Posts Tagged ‘meeting’

Choosing the Right Projector for Your Meetings

Dec 7th, 10 / 0 Comments

When it comes to technology, many people like to think they are well-versed. However, ask anybody about projector technology and all that knowledge they thought they had goes right out the window. Projectors are a rare field of study for most tech enthusiasts and with all the different sizes, styles, brands and qualities out there, picking the right one can be difficult. But what if your boss gives you the task of finding the perfect projector for your company’s newest meeting and conference room? Do you think you would be able to pick the right one?

Picking the right projector for your company’s meeting room is never easy, and if you get one that lacks substance, quality and performance, you may find yourself in the doghouse with the boss. If you are planning on acquiring a projector for your company’s meeting room, then you have to take a few things into consideration first. Knowing the ins and outs of projectors and how they work is key.

Brightness
When dealing with brightness, you have to consider a few things. You need to know how big of a picture you need to produce in order for everybody to see it clearly and whether you are going to use it with the lights on or off. This will help you determine the brightness level required of your projector. Brightness is measured in ANSI lumens with the average everyday projector running anywhere from 500 to 2100 lumens. If you are running the projector in a well-lit room, then you obviously need more lumens.

For a quick reference 500-1000 lumens is good for a 5′ to 6′ screen in a small room with no lighting. 1000-1500 lumens is good for a 8′ to 10′ screen size in a medium-sized room with dim lighting. 1500-2000 lumens is good for screen sizes between 12′ and 25′ in a large meeting room and more than 2000 lumens works well with 12′ to 25′ screens in large rooms with dim lighting or smaller rooms with bright lighting.

Resolution
If you want the clearest picture possible, then you have to go for a projector with good clarity. The key to clarity is finding a projector with a high resolution. Your projector’s resolution is directly linked with the resolution of the computer you have the projector connected to. Your projector resolution must be equal to the resolution of the monitor you are using. Your average desktop has a resolution of about 800 x 600 pixels with your average laptop coming in at 1024 x768 or even 1280 x 1024. Another thing to consider is whether or not you want your projector to accommodate guest laptops. If so, then you will need to find a projector that has XGA resolution as opposed to SVGA resolution.

Brands and Pricing
Thankfully for you, the price of multimedia projectors has been on a steady decline for the past couple of years. The price of a multimedia projector in today’s market can be as low as $2000 or as high as over $11,000. Brand names like Toshiba, InFocus, Sharp, NEC, Sony and Panasonic will cost you more .

Ceiling Mount
Another thing you need to consider is where you will be placing this projector.  In meeting rooms projectors are most often mounted on the ceiling. If this is the style you are looking for, then you need to be sure and pick up a certain type of projector. If you are going to ceiling mount it, then you need a projector that is first of all able to be mounted on a ceiling, and secondly, you need to make sure that it has an inverted lens so your picture doesn’t end up displaying upside down.

Demonstrations
Before you commit to a projector, be sure to ask the sales clerk if you can see a demonstration of the product. If you want to, you could even ask for a side-by-side demonstration of multiple projectors that you may be interested in. Seeing a variety of different projectors displayed in front of you is the best way to tell if you are getting what you want and need.

So there you have it, a simple list of a few things to consider before acquiring a new projector for your company’s meeting and conference room. If you follow these simple suggestions, then I guarantee you will find your boss’s approval awaiting you at your next meeting.

Make your next corporate business meeting really shine with a Projector Rental from Rentacomputer.com. They offer a wide range of projectors including Hitachi Projector Rentals. Rentacomputer.com has been in the projector rental industry for over 20 years and delivers to more than 1000 cities worldwide.
Meetings

6 Tips to Extend the Life of your Projector

Oct 4th, 10 / 0 Comments

Extend Your Life: Don’t Operate in a Smoky Environment 

Projectors can be expensive to purchase if you don’t follow these 6 tips for extending your projector life. If you only need a projector once or twice per year, then renting a projector is a better idea.

Here are 6 things you can do to extend the life of your projector

1. Read the instruction manual.
This is the most basic way to extend the life of your projector. Read the manual that was included with your projector. The manual will provide tips on how to properly operate the device and store the projector. It will also provide precautions to avoid damage to yor projector.

2. Let the Projector to cool before packing away
If you want to extend the lamp life of your projector, you need to let your unit cool completely before turning it off or unplugging it. Excessive heat is a huge contributor to the shortening of a projector’s lamp life. Due to this fact, it is also important to remember not to utilize your projector in direct sunlight or near a heat source.

3. Change the filter.
Didn’t know your projector comes with a filter? It might have one and if it does, the specifics about changing your projector’s filter can be found in the user’s manual. If you don’t change the filter, you shorten your life.

4. Make sure the filter is properly installed
Do not operate your projector without a filter. If you do this, dust can be drawn into the optics of the projector, which will then cause the dust particles to show up on your projected image.

