What you need for an online quiz

For an online quiz, shopping is mostly about keeping participants comfortable and your setup running. Plan drinks and serving items for the people hosting or gathering together, then check the less obvious supplies: pens, notepads, spare paper, chargers and power options. If you are running the quiz from one location, buy or bring enough for the full session rather than relying on last-minute shops. The equipment list below covers the technical setup; this guide focuses on what to purchase or have ready.

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What to bring

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

Equipment

Laptopsqty 3
Backup laptop
Webcamsqty 3
USB microphonesqty 3
Headsetsqty 3
Smartphone
HDMI cablesqty 2
HDMI adaptersqty 2
USB extension cablesqty 3
Chargersqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3
Power bankqty 2

Lighting

Desk lampsqty 3

Furniture

Desksqty 3
Office chairsqty 3

Office

Notepadsqty 6
Ballpoint pensqty 12
Printer paper
Printer
Whiteboard
Whiteboard markersqty 4
Timerqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 12
Platesqty 12
Cutlery setsqty 12
Small bowlsqty 6

Kitchen

Kettle
Coffee maker
Thermos flasksqty 2
Coolersqty 2
Serving traysqty 3

Prizes

Gift vouchersqty 3
Prize envelopesqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Dishwashing tub
Dish brush
Tea towelsqty 4
Cleaning spray
Hand soap

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 500 grams
- Tea - 40 bags
- Decaf coffee - 250 grams
- Milk - 3 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 500 grams
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemons - 4 pieces
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 liters
- Orange juice - 3 liters
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salted nuts - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Amaretti - 2 packs
- Butter cookies - 2 packs
- Chocolate bars - 12 pieces
- Apples - 12 pieces
- Bananas - 12 pieces
- Grapes - 2 trays
- Cucumbers - 3 pieces
- Carrots - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 3 tubs
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Mini wraps - 24 pieces
- Cheese slices - 500 gram
- Vegetarian cold cuts slices - 400 grams
- Trash bags - 1 roll
- Kitchen paper - 3 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 2 dispensers
- Paper napkins - 3 packs

Tips

Allow two drinks per person for the first hour, then one more for each additional hour. Add coffee or tea supplies if the quiz runs during a meal or evening.
Set out one notepad and one ballpoint pen per player, plus at least 10% extra. For 20 players, that means 22 notepads and 22 pens.
Keep two spare charging options available: a fully charged power bank for the smartphone and a second charging cable for the main laptop or backup laptop.
Prepare one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per person if food is served. Small bowls are useful for snacks; count one bowl per snack type rather than one per guest.
Buy printer paper before the technical test, not on quiz day. Keep at least 20 sheets available for registration notes, tie-break answers or printed backup materials.

Frequently asked questions

What drinks do I need for an online quiz?: Plan two drinks per person for the first hour and one additional drink per person for every hour after that. For a two-hour quiz with 10 people, prepare about 30 drinks in total, including water, coffee or tea.
How many pens and notepads do I need for an online quiz?: Provide one pen and one notepad per player, with at least 10% spare. For 20 players, prepare 22 of each so a missing or faulty item does not interrupt the quiz.
What should I buy as a technical backup for an online quiz?: Have one backup laptop, a charged smartphone, spare charging cables and a power bank ready. Test the backup setup at least 24 hours before the quiz, rather than waiting until the connection fails.
How much serving ware do I need for an online quiz?: Use one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per person when food or drinks are served. Add one small bowl for each snack type and prepare 10% extra cups and plates for unexpected guests.

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