close to the speaker so Karla and the audience can have better interactions.
• Provide doorstops so that doors do not open and close loudly.
• Set up coffee breaks outside the meeting room.

The ideal room set-up for meetings other than banquets is a chevron as shown below:

Pictures

Please feel free to take photos of Karla for your newsletters or other publications. It is preferable to have photos taken in the middle of the program or at the end, not the beginning. It is often a good idea to take "posed action" shots during the break so as not to distract the audience during the picture taking.