What you need for a pub quiz

A pub quiz needs more than questions and a projector. You will need one complete set of writing materials per team, clear scoring paperwork, reliable presentation equipment and enough tableware for the food and drinks service. Plan the room around the quizmaster’s table, team tables and reception area before you shop. This list helps you check the easy-to-forget items, such as spare pens, extension leads, a microphone and signs that guide teams to their tables.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 56
Quiz master table
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
HDMI cableqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Presentation clicker
Timerqty 2

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Pitcherqty 4
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Bottle openersqty 3

Quiz materials

Answer formsqty 70
Score sheetsqty 10
Ballpoint pensqty 70
Team badgesqty 12
Pen holdersqty 8

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Round signsqty 8
Welcome sign
Directional signsqty 6
Buntingqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom
Dustpan and brush
Microfiber clothsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 trays
- Grapes - 4 bunches
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Chocolate bars - 50 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Prepare one answer form, score sheet and working pen for every team, then add at least 10% spare pens. Pens are often the first item to disappear once scoring starts.
Test the laptop, projector, screen, speakers, microphone, HDMI cable and clicker together at home at least one day before the quiz. Pack extension cords and power strips with the equipment rather than looking for them at the venue.
Allow one drinking glass per guest plus roughly 10% extra, and keep separate cups available for coffee. Chill drinks before guests arrive and put bottle openers on the drinks table, not behind the quizmaster’s table.
Buy or prepare team badges and round signs before setup. A welcome sign and clear table numbers save time when teams register and prevent people from blocking the entrance while they look for a seat.
Count serving bowls, serving spoons, plates and cutlery against the planned buffet menu at least 24 hours beforehand. Add tablecloths, coat racks and pen holders to the packing check so they are not left behind with the decorations.

Frequently asked questions

What stationery do I need for a pub quiz?: Provide at least one answer form, score sheet and ballpoint pen per team for each quiz session. Pack 10% extra pens and several spare answer forms in case a sheet is damaged or a team joins late.
How many glasses do I need for a pub quiz?: Plan for one drinking glass per guest, plus 10% extra for breakages and replacements. If coffee is served, add one coffee cup per expected coffee drinker rather than reusing drinking glasses.
What equipment is needed to run a pub quiz?: For a projected quiz, bring a laptop, projector, projection screen, HDMI cable, presentation clicker, speakers, microphone and timer. Test the full setup at home at least one day before the event and pack extension cords and power strips.
When should I buy and prepare pub quiz supplies?: Buy non-perishable materials and prizes at least one week before the quiz. Complete the final count of tableware, drinks and printed forms 24 hours before guests arrive, then chill drinks on the day.

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