What you need for online networking drinks

For online networking drinks, your shopping list needs to cover two settings: the host’s workstation and the refreshments around it. Plan the drinks, snacks, glasses and serving items before the event, then check the technical basics that are easy to overlook, such as spare cables, chargers and power access. A kettle or coffee maker helps you offer more than cold drinks, while lighting, a backdrop and a clear workstation keep the host visible on screen.

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What to bring

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

Equipment

Laptopsqty 3
Webcamsqty 3
Headsetsqty 3
External microphonesqty 2
Speaker
HDMI cablesqty 3
USB cablesqty 4
USB hubsqty 2
Chargersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Lighting

LED lightsqty 2

Furniture

Work tablesqty 3
Office chairsqty 3

Decorations

Backdrop clothqty 2
Table décorqty 3

Tableware

Glassesqty 24
Coffee cupsqty 12
Platesqty 24
Cutlery setsqty 24

Kitchen

Kettle
Coffee maker
Coolersqty 2
Serving bowlsqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 4
Corkscrewsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Dish brushesqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 2 bottles
- Beer - 24 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 12 bottles
- White wine - 3 bottles
- Rosé - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salted peanuts - 2 bags
- Olives - 3 jars
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Crackers - 4 packs
- Baguettes - 4 pieces
- Herb butter - 3 tubs
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilos
- Cheese slices - 1 kilo
- Vegan snacks - 3 packs
- Mini spring rolls - 3 packs
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Toilet paper - 2 packs

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each additional hour. Include water alongside alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
Allow one small snack portion per person per hour, with extra bowls and serving spoons so participants can eat without interrupting the conversation. Check dietary requirements before buying groceries.
Set up one complete workstation with a laptop, webcam, headset or external microphone, charger and power strip. Keep USB cables, HDMI cables, a USB hub and an extension cord within reach as backups.
Test the LED lights and backdrop from the camera’s position at least one day before the event. A second light source is useful if the host’s face is too dark after the room lights are switched on.
Chill the drinks several hours before the start and place glasses, plates, cutlery and napkins where the host can reach them without leaving the screen. Keep a cooler nearby for refills and a waste bin within easy reach.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for online networking drinks?: Buy two to three drinks per person for the first hour, including water and non-alcoholic choices. For every extra hour, add one drink per person.
What snacks should I buy for an online networking event?: Plan one small snack portion per person per hour, plus about 10% extra for unexpected guests or larger appetites. Check dietary requirements before completing the grocery shop.
What equipment do I need for online networking drinks?: Each host workstation needs a laptop, webcam, headset or external microphone, charger and reliable power access. Prepare spare USB and HDMI cables, a USB hub and an extension cord at least one day ahead.
When should I chill drinks for an online networking event?: Chill drinks at least four hours before the event, or overnight for larger bottles. Put out only what is needed at the start and keep the rest in a cooler for quick refills.

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