Anime Convention Shopping List

An anime convention needs more than costumes and posters. You will need supplies for registration, exhibitor tables, workshops, cosplay judging, quizzes, talks, food service, and clear wayfinding. Use the quantities in your event plan as a starting point, then match them to your expected attendance and venue rules. Order printed materials, prizes, catering supplies, and technical equipment early so missing items do not surface during setup.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Reception deskqty 2
Folding tablesqty 24
Chairsqty 180
Bar stoolsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 24
Party tentsqty 4
Bollardsqty 12
Floor matsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Serving traysqty 20
Small bowlsqty 24

Decorations

Anime postersqty 30
Buntingqty 12
Balloon archesqty 4
Cosplay backdropsqty 3
Photo backdrop
Table decorationsqty 24
Directional signsqty 18
Backdrop clothsqty 4
Costume racksqty 6
Clothes hangersqty 60
Table numbersqty 30
Exhibitor name badgesqty 40

Equipment

Projectorqty 2
Projection screensqty 2
Laptopsqty 3
Speakersqty 4
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 12
Power stripsqty 12
HDMI cablesqty 6
USB sticksqty 6
Label printer
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Charging stationsqty 3
Power banksqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 8
Coolersqty 8
Ice containersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's bread knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 12
Pliersqty 12
Cookie tinsqty 12
Food containersqty 20
Aluminum foilqty 4
Cling filmqty 4
Kitchen scalesqty 2

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 12
LED spotlightsqty 8
Battery lampsqty 10
Spare batteriesqty 24

Sports equipment

Quiz buzzersqty 6
Stopwatchesqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 4
Prize tablesqty 2
Decorative swordsqty 6

Cleaning

Vacuum cleanerqty 2
Broom setsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning cartsqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 8
Hand sanitizer pumpsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 8 packs
- Decaffeinated coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 4 boxes
- Green tea - 3 boxes
- Herbal tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 4 kilos
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Milk - 20 liters
- Oat milk - 8 liters
- Soy milk - 4 liters
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Ginger ale - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Pretzels - 6 bags
- Rice crackers - 5 bags
- Cookies - 12 packs
- Brownies - 8 boxes
- Mini muffins - 8 boxes
- Apples - 100 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Mandarins - 80 pieces
- Mini cucumbers - 6 kilos
- Carrots - 5 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 10 tubs
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Vegan cheese - 2 kilo
- Ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Vegan toppings - 3 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Whole wheat bread - 30 loaves
- White buns - 180 pieces
- Wraps - 120 pieces
- Mini pistolets - 180 pieces
- Herb butter - 12 tubs
- Vegan margarine - 6 tubs
- Pasta salad - 12 kilos
- Potato salad - 8 kilos
- Green salad - 8 kilos
- Raw vegetables - 6 kg
- Falafel - 6 kilo
- Chicken skewers - 6 kilos
- Vegetarian quiche - 12 pieces
- Vegan wraps - 60 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwich rolls - 30 pieces
- Gluten-free cookies - 6 packs
- Vegan brownies - 4 boxes
- Dipping sauce - 12 containers
- Sambal - 3 jars
- Soy sauce - 3 bottles
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Pepper - 500 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Garlic powder - 250 grams
- Ice cubes - 40 kilos
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper cups - 500 pieces
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Wooden cocktail sticks - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Aluminum trays - 100 pieces
- Resealable bags - 200 pieces
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Blue trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 60 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 24 pieces
- Latex gloves - 6 boxes
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Fever and pain relief - 2 boxes

Registration

Name badgesqty 350
Badge holdersqty 350
Wristbandsqty 350
Pensqty 40
Cash registersqty 3
Cash boxesqty 3
Clipboardsqty 12
Program leafletsqty 400
Registration formsqty 400
Wristband scissorsqty 4

Office

Printer paperqty 10
Rolls of tapeqty 12
Duct tapeqty 8
Scissor setsqty 8
Cutting knivesqty 4
Staplersqty 4
Markersqty 24
Color markersqty 24
Whiteboard markersqty 12
Whiteboardsqty 4
Lanyardsqty 40
Badge clipsqty 40
Schedulesqty 20

Tips

Prepare one name badge and program brochure for every registered attendee, plus at least 10% extra for walk-ins, replacements, speakers, exhibitors, and volunteers. Keep blank badges and permanent markers at the reception desk.
For food and drinks, plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one drink per person for each additional hour. Add reusable cups, coffee cups, plates, cutlery, serving trays, and small bowls according to the catering format rather than waiting for the caterer to supply them.
Build the AV kit around every programmed room: allow one laptop, projector, screen, speaker setup, mixer, and wireless microphone for each room running presentations or competitions at the same time. Pack extension cords and power strips for every active equipment area, with spares.
Buy cosplay contest and quiz prizes before registration closes, not during final setup. Have the competition jury confirmed and keep prizes, score sheets, pens, and presentation materials together so the contest can start immediately after check-in.
Do a venue walk-through at least one day before the convention to place reception furniture, folding tables, chairs, stall equipment, floor mats, bollards, and directional signs. Check that every workshop, exhibitor stall, photo area, and cosplay backdrop has enough space and a nearby power connection.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for an anime convention?: Start with registration supplies, printed programs, name badges, directional signs, tables, chairs, decorations, catering tableware, prizes, and AV equipment. For each programmed room, budget one laptop, projector, screen, speaker setup, and microphone arrangement.
How many drinks do I need for an anime convention?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for every additional hour. Increase the total if the venue has no nearby shops or if your program runs through meal times.
How many name badges and programs should I print?: Print one badge and one program for each registered attendee, then add at least 10% extra. Also include enough blank badges for speakers, exhibitors, volunteers, jury members, and late registrations.
When should I order anime convention supplies?: Order printed materials, prizes, decorations, and catering-related supplies at least two to three weeks before the event. Confirm rented AV equipment and furniture at least one week ahead, then test laptops, microphones, speakers, videos, and power connections during the final venue check.

Start this plan in Lizzt

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