What you need for a makerspace open day

A makerspace open day needs more than tools on tables. You will need working equipment, enough materials for each workshop group, clear safety gear and a simple registration setup. Plan seating and power before visitors arrive, especially around 3D printers, soldering stations and laptops. This checklist also covers refreshments, waste and printed information, which are easy to leave until the last minute.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 80
Stoolsqty 12
Dressing tablesqty 2
Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

Laptopsqty 8
3D Printersqty 2
Soldering stationsqty 6
Cutting plotter
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Power stripsqty 12
Extension cordsqty 10
USB charging pointsqty 4
Tool casesqty 6
Hand drillsqty 4
Glue gunsqty 6
Cutting matsqty 10
Measuring toolsqty 10
Safety gogglesqty 25
Work glovesqty 20
Hearing protectionqty 10
Fire blanketqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 8
Coffee cupsqty 40

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Serving utensilsqty 8

Decorations

Information boardsqty 12
Direction arrowsqty 20
Name badge holdersqty 100
Tableclothsqty 10
Buntingqty 6
Name badgesqty 100

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
Desk lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Recycling binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea assortment - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Ginger ale - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 3 packs
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Mini pretzels - 3 bags
- Apples - 6 kilogram
- Bananas - 5 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Carrots - 3 kilograms
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Cheese slices - 2 kilograms
- Multigrain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 6 bags
- Whole wheat wraps - 5 packs
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Vegetarian spreads - 6 tubs
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pepper - 1 can
- Salt - 1 tin
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Muffins - 100 pieces
- Vegan muffins - 20 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Printer paper - 2 packs
- Printer ink - 2 sets
- Name badges - 100 pieces
- Ballpoint pens - 30 pieces
- Pencils - 30 pieces
- Permanent markers - 12 pieces
- Adhesive tape - 8 rolls
- Duct tape - 4 rolls
- Rope - 4 rolls
- PLA filament - 6 rolls
- Plywood sheets - 20 pieces
- Cardboard - 5 packs
- Colored paper - 5 packs
- Acrylic sheets - 20 pieces
- Solder wire - 6 rolls
- Electronic components - 10 sets
- LED lights - 100 pieces
- Crocodile clips - 30 pieces
- Wooden sticks - 200 pieces
- Craft feathers - 10 bags
- Acrylic paint - 12 tubes
- Paintbrushes - 30 pieces
- Aprons - 20 pieces
- Sandpaper - 5 packs
- Wood glue - 6 bottles
- Super glue - 12 tubes

Tips

Prepare workshop materials in separate sets for each group, with a small spare supply for damaged pieces or failed first attempts. This prevents one busy station from stopping the whole session.
Count power strips and extension cords by workstation, not by room. Test every cable and charging point before opening, then secure cables so visitors cannot trip over them.
Provide one pair of safety goggles for every active participant, plus work gloves and hearing protection where the activity requires them. Keep a fire blanket visible near soldering equipment.
Allow at least one chair or stool for each planned participant and add seating at the registration area. Put waste bins beside cutting, gluing and food stations rather than at one central point.
Set aside reusable cups, plates, cutlery and serving platters before shopping for refreshments. Print name badges, the visitor list, the floor plan and signs at least one day before the event.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a makerspace open day?: Match equipment to the demonstrations and workshops you are running. Typical setups may include laptops, 3D printers, soldering stations, a cutting plotter, hand drills and glue guns; test all equipment at least one day beforehand.
How many safety goggles do I need for a makerspace workshop?: Provide one pair for every person who may work at a station at the same time, plus at least 10% extra for replacements or unexpected visitors. Also prepare work gloves, hearing protection and a fire blanket where relevant.
How much seating should I arrange for an open day?: Provide one chair or stool per registered workshop participant, then add 10% spare seating for visitors and waiting areas. Registration and demonstration stations usually need separate seating from the workshop rooms.
When should I buy makerspace workshop materials?: Buy and test the materials at least 7 days before the open day, so you can replace missing or unsuitable items. Sort the supplies into workshop groups no later than the day before the event.

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