How to organise a political quiz from start to finish

A political quiz runs smoothly when you treat it as both a knowledge game and a timed event. Start by booking the venue and fixing the date, then build the quiz structure before inviting people. Allow time to write and check the questions, prepare answer sheets and scores, and process registrations and dietary requirements. On the day, test the projector, laptop, microphone and speakers before setting out tables, chairs, team cards and quiz materials.

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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 quiz date
2 people
3
Draft invitations
4
Send invitations
5
Process registrations
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Set quiz rounds
2 people
8
Write quiz questions
2 people
9
Check the quiz questions
2 people
10
Create answers and scores
2 people
11
Assemble teams
12
Print participant list
13
Print quiz booklets
2 people
14
Print answer sheets
15
Make team cards
16
Buy prizes
17
Do the shopping
2 people
18
Chill drinks
2 people
19
Test equipment
2 people
20
Set up quiz presentation

Event

21
Open venue
2 people
22
Set up tables
4 people
23
Set up chairs
3 people
24
Set up the quiz table
2 people
25
Connect the projector
2 people
26
Connect the sound system
2 people
27
Lay out answer sheets
2 people
28
Set up catering
3 people
29
Hang decorations
2 people
30
Receive participants
3 people
31
Register teams
2 people
32
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
33
Present quiz rounds
34
Collect responses
3 people
35
Refill drinks
2 people
36
Serve snacks
2 people
37
Process scores
2 people
38
Announce the winners
39
Present prizes
2 people

Aftercare

40
Collect waste
3 people
41
Disconnect equipment
2 people
42
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
43
Wash dishes
2 people
44
Clean the venue
3 people
45
Remove decorations
2 people
46
Collect lost and found items
47
Return keys and equipment
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 66
Tableclothqty 8
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
HDMI cableqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
AA batteriesqty 8

Game supplies

Answer paddlesqty 12
Scoreboard
Bell
Prize tables

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 72
Coffee cupsqty 66
Platesqty 72
Cutlery setsqty 72

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Water jugsqty 6
Serving traysqty 6
Bottle openersqty 3

Stationery

Ballpoint pensqty 80
Markersqty 6
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 3
Clipboardsqty 12

Decorations

Table number cardsqty 12
Team badgesqty 12
Flagsqty 4
Ballot boxesqty 2

Lighting

LED table lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the quiz structure before writing questions. Decide how many rounds you will run, how long each round should take and how teams will submit answers, then write enough questions to fill that schedule.
Give invitations a clear response deadline at least 7 days before the quiz. Use the final registrations to assemble teams, print the participant list and collect dietary requirements before shopping.
Prepare two complete paper sets: one set of quiz booklets for teams and one set of answer sheets for scoring. Check every question against its answer before printing, especially names, dates and political titles.
Test the full presentation setup before guests arrive. Connect the laptop, projector, screen, HDMI cable, speakers and microphone, and keep extension cords, power strips and spare AA batteries accessible.
Set up a separate quiz table and scoring area before opening the venue. Put out pens, team cards, answer paddles, the bell and scoreboard, then cool drinks and arrange coffee, water, glasses and serving equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a political quiz?: Fix the date and reserve the venue at least 4 weeks in advance. Send invitations early enough to close registrations 7 days before the event, leaving time to form teams and print materials.
How many questions do I need for a political quiz?: Plan the question count from the intended running time rather than choosing a fixed number. For a 2-hour quiz, allow roughly 8 to 10 rounds with 5 to 10 questions each, including time for reading, answering and scoring.
When should I prepare the quiz questions and answers?: Finish a complete first draft at least 10 days before the quiz. Check the questions and answers again 3 to 5 days before printing so errors can be corrected without rushing.
How early should I arrive to set up a political quiz?: Arrive at least 90 minutes before guests are due. Use the first 30 minutes for tables, chairs and the quiz table, then allow at least 30 minutes to test the projector, laptop, audio and presentation.

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.