Kim Ratz

I try to follow the "KISS" principle (keep it simple sweetie) - for both our sakes ...

Getting There - Travel Arrangements

• When flights and overnight travel are involved, I prefer to arrange my own travel, unless your policies prohibit this. Understanding your need to keep reimbursable costs like this as low as possible, I always book coach class and try to reserve at least 30 days if not 60 days in advance to secure the best fares for you. I also use travel search engines to get the best rates on car rentals if necessary, and am fine with using hotel shuttles and cabs, or even mass transit when it's conducive.
• I'll ask you to reimburse me for all travel expenses including airfare, ground transportation, parking and meals. Receipts will be furnished to document all expenses to be reimbursed.
• I'll appreciate your help with the hotel arrangements as in many cases a hotel is your meeting venue and you may be able to secure tax exempt or even complimentary lodging as the meeting planner; I'll also be happy to make my own hotel arrangements if necessary, assuring you again that I would do so at an affordable location and request reimbursement along with the other travel expenses.
• If I drive to your event, I will request reimbursement at your established mileage rate.

Audio-Visual Euipment Needs

1. Cordless Lavalier Microphone

• I clip this to my sportcoat so it picks up both vocal and guitar when I'm singing, and also allows me to be hands free and move around while I present. I don't use a lecturn or podium.
• It's important to let your contact at the meeting venue know that I will be singing and playing guitar, so that in case their sound system has any "issues" we have time to talk about options.
• If a cordless lavalier is not available, I need two (2) microphones and two (2) boom mic stands so that when I do sing the audience can hear the guitar too.
• In every case, I try to arrive early to do a "sound check" to ensure balance and volume levels and find the "feedback zones" to avoid during the program.
• If the program is in a small room for up to 50-75 people, I probably do NOT need a microphone.

2. LCD Projector with audio connection, & Large Screen

• I use a powerpoint program to help reinforce the main points with visual learners and those whose eyes will wander from me during the program.
• I'd like to be able to also make an audio connection from my computer to the house sound system - there are a couple of powerpoint slides with song files that accompany me on a song (or 2) that I will share during the presentation. If a direct audio connection is not available, then I need a 3rd microphone, which I place near a small speaker I plug into my computer so that the accompanyment can be heard by the audience. (Similar to playing a CD to accompany someone singing.)
• I use my ibook G4, with adapter cord, and connect to the LCD. This is another reason I arrive early - to test this important system to ensure the LCD and computer work together.
• Backup computer available - if needed. While the vast majority of LCDs provided for my use have worked just fine, occasionally there will be an issue of compatability. That's why I also request that another PC laptop with Powerpoint is available in case mine doesn't work - I transfer the Powerpoint presentation to the loaned PC via a flash drive. As a professional, I also prepare for that remote, yet possible contingency.

3. Handout
A handout is also provided that corresponds with the Powerpoint presentation so they can take away the main points. (I e-mail this to you ahead of time for duplication.)

4. Room Setup - The only things I request are

• Access to my computer and LCD so I can run the Powerpoint presentation, on a small table - not a tall AV Rack.
• A small table up front for water, notes, etc.
• An area to display books and CDs (see next item)

5. Permission to sell CDs
The CDs include songs I use in the program to reinforce key parts of the message afterwards, as well as for listening pleasure. I also sell books I wrote to help fathers connect more with their children, if this is appropriate to the audience or event. In some cases I am willing to discuss donating a portion of sales back to the organization. Info on CDs and books

Again, all my requested arrangements are pretty simple and straight-forward. As a professional who's been doing this for many years, I've learned to keep it simple and don't sweat the small stuff - too much, while making sure I keep your expenses as low as possible! I know my many satisfied customers appreciate that - you've got a LOT of other more important details on your mind ...

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