New Year's quiz checklist

A New Year's quiz needs more than a list of questions. You need a confirmed date, a room that works for teams, tested presentation equipment and enough time to print, shop and set up. Start with registrations and dietary requirements, then build and check the quiz before preparing the room. This checklist puts the work in a practical order, including the details people often leave until the final hour, such as tie-break questions, chilled drinks and a working HDMI connection.

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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

Reserve the room
Confirm quiz date
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Choose quiz themes
2 people
Write quiz questions
2 people
Check answers
2 people
Create tie-break questions
Create the quiz presentation
Prepare music rounds
Prepare quiz forms
Prepare team assignments
Finalize shopping list
Do the shopping
2 people
Print quiz materials
Wrap the prizes
Chill drinks
2 people
Open venue
2 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Connect quiz equipment
2 people
Test the quiz presentation
2 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Set up buffet and bar
3 people
Set up the reception table

Event

Receive participants
3 people
Assign teams
2 people
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
Present quiz rounds
2 people
Collect answers
2 people
Check answers
3 people
Refill snacks and buffet
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Announce breaks
Announce the winners
2 people
Present prizes
2 people
See off the last guests
2 people

Aftercare

Clear away food and drinks
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Switch off equipment
2 people
Collect waste
2 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Inventory materials
Return borrowed items
2 people
Pack leftover food

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 48
Buffet tablesqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 60
Reusable coffee cupsqty 45
Platesqty 60
Bowlsqty 45
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 10
Soup ladlesqty 3

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Bluetooth speakerqty 2
Microphone
HDMI cableqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Wireless presentation remote
Kitchen timerqty 2

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3

Decorations

New Year balloonsqty 40
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 6
Team badgesqty 8
Prize trophiesqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 3
LED candlesqty 12

Cleaning

Trash binsqty 4
Waste binsqty 3
Mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the date and room before sending invitations. Once registrations come in, record dietary requirements and use the final number of guests to plan teams, food and seating.
Write the main questions early and check every answer before creating the presentation. Add tie-break questions at the same time, so a close result does not stop the quiz at midnight.
Prepare the music rounds and quiz forms before the final week. Print the materials only after the questions, answers and team assignments are fully settled.
Test the laptop, projector, screen, speaker, microphone, HDMI cable and presentation remote together at least one day before the event. Pack extension cords and power strips with the equipment rather than searching for them during setup.
Chill the drinks and finish the buffet and bar setup before guests arrive. Allow at least 60 minutes at the venue for tables, chairs, decorations, equipment and a full presentation test.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a New Year's quiz?: Confirm the date and room at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead, especially if the event is held on New Year's Eve. Aim to have the questions, answers and tie-breakers finished 7 days before the quiz.
How many questions do I need for a New Year's quiz?: Plan around 40 to 60 questions for a quiz lasting about 2 to 3 hours, including music rounds and breaks. Prepare several tie-break questions so you can resolve a draw without improvising.
When should I print the quiz forms and presentation materials?: Print the forms and other materials after the questions, answers and team assignments are final, preferably 2 to 3 days before the event. Keep a digital copy on the laptop as a backup.
How long does it take to set up a New Year's quiz?: Allow at least 60 minutes for tables, chairs, buffet and bar setup, decorations and equipment. Reserve an extra 15 to 20 minutes to test the presentation, sound and microphone after everything is connected.

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.