Meet-and-Greet Checklist

A meet-and-greet runs smoothly when visitors know where to go, the registration desk is ready, and the guest can move through photos, conversation, or signings without delays. Start by booking the space and setting a visitor limit, then manage invitations, registrations, dietary requirements, and catering. In the final days, prepare badges, signs, autograph materials, and the guest list. On the day, allow time for tables, chairs, queue barriers, lighting, cameras, refreshments, and a complete materials check.

The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

  • Reserve space and time slot

  • Determine visitor capacity

    2 people

  • Send invitations

    2 people

  • Open the registration form

  • Process registrations

    2 people

  • Collect dietary requirements

  • Determine catering quantities

    2 people

  • Send visitor confirmation

    2 people

  • Create final guest list

  • Check accessibility

    2 people

  • Confirm catering order

  • Prepare name badges

    2 people

  • Prepare autograph materials

    2 people

  • Make route and table signs

  • Do the shopping

    2 people

  • Chill drinks

    2 people

  • Check materials

    2 people

  • Bring materials to the venue

    3 people

  • Set up tables

    3 people

  • Set up chairs

    3 people

  • Mark off the queue

    2 people

  • Set up photo wall

    2 people

  • Set up registration desk

    2 people

  • Test lighting and camera

    2 people

  • Set out snacks and drinks

    3 people

  • Label dietary options separately

Event

  • Staff registration

    3 people

  • Welcome guests

    3 people

  • Hand out name stickers

    2 people

  • Guide the meet-and-greet

    4 people

  • Take photos

    2 people

  • Restock autograph supplies

  • Refill drinks

    2 people

  • Refill snacks

    2 people

  • Check toilets

  • Collect waste along the way

    2 people

  • Let visitors leave calmly

    3 people

Aftercare

  • Dismantle materials

    3 people

  • Wash dishes and glasses

    2 people

  • Clean tables and chairs

    2 people

  • Clean the room

    3 people

  • Take out the trash

    2 people

  • Register lost and found items

  • Count and store stock

    2 people

  • Return rental items

    2 people

  • Send thank-you message

What to bring

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

Furniture

  • Tablesqty 6
  • Chairsqty 100
  • Queue barriersqty 12
  • Tableclothqty 6

Tableware

  • Reusable glassesqty 120
  • Coffee cupsqty 40
  • Platesqty 120
  • Cutlery setsqty 120
  • Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

  • Coffee machinesqty 2
  • Kettlesqty 2
  • Coolersqty 4
  • Serving spoonsqty 8

Equipment

  • Cameraqty 2
  • Camera tripodsqty 2
  • Ring lightsqty 2
  • Extension cordsqty 6
  • Power stripsqty 6

Decorations

  • Photo backdrop
  • Decorative bannersqty 6
  • Table décorqty 6

Lighting

  • Mood lightingqty 4

Office supplies

  • Name badgesqty 120
  • Pensqty 30
  • Permanent markersqty 12
  • Registration foldersqty 3
  • Printer paper
  • Tapeqty 6

Cleaning

  • Waste binsqty 8
  • Microfiber clothsqty 12

Catering

  • Groceries

Tips

  • Set the visitor capacity before opening registration. Base it on the room layout, queue space, seating, and the time available for each visitor rather than on the room’s maximum occupancy alone.
  • Close registrations early enough to process dietary requirements and send confirmations. Create the final guest list before preparing name badges and registration folders so late changes do not create duplicate entries.
  • Plan the visitor flow before setting up tables and chairs. Keep the registration desk near the entrance, mark the queue clearly, and use route and table signs so visitors do not interrupt the photo or autograph area.
  • Test the camera, tripod, ring lights, extension cords, and power strips before guests arrive. Take one test photo from the planned position and check that cables are taped down and do not cross the queue.
  • Chill drinks and set out snacks close to opening time rather than during the main setup. Count reusable glasses, coffee cups, plates, cutlery, serving platters, and waste bins before bringing everything to the venue.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a meet-and-greet?
Start at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead if invitations, registration, catering, and venue access are involved. Use the final week for confirmations, the guest list, badges, signs, and materials; complete the room setup and equipment test on the day before opening.
How many visitors can I allow at a meet-and-greet?
Set the limit from the time available and the number of visitor stations, not just the room size. For example, with 3 hours and 2 minutes per visitor, one station can handle about 90 visitors before allowing for breaks, late arrivals, and transitions.
When should I confirm catering for a meet-and-greet?
Confirm the catering order after registration closes and dietary requirements have been checked, preferably 5 to 7 days before the event. Recheck the final headcount and any special meals 24 hours before delivery or collection.
What should I prepare the day before a meet-and-greet?
Prepare name badges, autograph materials, signs, registration folders, and the final guest list the day before. Also check the camera and lighting, charge or test equipment, and group materials so setup at the venue takes less time.

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!