What you need for a networking market

A networking market needs more than stands and refreshments. You will need tables, seating, tablecloths, name badges, serving ware, power supplies and clear equipment planning for exhibitors and presenters. The quantities depend mainly on the number of stands and registered guests, so confirm both before ordering. This checklist helps you spot commonly forgotten items, especially extension leads, charging points, waste bins and enough coffee service for the busiest arrival period.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Market tablesqty 12
Bistro tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 120
Folding chairsqty 10
Buffet tablesqty 4
Stoolsqty 12
Clothes racksqty 4
Tableclothsqty 16
Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 8
Charging stationsqty 2
Cable reelsqty 2
Laptop chargersqty 2
Presentation screen

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 120
Water glassesqty 150
Wine glassesqty 100
Platesqty 150
Forksqty 150
Knivesqty 150
Spoonsqty 150
Serving spoonsqty 12
Small bowlsqty 20
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving tongsqty 8
Bread basketsqty 6
Bottle openersqty 4
Corkscrewsqty 3
Water jugsqty 8
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2

Decorations

Table signsqty 12
Wayfinding signsqty 8
Notice boardsqty 4
Clipboardsqty 12
Photo backdrop
Plantsqty 12
Table decorationsqty 16
Buntingqty 8
Arrow stickersqty 24
Information bannersqty 4

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 8
LED lampsqty 12
Standing lampsqty 4

Cleaning

Broomqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Toilet brushesqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 kilos
- Tea assortment - 200 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Ginger beer - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Pilsner - 72 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 15 kilos
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Mini wraps - 100 pieces
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1,5 kilo
- Smoked salmon - 1 kilo
- Falafel - 2 kilos
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Arugula - 1 kilo
- Mixed salad - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Nut mix - 2 kilo
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Olives - 2 kilos
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Herb butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Herb cheese - 1 kilo
- Mini quiches - 100 pieces
- Mini Spring Rolls - 100 pieces
- Filled puff pastry snacks - 100 pieces
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Mini muffins - 80 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Chocolate - 3 kilos
- Grape sugar - 2 packs
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper cups - 200 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 50 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 8 packs
- Ice packs - 20 pieces
Cooler cratesqty 8
Drink dispensersqty 4
Chafing dishesqty 4
Serving traysqty 12
Coffee filtersqty 200
Thermos cupsqty 20
Bottled water cratesqty 6
Bar matsqty 6
Ice spoonsqty 4

Registration

Name badgesqty 150
Lanyardsqty 150
Pensqty 40
Registration formsqty 150
Visitor badgesqty 150
Exhibitor badgesqty 30
Wristbandsqty 150
Clipboardsqty 12

Communication

Program flyersqty 150
Exhibitor cardsqty 30
Route mapsqty 150
Information leafletsqty 150
Letterheadqty 100
Tapeqty 8
Duct tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 6
Markersqty 24
Pen holdersqty 8
Name stickersqty 200
Cable tiesqty 100
Ropeqty 2
Staplerqty 2
Staplesqty 4
Thumbtackqty 200
A4 tubesqty 4

Tips

Allow one market table per exhibitor, plus at least one additional table for registration or information. Order tablecloths to match the final table count, not the initial number of interested exhibitors.
Plan seating separately from display furniture. A practical starting point is one chair per expected guest if people will stay for presentations; use stools or bistro tables for short conversations and standing networking.
Provide at least one power strip per active exhibitor area and keep extra extension cords and cable reels available. Confirm laptop chargers, presentation screens and charging stations before the final exhibitor information is sent.
For catering, count coffee cups, water glasses, plates and cutlery against registered guests, then add around 10% spare stock. Small bowls and serving spoons are easy to overlook when snacks or shared food are included.
Prepare name badges, the participant list and the exhibitor layout before registration closes. Keep a printer and laptop available on site for late changes, and place waste bins near catering and busy stand areas.

Frequently asked questions

What furniture do I need for a networking market?: Start with one market table per stand, then add tables for registration, catering and information. Provide seating based on the format: around one chair per expected guest for presentations, with bistro tables or stools for informal networking.
How many glasses and plates should I buy for a networking market?: Use the final guest count as your base and add about 10% spare tableware. For example, 100 guests means planning for roughly 110 water glasses, plates and sets of cutlery, with extra coffee cups if coffee is served throughout the event.
How much power equipment is needed for exhibitors?: Ask each exhibitor whether they need power, then provide at least one power strip per powered stand. Keep several extension cords, cable reels and spare laptop chargers available, and check the venue's outlet capacity before ordering equipment.
When should I order supplies for a networking market?: Confirm furniture, lighting, catering and technical equipment at least 2–3 weeks before the market. Finalise badges, participant lists and disposable tableware after registrations close, ideally 3–5 days before the event.

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