What You Need for a Quiz Marathon

A quiz marathon needs more than questions and a microphone. You will need supplies for several rounds, clear answer tracking, drinks and snacks that can be served without long breaks, and enough tableware for every participant. Plan quantities around your team size and the full running time, then add spares for pens, answer forms and drinks. This list also helps you spot items that are often collected too late, such as extension cords, prize materials and equipment for playing music clips.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 48
Tableclothsqty 8

Equipment

Laptopsqty 2
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Quiz materials

Quiz questionsqty 8
Answer formsqty 80
Score sheetsqty 8
Pensqty 60
Round signsqty 8
Answer cardsqty 8
Jury board
Prizesqty 3

Tableware

Reusable glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving bowlsqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 4

Decorations

Table numbersqty 8
Welcome sign
Buntingqty 6

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Mini pizzas - 40 pieces
- Mini quiches - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 24 pieces
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Cocktail sauce - 1 bottle
- Bread - 6 loaves
- Butter - 3 packs
- Cheese slices - 2 kilos
- Ham - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian cold cuts - 1 kilo
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Paper straws - 60 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 10 pieces

Tips

Allow at least one pen per participant, plus 10–15% extra, and keep the spare pens at the information table rather than distributing them all at once.
Prepare one answer form and one score sheet per team for every round, then print at least 10% extra in case a form is lost or a team needs a replacement.
For the first hour, allow 2–3 drinks per person; for each additional hour, budget another 1–2 drinks per person. Chill drinks before participants arrive and keep a separate supply available during the later rounds.
Bring one reusable glass or cup per person plus at least 10% spare. If coffee and tea are served throughout the marathon, prepare enough cups, plates and cutlery for one serving per person and keep extra supplies near the serving area.
Test the projector, speakers and microphone before setup is finished, and pack extension cords and power strips with the equipment. Bring music clips on two devices or storage options so a technical failure does not stop a round.

Frequently asked questions

How many pens do I need for a quiz marathon?: Plan for one pen per participant and add 10–15% spare. For 40 participants, that means 44–46 pens, with the extras kept at the information table.
How many answer forms should I print for a quiz marathon?: Print one answer form per team for every quiz round, plus at least 10% extra. If you have 10 teams and 8 rounds, prepare 88 forms rather than exactly 80.
How many drinks do I need for a quiz marathon?: For the first hour, allow 2–3 drinks per person, then add 1–2 drinks per person for each additional hour. Buy or chill the drinks at least 3–4 hours before the event so they are ready when teams arrive.
What equipment should I test before a quiz marathon?: Test the laptop, projector, screen, speakers and microphone at least 60 minutes before participants arrive. Check every extension cord and power strip at the same time, and keep a second device ready for music clips or presentation files.

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