61. People Expect Connectivity

In one of my presentations, I arrived early to set up. There were going to be 25 people at the session. I did not need an Internet connection for my computer, but I knew that the 25 professionals who would be there would expect to be able to get online. The hotel was going to charge $25 for each person to connect to the Internet. The host of the session agreed to pay $25 for herself, and then she went out and got a router so everyone else could connect without having to pay $25.

These days, people expect to be able to get a wireless Internet connection when they are at a conference or presentation. They also expect to be able to plug in a computer, a cell phone, or both.

Although you may not be responsible for these types of services, it is a good thing for you as a presenter to remind the host what people will be expecting during your session. And if you need Internet connectivity, you had certainly better check that it is available to you. Although many, and maybe even most, facilities offer Wi-Fi in their meeting rooms, not all do, or they may charge. Don’t end up surprised. Check it out beforehand.