What to Buy for a Soloists' Competition

A soloists' competition needs more than a stage and a running order. You will need reliable sound equipment, clear registration materials, judging supplies, refreshments, and practical items for performers and guests. Plan quantities from your participant count, judges, volunteers, and expected audience. Order prizes and certificates early, and check cables, microphones, music stands, and lighting before the competition day. This list helps you cover the items that are easiest to overlook.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 120
Clothing rackqty 2
Waste binsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 12

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Mixer
Laptop
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Stopwatchqty 2
Music standsqty 12
Lectern lampsqty 6
Headphonesqty 2

Catering

Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon - 12 pieces
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 100 pieces
- Stir sticks - 250 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Mini pretzels - 3 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 2 packs
- Vegan cookies - 2 packs
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Mini rolls - 150 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Kitchen gloves - 2 boxes
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 10
Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 8
Name badgesqty 100
Clipboardsqty 12
Pensqty 40
Prizesqty 12
Certificatesqty 40
Gift bagsqty 12

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2

Tips

Allow one name badge, printed program, and participant-list entry for every competitor, then add at least 10% extra badges and programs for corrections, replacements, and late arrivals.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, including water, coffee, or other refreshments. Bring extra water jugs and thermos flasks because performers and judges may need drinks throughout the program.
Check the sound system at least one week before the event and again on the day. Test the speakers, microphones, mixer, laptop, microphone stands, extension cords, and power strips together rather than separately.
Prepare one clipboard, stopwatch, and jury form for each judge, plus one spare set. Keep pencils or other writing supplies at the judges' table; they are commonly forgotten when forms are printed in advance.
Order prizes and certificates at least two to three weeks before the competition. Confirm the exact number of awards after registrations close, and keep the prizes together so they are ready for presentation.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a soloists' competition?: Use the number of competitors, judges, volunteers, and guests as your headcount. Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add roughly one drink per person for each additional hour; include water, coffee, cups, plates, cutlery, and serving platters.
How many microphones and speakers are needed for a soloists' competition?: Start with the number of microphones required for the performances and announcements, then keep one spare microphone if possible. At minimum, test the speakers, mixer, laptop, microphone stands, extension cords, and power strips as one complete system before the event.
How many programs and name badges should I print?: Print one program and one name badge for every registered participant, judge, volunteer, and expected guest who needs one. Add at least 10% extra programs and badges so a late registration or damaged badge does not create a shortage.
When should I order prizes and certificates for a soloists' competition?: Order them two to three weeks before the event, especially if names or categories must be printed. Confirm the final participant and award count as soon as registration closes, then check the prizes and certificates at least three days before the competition.

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