Frequently asked questions
Here are some general questions that I've been asked about being a freelance live event specialist, including my work as a PowerPoint operator, audio-visual or vision technician.
I hope you find these helpful and informative. If, however, your questions aren't answered here, ask me now.
How do you rate your skills in PowerPoint?
Answer
Can we see some examples of your PowerPoint work?
Answer
XRead my
showcase to see how I supported a large-scale live event as an advanced PowerPoint operator and editor.
We have an event in 6 months' time and we need a freelance live event specialist. How much notice do you require?
Answer
XI'm often booked well in advance, but I don't want you to lose out. Therefore, I'm more than happy to take a provisional booking when you've a rough idea of the dates in mind.
We need freelancers to have their own public liability cover. Do you have this, and to what limit?
Answer
XYes it's £5m, but can be increased if required.
We've never booked a freelancer. What information do you need from us?
Answer
XI'll need: a purchase order, venue, accommodation and travel details/arrangements, on-site contacts and numbers, details of the meeting place, details of the type of show and dress code for show.
This is a basic idea of what I'll need from you, although it's not an exhaustive list.
Do you travel?
Answer
XYes. I travel to suit your project's needs. I often drive to locations outside London. I'm conveniently based inside the M25 in NORTHWOOD, north-west London, only a short distance from Heathrow Airport, St Pancras International and the City.
Do you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan or any food allergies?
Answer
XNo, none that I'm aware of.
Do you own steel toecap boots?
Answer
As you're a qualified first aider, can you be our first aider on-site?
Answer
XYes. But do bear in mind that, in an emergency, I'll need to stop what I'm doing to attend to any accident and that may mean leaving site. I'll need someone to cover the task you've hired me to carry out. Also, you'll need to supply a fully stocked first aid kit.
What is a PAL Card?
Answer
How do you handle pressure?
Answer
XWorking as a specialist live event technician brings many challenges. I find that the best ways to keep stress at bay in the working environment are to: exercise regularly, sleep well, take regular breaks, eat regularly, have plenty of soft drinks, relax and, most importantly, remain objective and avoid taking things personally.
Read some
testimonials about how I’ve handled high-pressure live events.
Are you a graphic designer?
Answer
XNo, although I can tweak a background in Adobe Photoshop if there's a need to.
Can you send your invoices by email?
Answer
XYes, I send invoices by email in PDF format.
What are your terms?
Answer
XI’ll normally invoice with terms of 30 days.
Are you VAT registered?
Answer
What is a cue light?
Answer
XA cuing device for presenters. This comes in two parts - the transmitter and the receiver. The transmitter is used by the presenter and has two clearly labelled buttons, forward and back.
The presenter presses the button, which in turn sends an instant signal (light and/or tone) to the receiver for the operator's next cue. For further information, go to the UK's most popular cue light manufacturer,
Interspace Industries.
What are show ready laptops?
Answer
XCustomised machines for show use. Setting up a show-ready laptop mainly involves disabling screen savers, power-saves, annoying pop-ups, warning messages, auto updates and, on some occasions, Bluetooth, infra-red, Wi-Fi, LAN and sounds, too! This also includes fully testing animations, and making sure that video, sound and PowerPoint files load, run and display correctly.
Read more about the equipment I use as a
PowerPoint operator.
Can you supply just the cue light?
Answer
Do you own a laser measure for recces and projection jobs?
Answer
Are you based outside London’s congestion charge zone and would you charge to enter it?
Answer
XYes, I’m outside the zone. If I’m to drive in the zone, I’ll pass this on at cost. For more information and to register, visit Transport for London’s
congestion charge website.
"Big, big thanks for all your help and hard work. Your skill, professionalism and patience made for a smooth-running and highly successful event."
Simon Mayne, Producer
Crown Business Communications
To find out how I can support your project, please get in touch
