What you need for business networking drinks

For business networking drinks, the shopping list needs to cover fast service, easy conversation and a clear arrival point. Plan separate glassware for wine, beer and long drinks, plus coffee cups for guests who do not want alcohol. Ice, coolers, bottle openers and serving utensils are easy to overlook until the first guests arrive. You will also need practical items for the buffet, registration desk, name badges and a small amount of decoration to make the venue feel organised.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tall cocktail tablesqty 8
Buffet tablesqty 3
Chairsqty 40
Stoolsqty 20
Table skirtsqty 8

Tableware

Wine glassesqty 60
Beer glassesqty 60
Highball glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving plattersqty 12
Small bowlsqty 12

Kitchen

Corkscrewsqty 3
Bottle openersqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Ice containersqty 4

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Decorations

Name badge holdersqty 50
Welcome sign
Balloonsqty 80
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Flower arrangementsqty 6

Lighting

Atmospheric lighting setsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Dish brushesqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 3
Towel dispensersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea assortment - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé wine - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 4 bottles
- Grape juice - 4 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Limes - 12 pieces
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Butter - 500 grams
- Cream cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Aged cheese - 1.5 kilos
- Bitterballen - 200 pieces
- Mini spring rolls - 100 pieces
- Mini quiches - 80 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 1.5 kilos
- Olives - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Cocktail sauce - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 250 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Plan at least one wine glass and one beer glass per expected guest, then add 10% extra for breakages and glasses left around the room. For mixed drinks, include one highball glass per guest likely to choose that option.
Buy or bring two bottle openers and two corkscrews for a networking event of up to 50 guests. Keep one set at the bar or drinks table and one spare at the buffet or registration area.
Allow roughly 1 kilogram of ice per 10 guests when drinks are chilled in coolers, and use separate ice containers for serving. Chill bottled and canned drinks before doors open rather than relying only on ice.
Set out plates, cutlery, small bowls and serving platters before catering arrives. A useful starting point is one plate and one cutlery set per guest, plus at least two serving spoons for each buffet table.
Prepare one name badge holder and one badge per registered guest, with at least 10% spare. Put a welcome sign at the entrance and keep the badge supplies at the registration desk so arrivals do not block the drinks table.

Frequently asked questions

What glassware do I need for business networking drinks?: Plan one wine glass, one beer glass and one highball glass per guest who may use each type, plus 10% extra. For 50 guests, that means starting with 55 of each commonly used glass type.
How much ice do I need for a networking drinks event?: Allow about 1 kilogram of ice per 10 guests when drinks are kept in coolers, so 5 kilograms for 50 guests. Add more if the venue is warm or drinks will be served over several hours.
How many name badges should I buy for a networking event?: Prepare one name badge holder per registered guest and add 10% spare for late registrations, damaged badges or staff. For 50 registrations, have at least 55 holders and badges ready.
When should I buy and chill drinks for business networking drinks?: Buy non-perishable supplies at least 3 to 5 days before the event and confirm fresh catering closer to the event date. Chill drinks several hours before opening, or the day before if the venue has enough refrigerator space.

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