What you need for a current affairs quiz

A current affairs quiz needs more than questions and answer sheets. You will need a clear setup for teams, a reliable way to show questions, and enough drinks and serving items for the full session. Use the guest list and team count to work out quantities before shopping. The items below cover the details that are often missed, especially spare batteries, power connections, pens, chilled drinks and prizes.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 9
Chairsqty 70
Buffet tableqty 2
Registration desk
Tableclothsqty 10

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Presentation clicker
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Spare batteriesqty 8
Timerqty 2
Calculatorsqty 4

Tableware

Glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 70
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8
Coffee potqty 2
Water jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Pliersqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Ice cube traysqty 4

Decorations

Table décorqty 10
Team badgesqty 12
Round signsqty 8

Catering

Prizesqty 3
Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Ice tea - 5 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Beer - 4 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 1 crate
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Party nuts - 3 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 3 bags
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilogram
- Dried sausage - 1 kilogram
- Olives - 4 jars
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Vegan snacks - 4 boxes
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Straws - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Allow one table for each team, plus a separate quiz table and registration desk. For eight teams, prepare at least ten tables and enough chairs for every player, with one spare chair if space allows.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two per person for each additional hour. Chill water and other drinks before guests arrive, and keep extra ice ready rather than relying only on ice cube trays.
Prepare one printed question pack and one answer form per team, plus at least 10% extra copies. Bring pens for every team, a few spares, and a timer so each round runs to the planned length.
Test the laptop, projector, screen, speakers and microphone at least 60 minutes before registration opens. Pack extension cords, power strips and spare batteries together; these are easy to overlook until the first round starts.
Buy prizes for the number of winning teams you expect to recognise, and keep them separate from the quiz materials. Set aside serving platters, spoons, glasses, coffee cups and water jugs before the buffet is opened.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a current affairs quiz?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two drinks per person for every extra hour. For 30 guests at a two-hour quiz, plan roughly 120 drinks, including water and hot drinks.
How many tables do I need for a quiz night?: Use one table per team, then add one quiz table and one registration desk. For eight teams, that means at least 10 tables, plus enough chairs for all players and the quiz team.
How many printed quiz sheets should I prepare?: Print one question pack and one answer form for each team, then add at least 10% spare copies. For 10 teams, prepare 11 complete sets so a damaged or missing sheet does not delay the round.
What equipment should I test before a current affairs quiz?: Test the laptop, projector, projection screen, speakers, microphone and presentation clicker at least 60 minutes before guests arrive. Check every extension cord and power strip, and install fresh spare batteries before registration starts.

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