Stephanie's strength lies in her ability to engage your audience. She can work in a variety of situations, however we have shared the most optimal below.
Keynote Presentations
Stephanie Calahan Provides
- Laptop with presentation
- Backup of presentation
- Wireless presentation remote
Audio Requirements
- A good public address system good speakers. Speakers on stands are preferred over ceiling speakers because they give a better quality sound.
- Cordless mic connected to the sound system.
- One mic on an adjustable stand, not attached to a podium. (This can be the announcement mic.)
- CD player with connection cable to send the music through the mixer.
- CD player operator to start and stop the songs. (This doesn’t have to be a sound engineer. It can be a member of the sponsoring group.)
If any of these requirements cannot be provided, please contact the Speaking Office to make arrangements. You can reach Stephanie's Event Planner by calling 309.826.5263.
Set-up Time Required
Stephanie needs a 30-minute block of time to set up her equipment and do an equipment check at least 90 minutes before the program. This can be done early in the morning or the day before the program. Please schedule this with Stephanie through the Event Planner.
Visual Requirements
Presentation screen to project visuals: Please ensure that the screen is of appropriate size in relation to the audience.
Overhead Laptop Projector: Stephanie prefers to use her laptop for smooth flowing presentations. If the projector is mounted on the ceiling, please contact the Event Planner to coordinate loading of presentation.
To provide everyone a good view and the best possible experience: If Stephanie will not be performing in a theatre or a theatre-like venue, we require a portable riser stage, preferably 8 x 12. If the group is over 200 people, it’s best to have a riser that is at least 18 inches off the floor. Please set the stage as close to the audience as possible, or seat the audience as close to the stage as possible. For an audience of 350 or more, an amplified light package greatly increases the impact of the presentation. Two light stands are ideal, along with a spotlight if possible.
To eliminate audience distraction: Please do not have anyone sitting on stage during Stephanie’s program. We require a performance space that is separate from the head table area.
To give Stephanie a place to put her laptop, notes and water on stage, please provide a small table (the size of a piano bench is fine) with 1 water bottles on it or several glasses of water without ice. This is easier for her to handle on stage rather than an entire pitcher of ice water. It will look a lot better if you can add a plant or flowers to camouflage the water. Set this just to Stephanie’s right on stage so she can glance at her notes as she speaks.
To make Stephanie’s information (books, CD’s, etc.) available, please provide a long table in a well-lit, high traffic area where they can be viewed before and after the show. She will be happy to autograph and pose for photos with audience members there immediately after the performance.
Workshops or Break-Out Sessions
Stephanie Calahan Provides
- Laptop with presentation
- Backup of presentation
- Wireless presentation remote
Note: Sometimes Stephanie provides workshop material and sometimes you are requested to make your copies. Please review the speaker agreement for details.
Audio Requirements
- Cordless mic connected to the sound system.
- CD player that plugs into the mixer for amplification - Please place
the mixing set-up at the front of the room where Stephanie can
reach it to operate the CD player and adjust the equipment. (Note: in some instances the amplification is not necessary, determine based on number of participants and size of room.)
- Back up Extension cord for laptop, projector and CD player.
Please have a sound technician meet Stephanie 30 minutes before the program to guarantee that all the equipment works together to deliver great sound for participants.
If any of these requirements cannot be provided, please contact the
Speaking Office to make arrangements. You can reach Stephanie's Event
Planner by calling 309.826.5263.
Set-up Time Required
Stephanie needs a 30-minute block of time to set up her equipment
and do an equipment check at least 60 minutes before the program. This
can be done early in the morning or the day before the program. Please
schedule this with Stephanie through the Event Planner.
Visual Requirements
Presentation screen to project visuals: Please ensure that the screen is of appropriate size in relation to the audience.
Overhead Laptop Projector: Stephanie prefers to use her
laptop for smooth flowing presentations. If the projector is mounted
on the ceiling, please contact the Event Planner to coordinate loading
of
To provide everyone a good view and the best possible experience: A U-Shaped room with small tables for participants to write is the optimum room setup.
To eliminate audience distraction: Please do not have anyone
sitting on stage during Stephanie’s program. We require a performance
space that is separate from the head table area.
To give Stephanie a place to put her laptop, notes and water on stage,
please provide a small table (the size of a piano bench is fine) with 1
water bottles on it or several glasses of water without ice. This is
easier for her to handle on stage rather than an entire pitcher of ice
water. It will look a lot better if you can add a plant or flowers to
camouflage the water. Set this just to Stephanie’s right on stage so
she can glance at her notes as she speaks.
To make Stephanie’s information (books, CD’s, etc.) available,
please provide a long table in a well-lit, high traffic area where they
can be viewed before and after the show. She will be happy to
autograph and pose for photos with audience members there immediately
after the presentation.
If you should have any questions, please call 1-309-826-5263.
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I have been a life-long performer. My first time on stage in front of 100s of people occurred when I was 4 years old. Back then, I was cute in a little red tulle skirt and tap shoes... I would not dream of an outfit like that now! Since then, I have been involved in theatre, singing, orchestras, etc. 
I grew up with 2 younger brothers. They would torment me just like most younger brothers! Of course, I did my share of older sister stuff too. I love them very much and we are good friends now. 
I am so fortunate. My parents were very focused on helping the 3 of us grow up to be self-sustaining, considerate adults. They are still together and are great examples of what a loving relationship looks like. I have learned so much from them. 
Well, ok, maybe not since birth, but I started singing at a very early age. Music was in our family all of the time and if there were words, I learned them. In grade school and high school I was in every choir but the boy's choir. My favorites were jazz choir and Madrigals. They were very different in style and purpose, but I loved it! I also took private voice lessons in college and got great scores on juries even though I was not a music major. 
I actually started instrument lessons before 5th grade. I took piano lessons for a number of years. I never became very good at that instrument though. I'm kind of sad about that because it could have led to hours of entertainment as I got older, but I was just not into it.
In 2008 I was asked to be on the strategy team for the 
I have had so many amazing moments in my life, but by far the birth of my son was the most life changing. I fell in love with him before he was even born. He is my buddy and I enjoy every new thing he learns and every new challenge that he brings our way. 
"Daniel Alexander" (named by my son) is our Havanese puppy. Danny goes with me almost everywhere. He is a good friend and somehow knows what I need. When I'm not feeling well, he just sits next to me, but when I'm being silly, he is right there goofing with us. He is cuddled right next to me as I answer these questions. 
