Audio-Visual, Staging, and Seating Requests

“Nothing is worse than a meeting in which participants can’t participate.” Kathleen Passanisi

Well in advance, Kathleen will need to know:

✦ size of the audience

✦ size, height, and shape of the room

✦ possible seating configurations

✦ staging (floor, platform, stage, lectern, head tables, lighting, screens, microphone setup, etc.)

Good audio-visual equipment and a compatible room setup can make or break an event.

Microphone

• For best sound quality, Kathleen prefers a small wireless headset microphone. A wireless clip-

on microphone is her second choice. A hand-held wireless microphone is an acceptable alternative.

Please clear this with Kathleen.

Projector

• Kathleen usually requires an LCD projector that has a standard VGA connection. She uses a Mac

Powerbook and will bring the required adaptor cord.

• Kathleen prefers to use her own laptop whenever possible. However, if requested we will send

Kathleen’s presentation on a CD** to the AV professional handling your meeting so that i can be loaded

onto a master prior to the meeting. This requires advanced notice.*

* A word of caution: Because Kathleen uses a lot of graphics, her presentation may not be

compatible with a PC. We will always send a paper copy of her presentation so you can

compare it to what you’re seeing on the screen.

** Kathleen’s presentations are copyright materials and CANNOT be copied or retained for

further use without permission. We ask that you return all submitted disks after your event.

Screen

• Please be sure that the screen size is appropriate for the size of your group and room. Often,

multiple screens work best.

• If the projector is to be set on the floor in front of the platform, please set the screen to the side, so

that Kathleen doesn’t need to walk between the light and the screen.

Staging

• Kathleen is not quite 5’2”. With large groups, a platform or stage is required for her to be seen.

• Kathleen prefers that nothing be between her and the audience. Therefore , she rarely stands behind

a lectern. If a lectern must be on the platform, please place it to the side. If it must be centered, please

place it 5-6 feet back from the font of the platform so Kathleen can present in front of it. The same is

requested if head tables are to be set up on the stage and cannot be removed.

Lighting• Kathleen prefers the house lights be mostly “up” for her presentation whenever possible.

• With large audiences, spotlighting Kathleen is best, especially when taping or using image

magnification.

• When a LCD projector is used, screen placement is best away from a spotlight.

•Please ask the facility staff to unscrew any lights that wash the screen.

Seating

People interact better and laugh more when they’re not looking at the back of someone’s head.

Whenever possible, Kathleen prefers:

• Half-round tables are preferred over rounds.

• Chairs are better set in chevron style (fishbone or sergeant stripes) than regular theater style. Chairs

placed in a curve can have aisles placed in the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions.

• The front row of seating should be as close to the speaker as possible without interfering with fire

exits, waitstaff, etc. Please avoid a large gap between the stage and the front row.

9 Stone Falcon Court Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367-2234 p: 636-561-2516 f: 636-561-2520kathleen@kathleenpassanisi.com

Kathleen PassanisiPT, CSP, CPAE