Test Your Tech<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whether you\u2019re running a tech-heavy event or are using a simple microphone and amplifier setup, it can be incredibly frustrating to find out your equipment doesn\u2019t work. Any number of tech issues may pull the plug on your auction event. Prepare yourself with the following tech tips! First, test your equipment ahead of time and take note of how things work and what things won\u2019t work for you. Second, determine battery life and plan for backups or a charging station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t charge <\/em>in without a battery backup<\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhile testing your electronic devices, keep an eye on how long battery-powered tech holds its charge. Plan for on-site backups in case battery life is too short to last the whole event (especially if the electronics are getting heavy use). Better yet, scope out your venue to see if you can set up a charging station. This is especially important if the electronics are going to be used by event attendees or are a focal point of the event. For instance, if your guests can place bids electronically via laptop or tablet (like with Qgiv\u2019s auction app or Virtual Terminal), it may be best to keep these devices charging throughout the event. Appoint volunteers to help guests place bids for those who can\u2019t bid on their phones. They are instrumental in making sure devices aren\u2019t t unplugged accidentally (or worse, disappear during the event).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep audio equipment safe and sound<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you expect your event to get loud, make sure your sound equipment works, all accessories and cords are accounted for, and that you know how the sound system works ahead of your auction. Nothing is worse than trying to set up your amp and finding out the power cord was left at the office or that the microphone you bought was incompatible with the amplifier. Ideally, you\u2019ll want to familiarize yourself with more complicated sound systems well ahead of your auction. Devise a system to safely pack and transport all the equipment and its corresponding cords. Label your cords so you know what they\u2019re for. For complicated setups, print and pack installation instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ensure your venue and tech are compatible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve ever traveled overseas, you\u2019ve likely noticed some countries\u2019 electrical outlets are different than those found in the United States and Canada. While you\u2019re not likely to travel overseas to host your auction event, it\u2019s still important to make sure your venue can handle the equipment you need to run your event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your sound system, for example, likely requires a grounded electrical source to work correctly. If your venue doesn\u2019t offer the right kind of outlet, you\u2019ll be unable to use your equipment without a generator or some other compatible alternate power source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Need to plug in several different devices? Scope out your venue to make sure there are enough outlets for your needs. If power outlets are scarce, or you\u2019re using an outdoor venue with limited access to power, add power strips to your pack list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro Tip: Use power strips with built-in surge protectors to keep your devices safe from unexpected power surges during your event.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nCheck your network connection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you need access to the Internet to run your auction, make sure you can connect at your event venue. It\u2019s frustrating to set up your event only to find out you don\u2019t have access to the venue\u2019s WIFI or the space is a cell phone dead zone. While cell coverage has improved significantly, there are still bound to be some places where finding a cell signal is difficult. You don\u2019t want the unpleasant surprise of finding that your event venue is one of those places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re having trouble getting connected, chances are your guests may struggle too. Ask the venue for access to the space\u2019s Internet (if available) and check your cell signal. If in a dead zone with no internet, use portable hotspots for internet access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro Tip: Make sure you have access to all the files you need on your work computer. Sometimes just being connected to WIFI isn\u2019t enough. You may need your IT team to give you access to your files via VPN. Consult with them ahead of time if you\u2019re concerned with connectivity at your auction.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n
If you expect your event to get loud, make sure your sound equipment works, all accessories and cords are accounted for, and that you know how the sound system works ahead of your auction. Nothing is worse than trying to set up your amp and finding out the power cord was left at the office or that the microphone you bought was incompatible with the amplifier. Ideally, you\u2019ll want to familiarize yourself with more complicated sound systems well ahead of your auction. Devise a system to safely pack and transport all the equipment and its corresponding cords. Label your cords so you know what they\u2019re for. For complicated setups, print and pack installation instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ensure your venue and tech are compatible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve ever traveled overseas, you\u2019ve likely noticed some countries\u2019 electrical outlets are different than those found in the United States and Canada. While you\u2019re not likely to travel overseas to host your auction event, it\u2019s still important to make sure your venue can handle the equipment you need to run your event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your sound system, for example, likely requires a grounded electrical source to work correctly. If your venue doesn\u2019t offer the right kind of outlet, you\u2019ll be unable to use your equipment without a generator or some other compatible alternate power source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Need to plug in several different devices? Scope out your venue to make sure there are enough outlets for your needs. If power outlets are scarce, or you\u2019re using an outdoor venue with limited access to power, add power strips to your pack list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro Tip: Use power strips with built-in surge protectors to keep your devices safe from unexpected power surges during your event.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need access to the Internet to run your auction, make sure you can connect at your event venue. It\u2019s frustrating to set up your event only to find out you don\u2019t have access to the venue\u2019s WIFI or the space is a cell phone dead zone. While cell coverage has improved significantly, there are still bound to be some places where finding a cell signal is difficult. You don\u2019t want the unpleasant surprise of finding that your event venue is one of those places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re having trouble getting connected, chances are your guests may struggle too. Ask the venue for access to the space\u2019s Internet (if available) and check your cell signal. If in a dead zone with no internet, use portable hotspots for internet access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip: Make sure you have access to all the files you need on your work computer. Sometimes just being connected to WIFI isn\u2019t enough. You may need your IT team to give you access to your files via VPN. Consult with them ahead of time if you\u2019re concerned with connectivity at your auction.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\nCheck your network connection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Bid](\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/8356283\/a0231acc-0bf8-4bce-ab52-4a7ab26a5f04.png\")
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