How to organise a LAN party without network chaos

A LAN party runs smoothly when you treat it as three linked projects: registrations, infrastructure and the tournament schedule. Start with the venue and format, then confirm player numbers before planning tables, power and network connections. In the final week, test the switches, router, cables and game servers instead of discovering problems during setup. This plan also covers the less visible work, such as dietary requirements, labels, printed schedules, chilled drinks and a practical arrival flow.

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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

1
Reserve venue
2
Set the tournament format
2 people
3
Send invitations
4
Process registrations
5
Collect dietary requirements
6
Confirm attendance
7
Send practical information
8
Print participant list
9
Create the seating plan
2 people
10
Develop power plan
2 people
11
Develop the networking plan
2 people
12
Test network equipment
2 people
13
Prepare game servers
2 people
14
Print tournament schedule
15
Make equipment labels
16
Do the shopping
2 people
17
Pick up borrowed items
2 people
18
Chill drinks
2 people
19
Portion snacks
2 people
20
Prepare food
3 people
21
Bring supplies to the venue
3 people
22
Open venue
23
Set up tables
4 people
24
Set up chairs
3 people
25
Connect power supply
3 people
26
Build your network
3 people
27
Check network connection
2 people
28
Set up the catering table
2 people
29
Set up registration desk
2 people
30
Hang up the welcome sign

Event

31
Receive participants
2 people
32
Guide equipment connection
3 people
33
Explain the game rules
34
Start the tournament rounds
2 people
35
Resolve technical issues
2 people
36
Refill drinks
2 people
37
Restock snacks
2 people
38
Serve the meal
3 people
39
Provide coffee and tea
2 people
40
Remove waste regularly
2 people
41
Record tournament results
42
Announce the winners
43
Log participants out
2 people

Aftercare

44
Disconnect computers and peripherals
4 people
45
Dismantle network equipment
3 people
46
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
47
Wash dishes
3 people
48
Collect waste
2 people
49
Clean the venue
3 people
50
Lock up the venue
2 people
51
Inventory supplies
2 people
52
Return borrowed items
2 people
53
Set aside damaged materials

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 28
Catering tableqty 2
Registration desk

Equipment

Network Switchesqty 3
Router
Wireless access point
Network cablesqty 32
Backup screensqty 2
Spare keyboardsqty 2
Spare miceqty 2
Speaker set
Microphone
Toolbox
USB sticksqty 4
Ethernet connectorsqty 10
Cable tiesqty 100
Device labelsqty 40
Extension cordsqty 10
Power stripsqty 12
Surge protectorsqty 4

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Mugsqty 30
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Serving traysqty 4
Food tongsqty 4

Decorations

Welcome sign
Directional signsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Reusable clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the tournament format before sending invitations. Players need to know the games, team size, registration deadline and expected finish time; close registrations early enough to create the seating plan and print the participant list.
Plan power and networking from the seating layout, not afterwards. Count one network connection per gaming setup, leave room for extension cords and power strips, and keep cable runs marked with ties so walkways stay clear.
Test the complete network at least 3–7 days before the event. Connect the router, switches, access point and representative computers, then verify local game discovery, internet access and every game server you intend to use.
Prepare an arrival and support station before guests enter. Put the registration desk, participant list, device labels, spare keyboards and mice, USB sticks, connectors and a toolbox in one clearly marked place.
Work backwards from the opening time for food and room setup. Give yourself at least 2 hours to arrange tables, chairs, power and networking, then chill drinks and portion snacks before players arrive; keep a separate catering table so food does not crowd the equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a LAN party?: Reserve the venue and choose the tournament format at least 6–8 weeks ahead. Send invitations once you know the date, capacity and basic schedule, and set the registration deadline 7–10 days before the party.
How much time do I need to set up a LAN party?: Allow at least 2 hours for tables, chairs, power, networking and registration, plus extra time for testing. If the venue has unfamiliar equipment or a large number of players, arrive 3–4 hours before opening.
How do I plan power for a LAN party?: Create the power plan from the seating chart and count every computer, screen and shared device. Keep cables away from walkways, use power strips and surge protectors, and leave a safety margin rather than loading one extension cord to its limit.
When should I test the LAN party network and game servers?: Run a full network test 3–7 days before the event, using the actual router, switches, cables and access point. Recheck the game servers on the setup day after connecting the final network, because a configuration or address can change.

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.