How to organise a product launch event

A product launch needs a clear sequence: define the launch goal, secure the venue and suppliers, then build the guest experience around the product. Registrations, dietary requirements and speaker details need to be closed before you print badges or prepare catering. In the final week, test the demo products, presentation screen and microphones together rather than separately. On the day, check access, set up reception and presentation areas, and keep products packed securely until the demonstration.

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

  • 1

    Define launch goals

    2 people

  • 2

    Reserve venue

  • 3

    Book catering

  • 4

    Reserve photographer

  • 5

    Design invitation

    2 people

  • 6

    Compile the guest list

    2 people

  • 7

    Send invitations

    2 people

  • 8

    Process registrations

  • 9

    Collect dietary requirements

  • 10

    Send reminder

  • 11

    Create final guest list

  • 12

    Prepare name badges

    2 people

  • 13

    Complete the presentation

    2 people

  • 14

    Prepare product demo

    2 people

  • 15

    Test demo products

    2 people

  • 16

    Test presentation screen

    2 people

  • 17

    Print promotional materials

  • 18

    Compile press kits

    2 people

  • 19

    Prepare the speaker briefing

  • 20

    Send speaker briefing

  • 21

    Do the shopping

    2 people

  • 22

    Pack products securely

    2 people

  • 23

    Check location and access

    2 people

  • 24

    Have furniture set up

    3 people

  • 25

    Set up tables

    3 people

  • 26

    Set up chairs

    3 people

  • 27

    Set up the reception desk

    2 people

  • 28

    Set up product display

    3 people

  • 29

    Set up demo areas

    3 people

  • 30

    Hang up signage

    2 people

  • 31

    Hang up decorations

    2 people

  • 32

    Connect presentation screen

    2 people

  • 33

    Test microphones

    2 people

  • 34

    Check the lighting

  • 35

    Set up catering

    3 people

  • 36

    Chill drinks

    2 people

  • 37

    Prepare snacks

    3 people

  • 38

    Lay out press folders

    2 people

  • 39

    Lay out name badges

    2 people

  • 40

    Carry out the final technical test

    2 people

  • 41

    Give the team briefing

    6 people

Event

  • 42

    Staff the registration desk

    2 people

  • 43

    Welcome guests

    3 people

  • 44

    Serve welcome drinks

    3 people

  • 45

    Support the product demo

    3 people

  • 46

    Deliver the presentation

    2 people

  • 47

    Answer guest questions

    3 people

  • 48

    Speak to the press

    2 people

  • 49

    Take photos

  • 50

    Serve snacks

    3 people

  • 51

    Refill drinks

    2 people

  • 52

    Collect tableware

    2 people

  • 53

    Host the networking drinks reception

    3 people

  • 54

    Restock product display

  • 55

    Register guest questions

  • 56

    Say goodbye to guests

    2 people

Aftercare

  • 57

    Pack products safely

    2 people

  • 58

    Remove decorations

    3 people

  • 59

    Switch off equipment

    2 people

  • 60

    Clear tables and chairs

    4 people

  • 61

    Collect waste

    3 people

  • 62

    Wash dishes

    3 people

  • 63

    Clean the venue

    4 people

  • 64

    Return borrowed materials

    2 people

  • 65

    Store photos securely

  • 66

    Send press materials afterward

  • 67

    Send thank-you message

  • 68

    Confirm follow-up appointments

What to bring

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

Furniture

  • Cocktail tablesqty 8
  • Presentation tablesqty 4
  • Chairsqty 80
  • Reception desk
  • Waste binsqty 6

Tableware

  • Wine glassesqty 100
  • Water glassesqty 100
  • Coffee cupsqty 80
  • Platesqty 100
  • Forksqty 100
  • Knivesqty 100
  • Spoonsqty 100
  • Serving traysqty 12

Decorations

  • Tableclothsqty 12
  • Flower arrangementsqty 8
  • Logo backdrop
  • Product postersqty 8
  • Directional signsqty 8
  • Name badgesqty 100
  • Badge holdersqty 100
  • Pen setsqty 10

Equipment

  • Projector
  • Presentation screen
  • Laptop
  • Wireless microphonesqty 2
  • Speakersqty 2
  • Microphone stand
  • Extension cordsqty 6
  • Power stripsqty 6
  • Cable tiesqty 2
  • Power banksqty 4
  • Demo equipmentqty 6
  • Charging cablesqty 8
  • Product standsqty 6

Kitchen

  • Coffee machinesqty 2
  • Kettlesqty 2
  • Thermos flasksqty 4
  • Coolersqty 4
  • Ice cube traysqty 4
  • Serving tongsqty 8
  • Serving jugsqty 6
  • Cutting boardsqty 3
  • Chef's knifeqty 3
  • Kitchen towelsqty 12
  • Aluminum foilqty 2

Cleaning

  • Cleaning bucketsqty 3
  • Mopsqty 3
  • Broom and dustpanqty 2
  • Cleaning sprayqty 3
  • Microfiber clothsqty 12
  • Trash bagsqty 50

Catering

  • Groceries

Tips

  • Set the launch goal before booking suppliers. Use it to decide whether the event is mainly for press, customers, partners or product demonstrations, because that affects the guest list, room layout and presentation time.
  • Close registrations before preparing the final guest list and name badges. Send the reminder after collecting dietary requirements, then give catering the final numbers early enough to adjust plates, glasses and serving quantities.
  • Run a complete technical rehearsal with the laptop, presentation screen, projector, speakers and wireless microphones. Test the actual demo products as well; a slide check alone will not reveal packaging, charging or connection problems.
  • Plan the room around three flows: reception, presentation and product interaction. Set up the reception desk and directional signs first, leave clear access to the presentation area, and keep extension cords and power strips secured with cable ties.
  • Prepare the speaker briefing and press kits before the final week. Include arrival instructions, presentation order and product talking points, and keep promotional materials, badges and securely packed products in separate labelled groups.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I start organising a product launch?
Start at least 8 to 12 weeks before the launch. Reserve the venue and key suppliers first, then allow time for invitations, registrations, product testing and the speaker briefing.
When should I send invitations for a product launch?
Send invitations about 4 to 6 weeks before the event. Close registrations roughly 7 to 10 days before the launch so you can confirm dietary requirements, print name badges and give catering a reliable guest count.
When should I test the product demo and presentation equipment?
Do a full technical and product rehearsal 3 to 5 days before the event, then run a short check on arrival. Test the laptop, screen, projector, microphones and speakers with the actual presentation and demo products.
What should I prepare on the day of a product launch?
Allow at least 2 to 3 hours before guests arrive for access checks, furniture, tables, reception, signage and technical setup. Keep products securely packed until the demo area is ready, and complete a final sound and screen check before doors open.

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