What does xfce4 power-manager do in "presentation mode"?

Solution 1:

It does two things, both intended to keep automatic features from messing up a presentation where you don't touch the machine for a long time (e.g. a teacher showing a video to a class):

  • Turns off DPMS (Display Power Management Signaling) so your screen won't blank or sleep
  • Prevents screensaver mode from activating

Solution 2:

It prevents your system from suspending or hibernating.