Event Planners

A one-stop guide for conference and event organizers to ensure that the speaking gig goes smoothly as possible.

Tiny Bio

Yeah, these are in the third person so people can easily grab this. Trust me. I’m no Jimmy. I never refer to myself that way. Major pet peeve.

Phil Simon is the world’s leading independent expert on workplace collaboration and technology and the award-winning author of 14 books.

A/V Requirements

I’m neither a diva nor a control freak. Still, I’ve learned a thing or six about speaking gigs over the last 25 years. As such, here are my preferences:

• Computer and software: I prefer to use my MacBook Pro with PowerPoint. I don’t like leaving keynotes to chance, and I’ve experienced far too many problems using others’ computers, operating systems, and presentation programs over the years.
• Lavalier microphone: I’m not a fan of handheld mics, and I like to move around when I speak to engage with the audience.
• Confidence monitor: If this isn’t possible, then I’ll use my MacBook Pro hooked up to an HDMI cable on a lectern.
• Other hardware: I’ll bring my own slide advancer.
• Drinky-drinky: One bottle of water during the talk.

Travel Requirements

I typically arrive travel the day before events in case of problems. For short flights of an hour or so, I’m happy to fly economy. For longer ones, however, I insist upon a business or first-class ticket. 

Templates

My slides, notes, images, charts, and animations are intricate. Trust me, though: There’s a method to my madness. 

I’m happy to put a custom cover slide on my PowerPoint deck, but I cannot use others’ templates. Too many things can break bad, and the audience ultimately suffers.

One-Pager

Books 📚

I’ll always bring a few copies of one of my books to give to the conference organizers. Beyond that, I’m happy to facilitate bulk book buys. At a high level, here are our options:

• Paperback copies.
• Hardcover copies.
• Affixing a sticker to each book related to the event or the sponsor.
• Creating bespoke versions with a custom cover and foreword. This option typically involves a minimum of 200 copies to make the per-unit cost reasonable. Also, we’d have to get our ducks in a row a few months before the date of the event.

Regardless of which path you take, I’ll sign as many as you like. 

If you’ve got something else in mind, hit me up.

Headshot Gallery

Here are some photos of me in action.

Preferred Intro Music

It’s not essential, but sometimes I walk onto the stage to intro music. (Yes, I picture myself about to play an NBA game.) If we’re doing this, then I’d prefer one of these three amazing songs.