Travel
I’ll travel to any destination, anyway I can; I don’t charge any additional costs because of distance – although for flights over 3 hours in duration [continuous] I think it’s only fair I fly business class… don’t you?
Some clients actually prefer to organise ground transport to get me to and from a gig – which is nice – but I’m just as happy catching a taxi or rideshare if that makes things easier for all concerned.
As logistics and paperwork are not my core competencies it’s always quicker, cheaper and more reliable when my clients organise and pay for travel and accommodation directly.
Accommodation
Nothing fancy is required; anywhere close-by and clean is good enough for me.
If you need me to kickstart the day some place I’d need more than a few hours to get to I think it’s smarter if I arrive the day before and stay the night, especially when considering the very real possibility of delayed or [gasp!] cancelled flights or trains.
Arrival on the day
I like to be at the venue as early as possible, not only to meet the event team and sort out any potential technical issues but because it allows me to observe the group dynamic in advance. I love to listen in on any discussions the group might have before they even meet me; Q&A sessions with a panel of their leadership almost always uncover themes and issues I can weave into my presentation and allow me to quickly ‘read the room’.
Mid-day set ups – a break before?
If you want me to present in the middle of the day I’d like to set up in whatever break precedes me; it gives the AV team time to make sure everything is working perfectly before I do my thing.