What you need for a composition competition

A composition competition needs more than tables and chairs. You will need a clear jury setup, reliable audio and presentation equipment, supplies for receiving participants, and enough catering equipment for the breaks. Use this list alongside your programme and registration numbers. The quantities depend mainly on the number of entrants, jury members and guests, but a few items are easy to underestimate—especially microphones, extension leads, glasses and printed materials.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 80
Judges' table
Dressing room tablesqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Audio cablesqty 6
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Headphonesqty 2

Tableware

Glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 10
Name badgesqty 80
Directional signsqty 8
Balloonsqty 50
Flower arrangementsqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Coffee cream - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Beer - 3 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Bitter lemon - 2 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Milk - 6 liters
- Yogurt - 4 liters
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Smoked chicken - 2 kilo
- Vegetarian spread - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Mixed snacks - 5 bags
- Party nuts - 5 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper coffee filters - 2 packs
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Allow one chair per participant, jury member and guest, then add 5–10% spare seating for late arrivals or replacements.
Provide at least two microphones for announcements and presentations, plus one microphone stand per microphone if speakers need to keep their hands free.
Count one glass per guest for each service round, or use at least 1.5 glasses per person when washing facilities are limited during the event.
Plan one table for the jury and a separate reception table. Keep the reception area near the entrance so registration, name badges and submitted scores do not get mixed together.
Test the laptop, projector, screen, speakers, mixer and cables at least 60 minutes before the first presentation. Bring enough extension cables and power strips to avoid daisy-chaining equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a composition competition?: For a small competition, plan for a laptop, projector, screen, speakers, mixer, two microphones, microphone stands, audio cables, extension cables and power strips. Test everything at least 60 minutes before the event starts.
How many chairs and tables do I need for a composition competition?: Provide one chair per attendee and add 5–10% spare chairs. You need at least one jury table and one reception table; add further tables for catering, participant materials or changing areas if those are part of your plan.
How many glasses and coffee cups should I buy?: Allow one glass per person per service round, with 1.5 glasses per person if you cannot wash them during the event. For coffee, provide one cup per expected coffee drinker and keep 10% extra for breakage or second servings.
When should I prepare the competition supplies?: Check the shopping list 3–5 days before the competition and buy non-perishable supplies by the day before. Set out name badges, certificates, printed scores and sheet music on the event day, before participants arrive.

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