5. Don’t Smoke
Don’t operate your projector in a smoky environment. The smoke can cause damage to the optics of your device, and smoke damage is not covered under most projector’s warranties. Smoke shortens the life of your projector.

6. Store Your Projector Properly
It is important to store your projector in a cool, dry space to extend the life of the projector. Also concern should be take to store in a place where the projector will not be easy bumped.

If this story sparks your interest then you may also like Tips to Caring for Your Projector on The Projector Blog.

Do you need an Electro Voice Speaker System Rental? If so then call Rentacomputer.com today at 800-736-8772.
Meetings

How to handle secondary conversations

Aug 26th, 10 / 0 Comments



Chances are if you call a meeting then you have something important to say, but in all offices or businesses there is going to be outside conversation that leaks into the meeting room. During computer and projector meetings it is exceedingly important to have the full attention of your audience. Off-topic subjects can range from office gossip, to relationship talk, and even children. Regardless, talk between meeting participants that does not have to do with the subject matter of the meeting can distract from what is important and ruin the professional atmosphere you are trying to project. Below I’m going to go over a few tips to keep all eyes and ears on you, and ensure whatever you are trying to convey in the meetings is heard and absorbed by all.

Be non-verbal and non-threatening

There is no reason to embarrass someone for a first offense, so when two or more meeting participants are chatting on the side, make eye contact with each of them to let them know their conversation has drawn attention. Let your cues be non-verbal so that the speaker is not interrupted. Signal the offenders to quiet down with a clear hand signal and leave it at that. Speaking up or calling someone out has the negative outcome of making the offenders only dwell on getting in trouble, and not the subject of the meeting.

If chatter continues, call the talkers out in a non-threatening manner

On the off chance that the people holding the sideline conversation do not stop after a non-verbal cue is given, it is appropriate to call the talkers out in a manner that does not put them in a negative light with their peers but forces them to pay attention. One method is to ask the opinion of one of the people holding the secondary conversation. Ask things like, “Do you feel that this is a good idea, Margaret?” or “Do you have anything to add, Joe?”. By grabbing attention in a non-threatening manner the participant in the secondary conversation is made to pay attention or risk the embarrassment of being ignorant on the subject matter. Another tactic is to ask to borrow the notes of someone involved in the talking. Say that you missed the last part, and ask if they could give you a quick rundown of what was just said.

Keep control without getting angry

Sometimes things can just get out of hand, especially if the person who has the floor has a meek personality or does not know how to handle a large crowd of his or her peers. If competing conversations continue to the point where multiple conversations are being held, it may be necessary to bring the conversations to a halt by addressing the room. Avoid sarcasm or anger so that no one feels intimidated or embarrassed. Comment on your own inability to hear whoever has the floor and calmly guide attention back to the presentation. With the whole group’s attention it is very unlikely anyone’s thoughts will stray to other conversations again.

Keep the presentation entertaining

When running a computer and projector presentation, the biggest key to keeping other conversations from springing up is to hold everyone’s interest. Make sure the projector screen is large enough that everyone can see and that everything on the computer is running smoothly. Keep the presentation engaging and fast paced while still being informative. Incorporate humor and ask lots of questions of the audience. If you do not have the floor, make sure to be engaged in the presentation being given. Laugh at the jokes and ask questions. Hopefully everyone will follow your lead and enjoy the presentation instead of viewing it as a chore.

Using these tips it should be easy to control the crowd and keep everyone focused. Low stress, highly interactive meetings are good for business and good for employees. Successful meetings help reestablish a feeling of group pride and motivation in offices and it is important to have a firm handle on these meetings to keep your work environment a happy one.

Meetings

Technology Rentals for Meeting Planners

Mar 31st, 10 / 0 Comments

Technology Rentals for Meeting Planners

Meeting Planners are involved with and responsible for almost every aspect of a corporate meeting or event, from preparation to presentation.  This might include site selection; arranging for guest speakers; and scheduling, and negotiating with suppliers to provide the necessary food, entertainment, tables, pipe and drape, computer and or audio visual devices.

As a matter of fact, they work much like a Tech Travel Agent.  A Tech Travel Agent are basically Meeting Planners who specialize in providing corporate events and meetings with the latest technology.  How does this benefit you as a Meeting Planner?  Our Tech Travel Agents is your single, nationwide contact who you can count on for advice and sourcing your technology needs, no matter what they are.

Meeting Planners can consult with a Tech Travel Agent prior to booking an event at  venue.  For over twenty years, Tech Travel Agents and Rentacomputer.com  have been providing short-term technology rentals for meetings and events, as well as offering invaluable advice to Meeting Planners on the venue’s ability to provide the necessary IT infrastructure.

Using a Tech Travel Agent for your technology rental needs can help Meeting Planners reduce their workload and increase the value they provide to their clients.  You will get great rates on short-term technology rental equipment such as audio visual equipment, computer equipment, kiosks, trade show displays, and anything else you need, all delivered to your event or meeting and installed.

