I have compiled a list of the things every presenter should pack. Having this list means you can spend less time trying to figure out if you left something and more time preparing a content rich and visually pleasing presentation.

1 – Storage devices

There is nothing more annoying than opening a file and discovering that it is corrupt or the wrong one.  Saving a copy of your presentation on cloud storage services like Box, Dropbox and OneDrive can help prevent this. Just in case there is not an internet connection, it is a good idea to have a copy on a flash drive too.

2 – Business cards

Though it seems obvious, I can’t tell you how many times I have asked a presenter of a business card only to be told that they did not bring it. Is there a suitcase that you typically use for travel? Store a stash in there and you’ll always be prepared. If you leave it in your hotel room, your own your own!

3 – Presentation Remote

Having a remote enables you to have a more intimate engagement with your audience and switch slides at a moments notice. Without it you are virtually tethered behind the podium. I recently used the Logitech Wireless Presenter R400 and it worked very smoothly without any hiccups. The RioRand Remote Control Wireless Presentation Presenter Mouse which is half the price, works just as well.

4 – File Formats

Sometimes presentations does not display the way we think they should. Create a PDF version of your slides as a backup. PDFs relieve you from having to worry about whether or not your slides will render correctly on large screen. Also disseminating your deck to others becomes so much easier. It is not perfect though. You cannot embed videos or slide animations in PDF files. To address the first issue just include a link to videos in the appropriate places. Solving the second issue would require more work (if you want details ask in the comments section or send me an email).

5 – Mobile Internet

Though we sometimes assume that wireless access is accessible wherever, this is not the case. If you have a mobile phone plan that allows you to use it as a hotspot you’re still in business. If not, check out Freedom Pop’s Freedom Spot Photon. It is a great alternative. It  is a dedicated hotspot that is really easy to setup and use. It comes with 500mb of free data per month. They also have data plans if that interests you.

Bonus: Apple Users

For you Apple users, please do your audience a favor and invest in a Apple VGA adapter. Then you won’t have to start your presentation by asking if anyone has an adapter that you can borrow.

Well there you have it. Hopefully this list will make your life a bit easier.