What do you need for a salsa workshop?

For a salsa workshop, your shopping list needs to cover more than drinks and snacks. Participants need a clear registration point, a usable dance floor, reliable sound and enough space to change or store coats. Plan refreshments around the workshop schedule, then check serving items, coffee supplies, power and lighting before shopping. This list helps you prepare the practical items that are often forgotten until the venue is already open.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 3
Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Reusable glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving bowlsqty 10
Serving plattersqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Coolersqty 4

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Laptop
Microphone standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Dance floor panelsqty 20

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Salsa flagsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8
Name badgesqty 60
Wayfinding signsqty 5

Sports equipment

Dance mirrorsqty 2
Marker discsqty 20

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Vacuum cleaner

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Ginger beer - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Plain tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Chili tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Mild salsa - 6 jars
- Guacamole - 6 containers
- Hummus - 5 tubs
- Olives - 4 jars
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Cashews - 4 bags
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Mini wraps - 80 pieces
- Cream cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Herb cheese - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Arugula - 8 bags
- Mexican spice mix - 4 bags
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Basmati rice - 5 kilos
- Black beans - 10 cans
- Corn - 8 cans
- Diced tomatoes - 10 cans
- Coconut milk - 6 cans
- Onion - 3 kilos
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Red peppers - 10 pieces
- Coriander - 8 bunches
- Limes - 3 kilos
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each following hour. Chill drinks in coolers before guests arrive rather than relying on a last-minute refrigerator check.
Allow about 250–300 ml of water per participant per workshop hour, especially when the class includes continuous dancing. Keep extra reusable glasses at the welcome desk and near the dance floor.
For snacks, calculate one small portion per person per hour, with a mix of easy-to-eat options. Put serving bowls, platters, tongs and spoons out before registration starts so food does not become a queue at the welcome desk.
Check the sound setup at least 60 minutes before the first lesson. Test the mixer, active speakers, wireless microphones, laptop, extension cords and power strips together, not one item at a time.
Keep one clear route to the dance floor and leave coats away from the lesson area. Clothes racks, adequate lighting and a final check of the dance floor panels prevent common delays after participants have arrived.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a salsa workshop?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, followed by about one drink per person for every additional hour. Add extra water because dancing makes participants drink more than they would at a seated event.
How much coffee and tea should I buy for a salsa workshop?: Allow one coffee or tea serving per person for a short workshop and up to two per person for a half-day program. Prepare the coffee machines, kettles and thermos flasks before guests arrive, and keep hot water available throughout the break.
What sound equipment is needed for a salsa workshop?: You need active speakers, a mixer and a laptop for the music, plus a wireless microphone if the instructor addresses the whole group. Test all connections at least 60 minutes before the start and bring extension cords and power strips for the venue layout.
When should I prepare the shopping and equipment for a salsa workshop?: Finish the main shopping at least one day before the workshop, especially drinks, snacks and disposable essentials if any are used. Collect and test the equipment on the day itself at least 60 minutes before registration opens.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.