What you need for a climate debate

A climate debate needs more than microphones and chairs. You will need a clear setup for the panel, reliable presentation equipment, a registration point and simple materials for audience participation. Check quantities against your panel size, room layout and expected attendance before ordering. Book or buy technical equipment early, then test every connection at least one day before the debate so missing adapters or cables do not delay the start.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 120
Panel table
Speaker chairsqty 5
Registration desk
Stoolsqty 4
High tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 3
Waste binsqty 6
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 3
Audio mixer
Speakersqty 2
Projector
Projection screen
Presentation laptop
HDMI cablesqty 3
HDMI adaptersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 4
Timerqty 2
Flip chart
Flipchart markersqty 2
Laser pointer
USB sticksqty 3
Charging cablesqty 4

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 120
Glassesqty 120
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Teaspoonsqty 120
Serving traysqty 12
Water jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Serving utensilsqty 12
Soup ladlesqty 4
Storage binsqty 12

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 10
Name card holdersqty 5
Poster panelsqty 4
Directional signsqty 12
Sustainability bannersqty 4

Lighting

LED lightsqty 8
String lightsqty 4
Batteriesqty 24

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Green tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 18 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Mandarins - 30 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White bread - 6 loaves
- Wholemeal rolls - 120 pieces
- Ciabatta Rolls - 60 pieces
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Vegan block cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Falafel - 3 kilos
- Avocado - 20 pieces
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Arugula - 1 kilo
- Red onion - 2 kilos
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Vegan mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Strawberry jam - 3 jars
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Vegetable soup - 12 liters
- Tomato soup - 12 liters
- Vegan Soup - 8 Liters
- Soup vegetables - 4 kilos
- Whole wheat croutons - 4 packs
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Salted pretzels - 6 bags
- Wholegrain crackers - 8 packs
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilo
- Roasted chickpeas - 2 kilos
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Dark chocolate - 2 kilo
- Oatmeal cookies - 6 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 4 packs
- Vegan cookies - 4 packs
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Disposable gloves - 2 boxes

Tips

Allow one wireless microphone for each active speaker, plus at least one spare microphone for audience questions. A timer and microphone stands help keep the discussion moving without interrupting the moderator.
For presentations, prepare one laptop, one projector, one projection screen and the correct HDMI adapters. Bring at least two HDMI cables, a power strip and extension cords; these are often missing when equipment is hired separately.
Set up one registration desk near the entrance and provide name badges for every panelist, moderator and volunteer. Keep USB sticks and charging cables at the desk so presentations can be transferred and phones can be topped up.
Match seating to your registration numbers, then add 5–10% extra chairs if the room allows. Include a separate panel table and speaker chairs, and place coat racks and waste bins where they do not block entrances or accessible routes.
Order coffee cups and glasses based on attendance, with a small buffer of about 10%. Confirm dietary requirements before ordering catering, ideally at least one week before the event, rather than relying on last-minute changes.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a climate debate?: Plan for wireless microphones, microphone stands, an audio mixer, speakers, a projector, a projection screen and a presentation laptop. Also bring at least two HDMI cables, the required adapters, extension cords and power strips.
How many chairs do I need for a climate debate?: Provide one chair for every registered audience member, plus speaker chairs and seating for the moderator. Add 5–10% extra chairs when possible to cover late registrations and unexpected guests.
How early should I order catering for a climate debate?: Place the catering order at least 7 days before the debate. Collect dietary requirements before ordering, then confirm the final attendance and quantities 2–3 days before the event.
What should I bring for audience questions?: Prepare an audience form, flip chart and flipchart markers if questions will be collected in writing. For spoken questions, reserve at least one wireless microphone and test it with the audio system at least 24 hours beforehand.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.