Connie, In addition to the good suggestions already: emphasize long extension cords (25 ft. minimum) connected to a short surge protector to plug in both projector and computer. Often long distance to wall outlets. One time I talked, the podium was on a stage and the projector set up on the floor below, many feet away - so also have an extension cord for the connectors between laptop and projector (I find most remotes are unreliable, and like to have the laptop with me). A USB light is in case the room is darkened so much you cannot see any notes you might have. I am thrilled with a new lightweight folding projection screen Da-Lite Pico Projection Screen - 39415, $90 that I can keep in the car trunk just in case (projecting to cinderblock walls was no fun!). Always have your talk copied to a USB flash drive in case your computer fails - in PowerPoint Pack-N-Go format - you can use someone else's, even if doesn't have PowerPoint installed. In fact, I have only OpenOffice on my little netbook, and it shows PP presentations just fine! But as Eileen on this list knows, sometimes everything fails and you have to give your talk without any visuals! --Sandy Clunies Sandra MacLean Clunies, CG(sm)* www.clunies.net/smc.html _____________________________________ * CG, Certified Genealogist:  is a proprietary service mark of the Board for Certification of Genealogists® used by the Board to identify its program of genealogical competency evaluation and under license to its certificants. Certificate No. 411, renewed until 15 April 2013.        www.bcgcertification.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2013 04:59:44 -0500 (EST) From: Rvsailor@aol.com Subject: [TGF] Public Speaking/Presentation Equipment Suggestions <<To: transitional-genealogists-forum@rootsweb.com Message-ID: <507b.7cda7c33.3e2a770f@aol.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" I am beginning to receive invitations to provide presentations as a guest speaker and have realized that I need a portable, light weight "toolbox" as a backup for equipment provided by the organization. >>