Company anniversary checklist

A company anniversary needs more than a date, guest list and a cake. This checklist takes you from confirming the venue and sending invitations to testing microphones, preparing name badges and setting up the buffet. Start early with registrations, dietary requirements and the program; leave shopping, chilled drinks and room setup for the final days. The complete plan covers 63 tasks and 40 items, so responsibilities and last-minute checks are clear.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Confirm date and location
2 people
Compile the guest list
2 people
Design invitations
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Finalize the program
2 people
Confirm speakers and honorees
Make reservations
Create catering menu
2 people
Test the equipment
2 people
Assemble the music playlist
Prepare name badges
2 people
Print programs
Check the shopping list
2 people
Do the shopping
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Prepare buffet dishes
3 people
Check the venue
2 people
Bring materials to the venue
3 people
Clean the room
3 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up buffet tables
3 people
Set up the cloakroom
2 people
Hang up decorations
3 people
Set up lighting
2 people
Set up the sound system
2 people
Test presentation
2 people
Set out coffee and tea
2 people
Arrange snacks on platters
3 people
Bring buffet dishes up to temperature
3 people
Lay out name badges
2 people
Place programs

Event

Staff the reception desk
2 people
Welcome guests
3 people
Serve aperitifs
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Announce the welcome speech
Facilitate presentations
2 people
Take group photo
2 people
Open the buffet
2 people
Serve the buffet
4 people
Restock the buffet
3 people
Collect tableware
2 people
Cut the anniversary cake
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Provide music
Serve the last round
2 people
See off guests
3 people

Aftercare

Pack leftovers safely
3 people
Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Tear down audio equipment
2 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Return materials
3 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Clear away leftover groceries
2 people
Collect photo materials
Send thank-you message

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 90
Buffet tablesqty 3
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 100
Dessert platesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 100
Water glassesqty 100
Wine glassesqty 100
Coffee spoonsqty 100
Knivesqty 100
Forksqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Serving traysqty 12
Food warmersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Projector
Projection screen
Laptop
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6

Decorations

Anniversary bannerqty 2
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon standsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 10
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Name badgesqty 100
Photo backdrop

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the date and venue before designing invitations. Once invitations are sent, allow time to process registrations and collect dietary requirements before the catering menu is final.
Lock the program before confirming speakers and honorees. Print programs and prepare name badges only after the schedule, names and titles have been checked.
Test the laptop, projector, screen, speakers and microphones at the venue, not just at the office. Check extension cords, power strips and microphone stands during the same test.
Plan the final food run close to the event: shop, chill drinks, prepare snacks and finish buffet dishes in a sequence that keeps perishable food cold and hot food ready to serve.
Assign a setup team with a timed arrival. Tables, chairs, buffet tables and the cloakroom should be in place before materials arrive, and the room should be cleaned after the event.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I send company anniversary invitations?: Send them 6 to 8 weeks before the anniversary. Keep the registration window open for about 3 weeks so you can confirm attendance and dietary requirements before finalizing catering.
When should I finalize the company anniversary program?: Finalize the program at least 2 weeks before the event. Confirm speakers and honorees at the same time, then print programs and prepare name badges after the final review.
When should I test the equipment for a company anniversary?: Test the projector, screen, laptop, speakers and microphones 3 to 7 days beforehand, then repeat a quick check when you arrive. Confirm power access, extension cords and power strips before guests enter.
How early should the room be set up for a company anniversary?: Allow 2 to 3 hours for setup, depending on the room and guest count. Arrange tables, chairs, buffet tables and the cloakroom first, then place tableware, decorations and presentation equipment.

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.