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How to have the best possible experience when Hugh speaks at your event.
It is really hard to write one of these without sounding like a jerk – but life on the road is hard, and if you want the experience you are paying for, this is what I need to do a good job for you. If anything is just impossible, let’s talk about it. Maybe we can work something out.
So, in the third person, to avoid confusion – here you go.
The Event
- Hugh requests a music stand or small podium (or just something to put papers on!), and prefers a wireless lavaliere microphone. To be specific, a clip-on tie microphone, not an earpiece, with a belt pack. He’s not able to do a good job with a wired microphone, a handheld microphone or a podium microphone.
- For any group more than 25 people, he needs a microphone. Please be sure that you’ve tested it on all areas of the stage for volume and for feedback.
- Feel free to take as many flash photos as you’d like before or after Hugh’s talk, but please, no flash during the presentation.
Expenses
- It is expected that you will book Hugh’s travel to and from Raleigh NC to your and that you will book his hotel room. (see Travel section below for more guidelines).
- All other expenses will be invoiced to you within 7 days of the event and are due within 21 days of your receipt. These expenses may include meals, tips and public transportation.
Travel
Unless other arrangements are made, it is assumed the hosting organization will arrange all travel and lodging, in consultation with Hugh.
- Hugh prefers train travel over planes, especially when on the East Coast. If it is a less than 200 miles, Greyhound is an acceptable option. For budgeting purposes, assume the originating city to be Raleigh, NC.
- It is expected that you will provide Hugh transportation to and from the airport/train station, to and from where he is staying and to and from the event. Hugh does not drive while out of town. Any public transit will be billed to you as an expense.
- It is generally assumed that your group or organization will provide for Hugh’s meals. Hugh isn’t a picky eater, although if a vegetarian option is available, he will generally take it.
- If your booking involves an overnight stay, it is expected you will book Hugh a hotel room. Hugh’s only requirement is his own bathroom and that the room be a non-smoking room. (Sadly, this rules out a lot of bed and breakfasts.)
Technical Requirements
Hugh does not always use a slide presentation – but if he does, here is what you need to know.
- Hugh’s laptop is controlled by a remote control that he brings with him. The laptop must be set up within sight and no more than 20 feet of the most distant point where Hugh will be standing. It usually works best to have it on a cocktail table so it can also work as a confidence monitor.
- Hugh uses a Lenovo Thinkpad running Windows 7. He has his own computer and his own VGA adapter, so a standard VGA cable works fine. His presentation does not run on any other computer but his.
- No sound out required. AC power should be within six feet of the computer.
- Hugh cannot present his laptop to you the night before for setup and safekeeping, nor can he surrender it you the day of the event. It stays in his possession. However, Hugh is willing to work with your team on a tech check, preferably thirty minutes before he goes on stage.
- Hugh’s slides are not available for download or for publishing as notes or a handout. In addition, unless you specifically work it out, you don’t have the ability to record and then resell or distribute Hugh’s talk.
Preferred Stage Introduction: Hugh Hollowell is a minister in the Mennonite Church USA based in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is the founder and director of Love Wins Ministries, where they tackle the problems of homelessness by focusing on relationships, not outcomes.
