10/16/2020
What's it like to be the Teleprompter Guy for the President of the United States?
Having done so for three of them, this is how it goes.
You are called, date and availability checked, then no matter how many times you have done it, they ask for your SSN and do a background check.
A couple of days later after they have checked you out, they call again and confirm the booking.
About 3 days before the event they call again and give you the details to ensure that you have access to the venue.
Then you just prepare and doublecheck your equipment.
On the day of the event, I have always worn a suit and arrive several hours early and check in with the Event Coordinator who introduces you to the stage manager who introduces you to the Secret Service Agent who will go through all your stuff ( presumably looking for weapons, etc. ) since I'm usually within 25 feet of them when they are speaking.
After you are cleared, you set up the equipment, do a test run with a stand in ( usually another aide) to set the monitor/mirror height and brightness.
Then about an hour before the speech, another aide arrives with the content which you program it into the teleprompter computer.
This is normally where I do a run through with the speaker to ensure they and I are on the same page with regard to speed, etc. That doesn't happen with a POTUS, they have always been very savvy at teleprompter use and it has always gone smoothly.
None have ever said "Thanks" directly, but aides always have.
Packing up is done after POTUS and the crowd has left.
They pay promptly by mailed check.