Essential Presentation Supplies and Where to Buy Them in the US to Boost Productivity

Why the right presentation supplies make a difference

Ever walked into a meeting and felt like your gear was working against you? The right presentation supplies turn that sinking feeling into smooth sailing. Good tools help you focus on your message, engage your audience, and save time—so fewer technical hiccups and more productive outcomes. Think of your supplies as the stage crew: when they do their job, the performer—your content—shines.

Top presentation supplies every presenter should consider

Whether you do one presentation a month or five a week, there are core items that consistently lift the experience. Below I break down must-haves and why each one matters, so you can shop with confidence.

Presentation remote / clicker

A compact wireless clicker gives you freedom to walk the room and control slides without being tethered to your laptop. Look for models with at least a 30-foot range and a vibration or LED feedback so you know each press registered. Some clickers include built-in timers and black-screen buttons to control pacing—handy for keeping meetings crisp.

Laser pointer (or combined clicker-pointer)

Need to highlight a detail on a slide or poster? A low-power laser pointer is still the quickest visual cue. Choose green or red pointing devices depending on room lighting; green is more visible in bright rooms. Make sure it’s lightweight—under 1 pound—so it’s comfortable in your hand during a long session.

Portable projector

Projectors are the backbone for larger rooms. For typical conference rooms, aim for a projector that delivers at least 2,500 lumens and supports HDMI input. Consider throw distance: a compact projector often needs 6–12 feet from the screen to produce a 60–80 inch diagonal image—measure the space before you buy. Also check the projector weight; portable models are often 3–7 pounds, which makes them easy to pack.

Projector screen or portable screen

A dedicated screen dramatically improves image contrast versus projecting onto a wall. Portable screens fold down to a few inches thick and set up in minutes. For meetings of 8–12 people choose a 72–84 inch diagonal screen; for larger audiences, go 100 inches or more. Many stores sell tripod or pull-down screens if you need something quick to set up.

Whiteboard or flip chart

Sometimes the best part of a presentation is the spontaneous brainstorming afterward. A rolling whiteboard or flip chart gives you a tactile way to capture ideas. Look for units on casters that lock, and buy low-odor markers. These are especially useful in collaborative sessions where the audience wants to sketch ideas or vote on priorities.

Cables, adapters, and hubs

Adapters are lifesavers when your laptop port doesn’t match the room’s projector. Carry a small kit with a 6–10 foot HDMI cable, Mini DisplayPort or USB-C adapters, and a multi-port hub if you use modern ultrabooks. Insist on quality cables—cheap cables can introduce flicker or poor resolution. Keep everything in a sleeve so you’re not digging through a bag five minutes before showtime.

Portable speaker or PA system

If your room seats more than 12 people or if you’re presenting in a noisy space, a small portable speaker or PA helps your voice carry. Battery-powered units with Bluetooth let you connect wirelessly and often double as an amplifier for videos. Look for units with at least 10–20 watt output for clear audio in medium rooms.

Presentation case or backpack

A padded case keeps your projector, clicker, cables, and spare battery packs organized. Choose a bag with compartments that fit a 15-inch laptop sleeve and have external pockets for quick items like your clicker or laser pointer. If you travel often, prioritize bags with trolley straps that slip over rolling suitcase handles.

Best US stores to buy presentation supplies (what to expect)

You’ve got options when it comes to where you buy. Each retailer has its strengths—some focus on convenience, others on selection or specialist gear. Here’s a practical guide so you know where to go for each need.

Staples — office-focused selection

Staples is a go-to for office basics: clickers, whiteboards, flip charts, markers, and mid-range projectors. They often stock brands geared to small businesses and have business accounts if you buy supplies regularly. Bonus: many Staples stores offer in-store pickup and easy returns if you need something last-minute.

Office Depot / OfficeMax — broad office inventory

Office Depot mirrors Staples in many ways but sometimes stocks different brands and accessory bundles. If you’re building a conference room kit, Office Depot can be a good place to compare similar projector and screen options side-by-side, and they often bundle cables and adapters with projectors.

Amazon — widest selection and fast shipping

Amazon is unbeatable for variety: every model of clicker, every projector brand, and an endless stream of budget gear up to professional-level items. Fast shipping options make it a good choice when timelines are tight. Read recent reviews closely—Amazon’s largest advantage is that you can cross-check user experiences instantly.

Walmart — affordable basics and same-day pickup

Walmart selections skew toward affordability. You can get basic projectors, screens, and whiteboards at lower price points here. Their widespread store network makes Walmart a reliable option for same-day pickups in many areas, which is ideal when you need something immediately.

Best Buy — great for AV gear and projectors

Best Buy specializes in AV equipment, so for projectors, portable speakers, and high-quality HDMI cables it’s a strong choice. The staff can often help with compatibility questions and setup, which simplifies buying higher-end gear. If image or audio quality is critical to your presentation, start your search here.

