Testing before it matters.
WHY IT IS ESSENTIAL
Problems found in rehearsal are inconvenient; problems found during the event are public.
WHAT TO TEST
Every microphone Sound levels in the actual room, with the actual system Lighting states and changes Video playback and connections Presentation files, on the actual equipment Cues and transitions Power under full load
WHY PRESENTATION FILES SPECIFICALLY
Files that work on one machine fail on another, constantly.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That presenters' files are received and tested in advance.
WHAT TO TEST WITH PEOPLE
Speakers with the microphones they will use Performers with the monitors they will hear Anyone operating equipment
WHY
Equipment behaves differently with real users.
WHAT TO WALK THROUGH
The running order, step by step.
WHAT THAT REVEALS
Transitions nobody had thought about, and gaps.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Who gives cues, and how.
WHAT TO PREPARE
A written running order held by everyone with a role.
WHAT IT SHOULD CONTAIN
Times What happens Who does what Technical cues
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT CHANGES
That late changes are communicated to everyone.
WHY
Half the team working to an old running order is where events unravel.
WHEN TO REHEARSE
Early enough that problems can be fixed.
WHAT TO AVOID
Rehearsing as guests arrive.
