Effective presentations hinge on many factors, including research, strategic planning, and continuous followup on details - before, during, and after the event. It is often the numerous and minute particulars that can make the difference between a mundane meeting and an awe-inspiring program. Ironically, Vendor Presentations rely on the committed teamwork of BOTH the institution and the invited vendors.
Mr. Robert C. Huber, C.M.C., C.P.C.M., has developed and participated in over 300 campus, corporate, and conference presentations during the past 30 years. As a frequent meeting and conference speaker, he believes effective presentations require thorough audience research, meticulous planning, precise framing, and ample audience preparation, in order to facilitate a clear exchange of ideas, concepts and information, regardless of meeting format.
As a certified "vendor independent" management consultant and President of
Robert Huber Associates, he has been directly involved in the Campus Card Industry, as a developer, installer, trainer, consultant, conference speaker, author, and ongoing media resource. Mr. Huber is NOT financially affiliated with any industry vendors, financial institutions, or vendor consortiums. He provides independent management consulting exclusively to institutions with respect to campus card implementations and periodic assessments of their "All-Campus Card" programs.WEEKS IN ADVANCE
1. Provide and fax a formal Letter of Acceptance agreeing to participate at least 2 weeks in advance of the Vendor Presentation.
2. All vendor representatives should review BOTH the institution R.F.P. and the written vendor response (at a minimum) prior to the Vendor Presentation.
3. Pre-arrange with campus officials to provide access at least 2 hours in advance of the Vendor Presentation (if applicable).
4. Request "attended" telephone numbers to contact if vendor arrival is delayed (traffic, weather, etc.) or are confused as to previously provided directions.
5. Customize your presentation to the institution needs and to your audience.
6. Utilize the proper name and/or acronym of the institution!
7. Pre-load system software with data ... realistic data!
8. "Live" system presentations are always more impressive than PowerPoint® slides.
9. Customize system software with data which is familiar to the institution (e.g. campus buildings, administrator, etc.).
10. Sample cards are always more impressive than brochures.
11. "Live" and programmed card readers are always more impressive than "dead" card readers or photos.
12. Know your system demonstration software thoroughly.
13. Bring spare paper tablecloths for equipment and/or brochure tables (if not provided).
14. Pre-arrange all roles of vendor representatives in advance.
15. Rehearse your presentation in advance.
PRIOR TO MEETING
16. Inspect meeting room (i.e. comfortable & adequate seating, appropriate room temperature & circulation, functioning blinds/shades, backup A/V equipment, etc.).
17. Designate one representative to meet the institutional representative upon arrival (i.e. notify via cell phone upon arrival), locate nearest rest rooms, and suggest an needed assistance (e.g. room lighting, etc.).
18. Provide printed handouts to all Evaluation Team members and/or attendees upon their arrival (including company name, representatives, titles).
19. Provide business cards to all attendees prior to start of the meeting.
20. Turn off or set any cell phones to "vibrate" as a professional courtesy to the audience.
21. Determine with the Project Chair how and when audience questions will be addressed prior to commencement of the meeting.
AT THE OUTSET
22. Formally introduce your company and the vendor representatives to all attendees.
23. Acknowledge all Evaluation Team members.
24. Review pre-determined meeting agenda and encourage all audience attendees (especially all Evaluation Team members) to stay for the entire Vendor Presentation.
DURING THE MEETING
25. Defer to the Project Chair in the event of extraneous and/or seemingly non-relevant audience questions to keep the Vendor Presentation focused and on schedule.
26. Follow the agenda provided by the institution (if applicable), keep on track, and stay on time.
27. Include at least a 10-minute break ... which can also provide the audience the opportunity to inspect demonstration equipment and/or address technical questions.
AFTER THE MEETING
28. Be sure to thank all meeting attendees and guests.
29. Simply ... Be the perfect guest!
Please send your comments and/or suggestions of the above to:
Robert C. Huber, C.M.C., C.P.C.M.
huber@allcampuscard.com© 2001 Robert Huber Associates. All Rights Reserved.
(480) 551-0520
(480) 551-0521 Fax
(888) 277-3118 Toll Free
huber@allcampuscard.comRobert C. Huber, C.M.C., C.P.C.M.
Robert Huber Associates
9446 East Jenan Drive
Scottsdale, AZ USA 85260
www.allcampuscard.com
www.RobertHuberAssociates.com
