What you need for a school programming competition

A school programming competition needs more than laptops and coding tasks. You will need reliable network equipment, enough power connections, backup devices, visible timing and scoring, and supplies for registration, judging, catering, and the awards ceremony. Use this shopping list alongside your event plan to check what must be bought, borrowed, or reserved. Pay particular attention to spare equipment: one failed charger, mouse, or network connection can disrupt an entire round.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 18
Chairsqty 65
Registration desk
Judges' tableqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Equipment

Laptopsqty 35
Laptop chargersqty 35
Spare laptopsqty 4
Projector
Projection screen
Presentation laptop
Wi-Fi access pointsqty 3
Network Switchesqty 3
Ethernet cablesqty 45
Spare keyboardsqty 4
Spare miceqty 4
USB sticksqty 6
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 12
Power stripsqty 18
Cable traysqty 12
Spare fusesqty 4
Timer clocksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 8
Coffee potsqty 3
Teapotsqty 2

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving traysqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2

Decorations

Name badge holdersqty 70
Competition postersqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 8
Prizesqty 6
Medalsqty 12
Certificate foldersqty 40

Cleaning

Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Lighting

Desk lampsqty 8

Groceries

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea bags - 120 pieces
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Paper napkins - 250 pieces
- Pizza loaves - 12 pieces
- Tomato sauce - 3 jars
- Grated cheese - 2 kilos
- Mozzarella - 1 kilo
- Mushrooms - 1 kilo
- Bell pepper - 1 kilo
- Corn - 6 cans
- Olives - 4 jars
- Pepperoni - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian pizza topping - 1 kilo
- Pizza seasoning - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 10 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Savory crackers - 10 packs
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Diet cookies - 6 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Paper pizza plates - 100 pieces

Tips

Prepare one laptop, charger, and working network connection for every participant, then add spare laptops, keyboards, mice, and chargers before competition day. A small equipment failure should not cost a team its round.
Bring enough Ethernet cables, network switches, Wi-Fi access points, extension cords, power strips, and cable trays for the full room layout. Test every connection and power run at least one day before the competition.
Set aside USB sticks, power banks, spare fuses, and a presentation laptop instead of relying on participants’ own devices. Keep backup equipment at the judges’ table so a volunteer can replace it quickly.
For registration, judging, and catering, provide separate tables and enough chairs, plus name badges and clearly labelled match folders. Order food only after dietary requirements have been collected and confirmed.
Count tableware for the maximum number of participants, judges, volunteers, and guests, not just registered competitors. Include reusable cups, coffee cups, plates, cutlery, serving spoons, coffee pots, teapots, and waste bins.

Frequently asked questions

How many spare laptops do I need for a school programming competition?: Plan for at least one spare laptop for every 10 participants, with a minimum of two for a small competition. Test the spare devices with the same platform, accounts, chargers, and network access before the event.
How many Ethernet cables and power strips should I buy?: Provide one network cable and one power connection per laptop, plus at least 10% extra cables and two spare power strips. Label the cables and test the complete layout before participants arrive.
When should I order catering and tableware?: Confirm registrations and dietary requirements at least 7 days before the competition, then order catering and check tableware quantities. Keep a small margin of 10% for late additions and volunteers.
What equipment should be ready on competition day?: Have laptops, chargers, spare devices, network equipment, the scoreboard setup, projector, timer clocks, power supplies, and presentation laptop ready at least 2 hours before registration. Use that time for a full connection and login test.

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