Making the Most of the Dodge Room: Scenario-Based Technology Guides
The Dodge Room offers a range of built-in technology to support academic and non-academic events– but with so many options, it can feel overwhelming to know where and how to start. This section provides clear, real-world examples to guide you through the most effective room setups based on common event types. Whether you’re hosting a hybrid panel, a student meeting, or an in-person lecture, these examples are designed to help you navigate confidently through the room’s features and make the most of the tools available.
Each scenario includes layout tips, recommendations with technology use, and scenario maps to ensure a smooth and effective event.
While these guides are based on frequently requested setups, they’re not one-size-fits-all. If your event has specific needs or unique goals, our team is here to help you customize the space and technology to best suit your needs.
Best for:
Panel discussions with multiple guest speakers, a moderator, and audience interaction.
Room Layout:
Podium at the front for moderator. Chairs + table(s) arranged for panelists. Audience seated facing panel.
Recommended Equipment:
- 1 Handheld Mic (HHM) – for moderator
- 1 Handheld Mic (HHM) – for audience (can be placed on a mic stand)
- 4 Push-To-Talk Mics (PTTM) – for panelists
AV Settings:
- Touchscreen Panel (Crestron):
- Set to default volume
- Select PC Main to Projector to display slides
- Presentation Tips:
- Use the podium computer for best performance
If using a personal laptop, connect via HDMI cable and use “Extended Display”
- Use the podium computer for best performance
Good to Know:
Using the built-in PC ensures seamless projection and less troubleshooting with external devices.
Best for:
Same setup as 1 but includes Zoom for remote participants or remote panelists.
Room Layout:
Same layout as Scenario 1. Camera is positioned to capture the panel.
Additional Equipment:
- Zoom Camera Preset: Use Window Camera (“Rear”) – Preset 4
- Extended Display enabled on touch panel and Windows (PC)
- Touch panel (Crestron): Select sources → Projector is paired with PC main and Display Front (monitor on wheels) is paired with PC extended
- Windows (PC): Display settings → select multiple displays → extend these displays → click apply
AV + Zoom Settings:
- Touch Panel (Crestron):
- Use Camera Preset 4 for panel view from the window (“Rear”) camera
- Zoom Tips (on PC):
- Enable HD Video and Adjust for Light
- Use Dual Monitor Mode (Zoom settings > General > “Use dual monitors”)
- Pin the online speaker to keep remote speakers visible
- Mute in-room laptops and reduce volume to zero to avoid feedback
Good to Know:
Close window blinds for better video clarity. Always test audio and camera angles 10-15 minutes before the event.
Best for:
Conference meetings with a U-shape layout and the focus is on the speakers at the head of the U-shape.
Room Layout:
Tables arranged to a U-shape, with the head of the U-shape being oriented to face the projector screen. Chairs arranged around the U-shape, 2 chairs per table. Microphones to be placed on table stands at the head of the U-shape, to accommodate speakers.
Recommended Equipment:
- 1 Handheld Mic (HHM) w/table stand – for guest speaker
- 1 Handheld Mic (HHM) – for meeting participants to ask questions
- 4 Push-To-Talk Mics (PTTM) – for main speakers
- 1 Clicker – for moderator to advance slides
AV Settings:
- Touchscreen Panel (Crestron):
- Set to default volume
- Select PC Main to Projector to display slides
- Presentation Tips:
- Use the podium computer for best performance
If using a personal laptop, connect via HDMI cable and use “Extended Display” - Ensure moderators and or speakers are assigning a dedicated slide advancer either with the clicker or the keyboard.
- Use the podium computer for best performance
Good to Know:
Using the built-in PC ensures seamless projection and less troubleshooting with external devices.
Best for:
Same setup as 2 but includes Zoom for remote participants or remote speakers.
Room Layout:
Same layout as Scenario 2. Camera is positioned to capture the conference seating layout. In-person guest speakers should be sitting near the head of the U-shape to be captured in the camera composition.
Additional Equipment:
- Zoom Camera Preset: Use Door Camera (“Side”) – Preset 4
- Extended Display enabled on touch panel and Windows (PC)
- Touch panel (Crestron): Select sources → Projector is paired with PC main and Display Front (monitor on wheels) is paired with PC extended
Windows (PC): Display settings → select multiple displays → extend these displays → click apply
AV + Zoom Settings:
- Touch Panel (Crestron):
- Use Camera Preset 4 for conference view from the door (“Side”) camera
- Zoom Tips (on PC):
- Enable HD Video and Adjust for Light
- Use Dual Monitor Mode (Zoom settings > General > “Use dual monitors”)
- Pin the online speaker to keep remote speakers visible
- Mute in-room laptops and reduce volume to zero to avoid feedback
Good to Know:
Close window blinds for better video clarity. Always test audio and camera angles 10-15 minutes before the event.
Best for:
Conference meetings with a U-shape or hollow square conference style with interactive discussions. Ideal for meetings with multiple participants, occasional presentations, and group engagement.
Room Layout:
Seating is arranged along the outer edge of a U-shape or hollow square configuration. Microphones are evenly distributed around the layout.
Recommended Equipment:
- 2 Lavalier Mics (LMM) – recommended only if more than 6 speakers
- 4 Push-To-Talk Mics (PTTM) – for main speakers
- 2 Handheld Mics (HHM) – for main speakers
- 1 Clicker – to advance slides
AV Settings:
- Touchscreen Panel (Crestron):
- Set to default volume
- Select PC Main to Projector to display slides
- Presentation Tips:
- Use the podium computer for best performance
If using a personal laptop, connect via HDMI cable and use “Extended Display” - Ensure moderators and or speakers are assigning a dedicated slide advancer either with the clicker or the keyboard.
