Electronic concert checklist: what to arrange and when

An electronic concert depends on tight coordination between artists, technical suppliers, venue access, and audience operations. Start by confirming the date and location, then secure permits, performers, equipment, security, and catering before you publish the event. In the final week, process registrations, confirm dietary requirements, update the visitor list, and print the run sheet. On the day, allow time for stage, sound, lighting, drinks, access, and safety checks rather than treating setup as a last-minute job.

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

  • Check permits

  • Book performers

    2 people

  • Collect the technical rider

  • Reserve equipment

  • Reserve security

  • Book catering

  • Order first aid supplies

  • Set entrance fee

    2 people

  • Publish event page

  • Send invitations

    2 people

  • Post promotion online

  • Process registrations

  • Collect dietary requirements

  • Update visitor list

  • Share performer information

  • Print the run sheet

  • Check the shopping list

  • Do the shopping

    2 people

  • Chill drinks

    2 people

  • Check the venue

    2 people

  • Arrange keys and access

  • Set up the stage

    4 people

  • Set up the sound system

    4 people

  • Set up lighting

    3 people

  • Connect power distribution

    2 people

  • Tape down cables securely

    2 people

  • Set up the bar and buffet tables

    3 people

  • Set up tables and chairs

    3 people

  • Set up the registration desk

    2 people

  • Lay out wristbands

  • Hang up decorations

    2 people

  • Check toilets

  • Prepare first aid supplies

  • Prepare snacks

    3 people

  • Set up bar stock

    2 people

  • Set up the artist reception

  • Perform sound check

    4 people

  • Test light show

    2 people

  • Give the staff briefing

    4 people

Event

  • Open the entrance

    3 people

  • Welcome visitors

    3 people

  • Hand out wristbands

    2 people

  • Serve snacks

    3 people

  • Serve drinks

    3 people

  • Refill drinks

    2 people

  • Keep the bar workspace clean

    2 people

  • Monitor the stage and audience

    2 people

  • Check the sound level

  • Assist performers

  • Coordinate DJ handovers

    2 people

  • Operate lighting

  • Empty trash bins

    2 people

  • Clean toilets in between

  • Check stock

  • Announce the final round

  • See visitors out

    3 people

  • Close the bar

    3 people

Aftercare

  • Switch off equipment

    2 people

  • Chill food leftovers

    2 people

  • Collect waste

    3 people

  • Put furniture back

    3 people

  • Clean the venue

    4 people

  • Thoroughly clean the sanitary facilities

    2 people

  • Dismantle audio equipment

    4 people

  • Dismantle lighting equipment

    3 people

  • Dismantle the stage

    4 people

  • Inventory materials

    2 people

  • Return equipment

    2 people

  • Store leftover stock

    2 people

  • Return keys

  • Collect lost and found items

What to bring

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

Furniture

  • Stage sectionsqty 8
  • Bar matsqty 2
  • High tablesqty 12
  • Foldable tablesqty 6
  • Folding chairsqty 30
  • Coat racksqty 2
  • Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

  • PA speakersqty 2
  • Subwoofersqty 2
  • DJ mixer
  • DJ controllersqty 2
  • CDJ playersqty 2
  • Stage box
  • Microphonesqty 3
  • Microphone standsqty 3
  • Monitor speakersqty 2
  • DI boxesqty 4
  • Laptop standsqty 2
  • Spare headphonesqty 2
  • Cable reelsqty 6
  • Power stripsqty 10
  • Extension cordsqty 12
  • Cable traysqty 10
  • Gaffer tapeqty 8
  • Cable tiesqty 100
  • Spare batteriesqty 24

Lighting

  • LED spotlightsqty 8
  • Moving headsqty 4
  • Strobe light
  • Light standsqty 2
  • Light controller
  • Mood lightingqty 12

Tableware

  • Reusable drinking glassesqty 250
  • Wine glassesqty 50
  • Coffee cupsqty 40
  • Platesqty 100
  • Cutlery setsqty 100
  • Serving traysqty 10

Kitchen

  • Coolersqty 6
  • Ice containersqty 4
  • Drink dispensersqty 3
  • Thermos flasksqty 4
  • Cutting boardsqty 4
  • Cook's coatqty 2
  • Serving tongsqty 8
  • Small bowlsqty 20

Decorations

  • LED string lightsqty 6
  • Announcement postersqty 10
  • Directional signsqty 8
  • Tablecloth setsqty 12
  • Wristbandsqty 220
  • Cloakroom ticketsqty 200

Cleaning

  • Mopsqty 4
  • Bucketsqty 4
  • Broom setsqty 3
  • Work glovesqty 12

Catering

  • Groceries

Tips

  • Collect each performer’s technical rider before reserving equipment. Check whether the requirements include PA speakers, subwoofers, DJ mixers, CDJ players, monitors, DI boxes, microphones, or spare headphones.
  • Plan venue access around the full setup sequence. Arrange keys and access first, then check the venue before bringing in stage sections, cable reels, power strips, extension cords, cable trays, and lighting stands.
  • Leave enough time for a proper sound and lighting setup. The system may include a stage box, monitor speakers, LED spotlights, moving heads, a strobe light, a light controller, and mood lighting, so do not schedule the first performance immediately after load-in.
  • Prepare audience operations before doors open. Reserve security, order first aid supplies, place waste bins and coat racks, and make sure the visitor list and entrance fee information match the published event page.
  • Treat drinks and catering as a separate deadline. Collect dietary requirements during registration, check the shopping list before buying, and chill drinks early enough that they are ready when guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book performers for an electronic concert?
Aim to confirm performers at least 8 to 12 weeks before the concert. This gives you time to collect technical riders, reserve compatible equipment, publish the event page, and promote the date.
When should I check permits for an electronic concert?
Check permit requirements as soon as the date and location are being considered, ideally 10 to 12 weeks before the event. Processing times vary, and you should not publish final event details until the required permissions are clear.
How long does electronic concert setup take?
Reserve at least 4 to 6 hours for venue checks, stage assembly, sound setup, lighting, cable routing, and testing. Add extra time if the setup includes subwoofers, moving heads, strobes, or several DJ sources.
When should I send invitations and publish the event page?
Publish the event page and start promotion once the date, location, performers, entrance fee, and key technical details are confirmed. Send invitations several weeks before the concert, then process registrations and update the visitor list during the final week.

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.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

Organize for free and invite your contacts!