Update information in an Open Slideshow

[Kicker]

Background first. I have a project to install a big-screen TV for use as a monitor running a series of PowerPoint slide shows. Approximately 1/2 dozen people (departments) will be responsible for updating their daily information which will be stored in either a MS Access or MS Excel file. I really don't want anyone opening the PowerPoint files and manually updating the information.

Question 1: How can we "update" the various pieces of information in the PPT when the file is opened? Can I put a textbox on the slide that updates from an Excel file?

Question 2: Other than using vba, can the data on the slide be updated while the slide show is running?

Thanks in advance