- Use the podium computer for best performance
Good to Know:
Using the built-in PC reduces troubleshooting time and ensures smooth projection transitions, especially during speaker changeovers or shared presentations.
Best for:
Same setup as 3 but includes Zoom for remote participants or remote speakers.
Room Layout:
Same layout as Scenario 3. Camera is positioned to capture the conference seating layout. In-person guest speakers should be sitting near the head of the U-shape to be captured in the camera composition.
Additional Equipment:
- Zoom Camera Preset: Use Door Camera (“Side”) – Preset 4
- Extended Display enabled on touch panel and Windows (PC)
- Touch panel (Crestron): Select sources → Projector is paired with PC main and Display Front (monitor on wheels) is paired with PC extended
Windows (PC): Display settings → select multiple displays → extend these displays → click apply
AV + Zoom Settings:
- Touch Panel (Crestron):
- Use Camera Preset 4 for conference view from the door (“Side”) camera
- Zoom Tips (on PC):
- Enable HD Video and Adjust for Light
- Use Dual Monitor Mode (Zoom settings > General > “Use dual monitors”)
- Pin the online speaker to keep remote speakers visible
- Mute in-room laptops and reduce volume to zero to avoid feedback
Good to Know: Close window blinds for better video clarity. Always test audio and camera angles 10-15 minutes before the event. The side camera focus can be adjusted to the requester’s needs based on the number of speakers or attendees.
Best for:
Classroom-style sessions, academic workshops, and seminars where the instructor or facilitator is the primary speaker. Designed for interactive learning and guided activities.
Room Layout:
Rows of tables and chairs (2 chairs per table) or table clusters arranged throughout the room in a classroom style. Focus is on the front of the room at the podium where the instructor will be standing.
Recommended Equipment:
- 1 Lavalier Mic (LMM) or 1 Push-To-Talk Mic (PTTM) – for mobile or stationary speaking at the podium
- 1 Clicker – for Instructor to advance slides
AV Settings:
- Touchscreen Panel (Crestron):
- Set to default volume
- Select PC Main to Projector to display slides
- Presentation Tips:
- Use the podium computer for best performance
If using a personal laptop, connect via HDMI cable and use “Extended Display” - Ensure moderators and or speakers are assigning a dedicated slide advancer either with the clicker or the keyboard.
- Use the podium computer for best performance
Good to Know:
Using the built-in PC reduces troubleshooting time and ensures smooth projection transitions, especially during speaker changeovers or shared presentations.
Best for:
Same setup as 4 but includes Zoom for remote participants or remote speakers.
Room Layout:
Same layout as Scenario 4. Camera is positioned to capture the classroom/workshop seating layout or the primary speaker at the podium.
Additional Equipment:
- Zoom Camera Preset: Use Window Camera (“Rear”) – Preset 1
- Optional Extended Display enabled on touch panel and Windows (PC)
- Touch panel (Crestron): Select sources → Projector is paired with PC main and Display Front (monitor on wheels) is paired with PC extended
Optional Windows (PC): Display settings → select multiple displays → extend these displays → click apply
AV + Zoom Settings:
- Touch Panel (Crestron):
- Use Camera Preset 1 for instructor view from the window (“Rear”) camera
- Zoom Tips (on PC):
- Enable HD Video and Adjust for Light
- Use Dual Monitor Mode (Zoom settings > General > “Use dual monitors”)
- Pin the online speaker to keep remote speakers visible
- Mute in-room laptops and reduce volume to zero to avoid feedback
Good to Know:
Close window blinds for better video clarity. Always test audio and camera angles 10-15 minutes before the event.
Best for:
Capstone presentations, thesis defenses, and academic or professional presentations with a panel of judges and an audience. Designed to spotlight presenters and engage evaluators.
Room Layout:
Conference or classroom-style seating with a clear front-facing area for presenters towards the projector screen. Judges and/or student audience are positioned to face the presenters and may also be spotlighted during Q&A.
Recommended Equipment:
- 1 Lavalier Mic (LMM) or 1 Handheld Mic (HHM) w/ table stand – for mobile or stationary speaking at the podium
- 4 Push-To-Talk Mics (PTTM) – for judges or panel members
- 1 Clicker – for moderator to advance slides
AV Settings:
- Touchscreen Panel (Crestron):
- Set to default volume
- Select PC Main to Projector to display slides
- Presentation Tips:
- Use the podium computer for best performance
If using a personal laptop, connect via HDMI cable and use “Extended Display” - Ensure moderators and or speakers are assigning a dedicated slide advancer either with the clicker or the keyboard.
- Use the podium computer for best performance
Good to Know:
Using the built-in PC reduces troubleshooting time and ensures smooth projection transitions, especially during speaker changeovers or shared presentations.
Best for:
Same setup as 5 but includes Zoom for remote participants, remote judges, or remote speakers.
Room Layout:
Same layout as Scenario 5 Camera is positioned to capture the primary speaker at the podium.
Additional Equipment:
- Zoom Camera Preset: Use Window Camera (“Rear”) – Preset 1
- Extended Display enabled on touch panel and Windows (PC)
- Touch panel (Crestron): Select sources → Projector is paired with PC main and Display Front (monitor on wheels) is paired with PC extended
Windows (PC): Display settings → select multiple displays → extend these displays → click apply
AV + Zoom Settings:
- Touch Panel (Crestron):
- Use Camera Preset 1 for instructor view from the window (“Rear”) camera
- Zoom Tips (on PC):
- Enable HD Video and Adjust for Light
- Use Dual Monitor Mode (Zoom settings > General > “Use dual monitors”)
- Pin the online speaker to keep remote speakers visible
- Mute in-room laptops and reduce volume to zero to avoid feedback
Good to Know:
Close window blinds for better video clarity. Always test audio and camera angles 10-15 minutes before the event.