Using a Tech Travel Agent eliminates endless solicitations from multiple vendors who only supply to this city or that venue.  Tech Travel Agents cover it all, in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and almost any other English-speaking country.

If you’re a Meeting Planner who would like to take advantage of a Tech Travel Agent and receive all of the benefits mentioned above and more, contact one today, by calling toll-free  800-736-8772 or e-mail TechTravelAgent@rentacomputer.com

Meetings

Plasma Rental and LCD Display Rental Solutions for Meeting Managers

Feb 28th, 10 / 0 Comments

Photo: LCD and Plasmas come in many sizes. We help you decide which size it best for you.

Help with your Meeting and Trade Show Technology

Many meetings and trade Shows are already planned for the year. Now its time to start thinking about the technology you need. Here is one suggestion on how to find out what you need, start a discussion with a Tech Travel Agent.  Your personally assigned Tech Travel Agent will guide you through all the technical aspects and help you decide which Plasma, LCD or other technology is best for your particular meeting and trade show. Click here: Help Me Pick the Technology I need
Latest LCD and Plasma Display Technology
Our inventory of plasma and LCD flat panel display includes sizes ranging from 32″-84″. We even rent video walls with a combination of plasmas making up one screen. New 1080p HDTV LCDs and Plasmas are practically standard features. Also available with the Display Rentals is Dual Pole Floor Stands, wall mounts, truss mounts, SDI and HDSDI cards, DVD player, speakers and microphones. Click here: Help Me Pick the Technology I need
Reserve Plasmas and LCDs Now and Save up to 50%!
For maximum savings, reserve your equipment way in advance. As your event nears, often times our vendors run low on certain models of plasmas and lcds. Once quantities drop to a certain point, prices tend to go up.  Reserve your Plasma or LCD Flat panel dislpay now while we have large quantities in Las Vegas, Orlando, Chicago, Washington, London, LA, Atlanta, Denver, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, San Diego, Phoenix and New York. Our distribution centers and technicians are located minutes from major convention centers in these cities and others. With multiple sources, clients save money by booking through a tech travel agent. In fact, you can save up to 50% off the rates convention centers charge. In some cases, you can save more than 50%.
Plasma & LCD Rental Information and rate request
Meetings

Texas Dental Association/Texas Meeting Technology Rentals*

Feb 8th, 10 / 1 Comment

Texas Dental Association/Texas Meeting

May 6-9, 2010, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, the Texas Dental Association will meet for its 140th Annual Meeting.  About 12,500 dental professionals from all over the state will be in attendance.   This is the largest dental trade show in Texas and each year, it offers professionals a quality education among other exciting opportunities.

Special events taking place include the Texas Dental Association Healthy Smiles Golf Classic, the Gold Reception the TDA Photo Contest, the TEXAS Party, and so much more.   And don’t forget the exhibit hall!  The exhibit hall will be open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Thursday and Friday, and from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, with a special Happy Hour from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM on Thursday and Friday.   Over 390 companies will be displaying their products and services this year!

If you’re planning to exhibit at the Texas Dental Association/Texas Meeting, get a fast quote on Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Technology and Computer Rentals by visiting our website at www.TechTravelAgent.com or calling toll-free 877-422-1907 to speak to your Tech Travel Agent today.

*TechTravelAgent.com is not affiliated with or in any way authorized by the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center or the Texas Dental Association/Texas Meeting. TechTravelAgent.com is an independent nationwide technology rental provider and this page in no way implies exclusivity of our services at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center or Texas Dental Association/Texas Meeting.

Meetings

21% More Meetings in 2010

Jan 6th, 10 / 3 Comments

We like to schedule 1 day low cost meetings.

FutureWatch 2010 predicts that U.S. meeting planners will plan 21 percent more meetings in 2010 than they did in 2009 while spending 3.5 percent less per meeting.

This fits right into Todd Hikman’s plans to roll out new branding initiatives with the company’s worldwide sales force. “We like to schedule 1 day meetings to keep everyone up to date on our latest sales and marketing initatives. We call it the ‘Fast and Fresh’ update, and we do it every quarter with every sales person in the company”. Todd Hickman, Anacomp Industries VP Marketing.

The FutureWatch 2010 report also concludes that planners expect to locate 80 percent of their meetings within the United States this year, compared to 61 percent last year.

Additionally,  FutureWatch 2010  identifies these industry trends:

• Meetings that are located closer to home
• Meetings ROI
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR)
• Technology

For meeting planners, the highest technology-related priority this year is improving the audio/visual experience for attendees. For suppliers, meanwhile, it’s improving their customer relationship management (CRM) software.

About FutureWatch

Each year, in partnership with American Express, Meeting Professionals International (MPI) conducts a comprehensive survey of global meeting and event professionals, aimed at spotting trends and competitive factors that will shape the global industry in the coming year. FutureWatch2010 is the eighth edition of this one-of-a-kind study.

For more information about FutureWatch 2010, including a free executive summary, visit www.mpiweb.org.

Meetings