This has happened to me, so in this case I feel for Ron (Palpatine). I have shipped demos only to be utterly humiliated at the other end when systems don't start due to someone being clumsy during transit - or worse when the plug it into an ungrounded power supply.
In a more personal vein this has happened with all but an IBM thinkpad that got shipped to France, everything has required repair work, attention and time with a chip tool.
However, to not have someone on side at the show is an error of judgement. In these cases you MUST ensure that there is someone who can pull the plug on he demo due to "shipping damage". Otherwise you end up having to take the rough with the smooth - and to be quite honest the report could hav been worse - and Ive had worse at the hands of failed demos including stern words from a boss even though it was out of my hands.
So, grow thicker skin, learn the practical lessons and get it right next time :-)
