· Your equipment supplier should provide the whole system, including microphones, amplifiers and headphones, in order to avoid hitches. PA systems in buildings other than dedicated conference centres are often incompatible with SI equipment.

· The equipment supplier's technician should operate the system throughout the conference, rather than leave it in the hands of untrained operators.

· Make sure the supplier includes enough microphones and receivers for all speakers and delegates. All microphones should be monitored from the central console operated by the technicians.

· Make sure you have the right number of booths. As a general rule you will need one booth per language. An AIIC consultant interpreter will be pleased to discuss all details with you.

· A lapel or necktie microphone should be provided so that speakers are free to move around (e.g., when commenting projections).

· The booths should comply with ISO standards and be positioned in such a way that interpreters can see the rostrum, screen and participants.

- Each booth must have a control panel and individual controls, with a microphone and headphones for each interpreter.

- There should be a reading lamp for each interpreter.