Target — convenient for basic supplies

Target carries basic presentation supplies like whiteboards, basic presentation remotes, and printable flip-chart pads. It’s handy for small items you forgot at home. Target’s style-forward office products are useful if you want presentation materials that look as good as they function.

B&H Photo and Adorama — specialist AV retailers

If you need pro-level projectors, lenses, or professional-grade speakers, specialist retailers like B&H Photo and Adorama are worth a look. They stock higher-end units, offer deep product knowledge, and often provide detailed specs so technical buyers can match gear precisely to room size and usage.

Local office supply stores and specialty shops

Don’t overlook local specialty stores—they can provide personal service and may rent equipment if a purchase isn’t necessary. Local AV rental houses are also great for single large events where buying gear wouldn’t be cost-effective.

How to choose the right projector for your room

Choosing a projector is more about math than mystery. First, measure the room and figure out how big your image needs to be. For a small conference room, a 60–80 inch diagonal image often works; for a boardroom or classroom you may want 100 inches or more. Match projector lumen output to ambient light: 2,500 lumens is a solid baseline for moderately lit rooms. Also check throw distance. If your room is 10 feet deep and you need a 100-inch image, confirm the projector will produce that size from where it will be placed.

Smart tech accessories that make presentations effortless

Small accessories punch way above their weight. They stop little delays from turning into big interruptions and make you look professional without trying too hard.

Wireless HDMI and screen mirroring

Wireless HDMI dongles let you mirror a laptop or phone without cables. They’re great for quick turnarounds between presenters. Note that some wireless devices introduce a fraction of lag, so test them before a live demo—especially if you’ll play video content.

External battery packs and spare batteries

Always pack spare batteries for remotes and a 10,000–20,000 mAh external battery for phones or lightweight projectors. These external batteries can add hours of runtime and prevent frantic searches for outlets in older buildings.

Surge protectors and extension cords

Power strips with surge protection and a 10–20 foot extension cord keep you flexible about where equipment goes. Cheap extension cords can be a hazard; choose cords rated for office use and keep cables taped down or covered to avoid trips.

Budget-friendly picks versus premium gear: what to prioritize

Not every presenter needs a premium projector or a full PA system. If you’re mostly sharing slides in small rooms, prioritize a reliable clicker, quality cables, and a decent projector screen. If your presentations include fine-detailed images, video, or large audiences, invest in a brighter projector and better speakers. The trick is to match spend to impact: buy the gear that most improves viewer comprehension and retention.

How to compare prices and find deals

Shopping smart means comparing specs as much as price. When you find a model you like, check several retailers—Staples, Best Buy, Amazon—and read recent user reviews. Watch for bundle deals: projectors that include screens and cables save money over buying components separately. If you’re buying in quantity for a team, ask retailers about business discounts or bulk pricing.

Packing and transporting presentation gear without stress

Transporting fragile AV gear requires a system. Use padded cases for projectors and keep small items like remotes, adapters, and spare batteries in labeled pouches. A good rule: keep heavy items close to your back when carrying a backpack to reduce strain. When flying, check airline carry-on policies—most compact projectors and clickers fit easily as carry-on items.

Checklist for travel size and weight

For a weekend trip or offsite meeting, aim to stay under 25 pounds total for your presentation kit—this typically covers a compact projector, laptop, cables, and a small speaker. Measure your bag and gear so you know it fits into overhead compartments or under seats when flying.

Sustainable choices and reusable supplies

Going green doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Refillable whiteboard markers, rechargeable batteries, and durable projector cases reduce waste and long-term costs. Look for energy-efficient projector models and buy from retailers that offer recycling programs for old electronics.

Final checklist before you present

Run through this quick list the day before: battery levels charged, slide file backed up on a USB drive and cloud storage, adapters packed, screen and clicker tested, and a plan for audio if needed. Doing this short ritual is like rehearsing the opening line of a speech—the small prep calms nerves and reduces surprises.

Where to get help if you’re unsure

Not sure whether a 2,500 lumen projector will be enough or whether to rent instead of buy? In-store tech teams at Best Buy or specialist retailers like B&H can provide specs and real-world advice. You can also use online comparison tools to line up features and prices across retailers before committing.

With the right supplies and a little practice, you’ll be the presenter who arrives calm, looks prepared, and leaves the room with decisions made. Now go build a kit that helps you communicate rather than complicates your life.

Conclusion: Great presentations are part craft and part gear. Invest where it counts—clear visuals, reliable control, and solid audio—and pick retailers that match your needs, whether that’s fast pickup from a big-box store or expert advice from an AV specialist. With the right setup, every meeting becomes an opportunity to move work forward.