Salsa competition shopping list

A salsa competition needs more than music and a dance floor. You will need practical supplies for registration, judging, dancing, catering, prizes and a long day of setup and competition rounds. Use the confirmed participant count to calculate drinks, tableware and food, then check the venue’s furniture, power and lighting before shopping. Order prizes and catering early, and collect anything hired or stored off-site at least one day before the event.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 120
Judges' table
Registration desk
Coat rackqty 2

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone stand
DJ laptop
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Laptop chargerqty 2

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4
Emergency lightsqty 2

Sports equipment

Dance floor panelsqty 24
Marking lines
Race bib strapsqty 40

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 150
Wine glassesqty 80
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12
Ice containersqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 10
Balloonsqty 100
String decorationsqty 6
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Stage backdrop
Table numbersqty 10

Catering

Competition trophiesqty 3
Medalsqty 12
Jury formsqty 100
Clipboardsqty 8
Pensqty 30
Badgesqty 140
Wristbandsqty 150
Prize money envelopesqty 3
Groceries
- Coffee beans - 2 kilos
- Tea bags - 150 pieces
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Sprite - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Ginger beer - 4 bottles
- Beer - 120 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 4 bottles
- Limes - 3 kilos
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Ice cubes - 25 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salsa dip - 6 jars
- Guacamole - 6 containers
- Olives - 4 jars
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Cashews - 4 bags
- Mini spring rolls - 8 boxes
- Vegetarian snacks - 8 boxes
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Pineapple - 4 pieces
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 20 pieces
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Wraps - 8 packs
- Herb cream cheese - 2 kilos
- Cheese slices - 2 kilos
- Turkey breast - 1,5 kilo
- Vegan spread - 1.5 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paper napkins - 600 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning cloths - 20 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 packs
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Cool bags - 20 pieces

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Mop setsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Toilet brushesqty 4

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Add at least 10% extra reusable drinking glasses so you are not washing them between rounds.
Prepare one complete judging station for every judge: table space, chairs, printed rules, pens, score sheets and drinking water. Put the judges’ table where they can see the full dance floor without blocking spectators.
Check the dance floor panels and marking lines against the venue dimensions before competition day. Leave a clear margin around the marked area and test the surface with dance shoes before participants arrive.
Bring at least two extension cords and power strips, plus the DJ laptop charger and spare audio cables. Test the mixer, speakers and wireless microphones during setup rather than waiting for the first briefing.
Pack catering supplies by service: plates, cutlery, serving trays, coffee cups, wine glasses, kettles, coffee machines and thermos flasks. Keep a separate box for registration materials, race bib straps and prize presentation items so they do not disappear into the kitchen setup.

Frequently asked questions

How many glasses do I need for a salsa competition?: Plan for 2 to 3 drinking glasses per person for the first hour, then about 1 per person for every additional hour if glasses cannot be washed during the event. Add 10% extra; for 100 guests over 4 hours, that means roughly 440 glasses.
How much food should I order for a salsa competition?: Use the confirmed participant and guest count, not the number of registrations received. For a meal, allow one full portion per person plus 10% extra; confirm dietary requirements at least 7 days before ordering so the caterer can prepare alternatives.
When should I order prizes for a salsa competition?: Order prizes at least 3 to 4 weeks before the competition, especially if they need engraving or delivery. Check the quantity and names against the final competition format one week before the event.
What equipment do I need for salsa competition registration?: Set up one registration desk with chairs, a participant list, race bib straps, pens and the printed run sheet. Have the desk ready at least 60 minutes before the first round so late arrivals do not delay the start.

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