What do you need for a poetry slam?

A poetry slam needs more than a microphone and a list of performers. You will need a clear judging setup, reliable sound equipment, audience materials, refreshments and a few practical items for registration and backstage organisation. This shopping list covers the supplies to buy or bring, including tableware, signs, cables, lighting and materials for the jury. Check quantities against your audience size and venue before shopping, especially for drinks, chairs and power equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 90
Tablesqty 10
Tall cocktail tablesqty 4
Judges' table
Changing room rack

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving traysqty 6

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
DI box
Laptop
HDMI cablesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Cable traysqty 8

Lighting

Stage spotlightsqty 3
Mood lightingqty 4

Decorations

Stage backdrop
Welcome sign
Round signsqty 12
Name badgesqty 100
Tableclothsqty 10

Office

Registration formsqty 100
Jury formsqty 30
Markersqty 20
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Clipboardsqty 12
Trophiesqty 3
Certificatesqty 10
Wristbandsqty 100

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Serving bowlsqty 12
Scissorsqty 4
Bottle openersqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Floor mopsqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 36 bottles
- Pilsener - 48 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Fresh mint - 4 bunches
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Mini cucumbers - 4 packs
- Carrots - 4 bags
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Vegan spread - 4 packs
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper cups - 150 pieces
- Stirrers - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each additional hour. Include coffee cups, reusable glasses and enough serving trays for quick service.
Bring one wireless microphone for the host or poet and keep a second microphone available if the format uses a backup or audience interaction. Test both through the mixer before doors open.
Prepare at least one jury form per judge for every round, plus spare copies and several markers. Keep the forms at the judges’ table rather than relying on phones or loose notes.
Allow one extension cord and one power strip for each separate equipment area, and bring cable trays wherever cables cross walking routes. Check the venue’s available power before loading the equipment.
Have the welcome sign, round signs, name badges, certificates and prizes ready at least one day before the slam. These are easy to overlook while arranging the stage, but replacing them on the event day is difficult.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a poetry slam?: For a basic setup, plan on two microphones, microphone stands, speakers, a mixer, a laptop and the required cables. Add a DI box if audio from the laptop needs to run through the sound system, and test everything at least 2 hours before the audience arrives.
How many drinks should I buy for a poetry slam?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then one additional drink per person for every extra hour. Buy or bring at least 10% extra glasses and cups so service does not stop when items are misplaced or waiting to be washed.
What does the jury need for a poetry slam?: Each judge needs a jury form for every round, a marker or pen and a clear place at the judges’ table. Prepare the briefing and printed forms at least 1 day beforehand, with 10% spare copies for mistakes or late changes.
What should I bring for registration and audience welcome?: Bring registration forms, name badges, markers, a welcome sign and any round signs used to direct the audience. Set these out 30 minutes before doors open, with at least one person assigned to registration during the first 15 minutes.

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