Tango competition shopping list

A tango competition needs more than a dance floor and music. You also need practical supplies for registration, judging, refreshments, prizes and clear movement around the venue. This shopping list covers the items that are easy to overlook, from spare cables and gaffer tape to enough glasses, coffee cups and serving trays. Work out quantities from your confirmed dancer, judge and guest numbers, then add a small reserve before placing orders.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Dance floor
Rectangular tablesqty 8
Jury tablesqty 2
Registration desk
Chairsqty 100
Coat racksqty 3
Stoolsqty 6

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Music player
Speaker standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Gaffer tapeqty 4
Laptop
Calculatorqty 2

Tableware

Water glassesqty 120
Wine glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Coffee spoonsqty 80
Pastry platesqty 100
Forksqty 100
Pliersqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving trays with lidsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4

Decorations

Black fabric tableclothqty 10
Red fabric table runnersqty 10
LED candlesqty 30
Red Rosesqty 30
Welcome sign
Competition bannerqty 2

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
Light standsqty 2

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 50
Jury table numbersqty 6
Race ribbonsqty 12
Trophiesqty 3
Medal ribbonsqty 6
Judge clipboardsqty 6
Judges' ballpoint pensqty 24
Competition clock
Measuring tape

Office

Jury formsqty 150
Participant listsqty 5
Match schedulesqty 20
Paper tapeqty 6
Writing pensqty 40
Markersqty 10
Name stickersqty 120
Envelopesqty 20

Cleaning

Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Waste binsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 2 kilos
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- Granulated sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Bitter lemon - 3 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsener - 48 bottles
- Alcohol-free wine - 4 bottles
- Dry red wine - 12 bottles
- Dry white wine - 8 bottles
- Cava - 6 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Limes - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini Ciabattas - 8 Pieces
- Tortilla wraps - 40 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Manchego - 2 kilos
- Serrano ham - 2 kilo
- Chorizo - 1,5 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1,5 kilo
- Grilled peppers - 6 jars
- Sun-dried tomatoes - 4 jars
- Olive mix - 4 kilos
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Pears - 30 pieces
- Strawberries - 4 kilos
- Nut mix - 3 kilo
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Grissini - 8 packs
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Pepper - 1 can
- Salt - 1 tin
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Bamboo skewers - 300 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 packs

Tips

Plan one registration place with a desk, chairs, a laptop, a calculator and printed race numbers. Keep pens, spare paper and signage there so late arrivals do not interrupt the competition.
Allow at least 2–3 drinking glasses per guest for the first few hours, plus extra water glasses for dancers and judges. Chill drinks before doors open and keep a separate cooler for backup supplies.
Test the active speakers, mixer, wireless microphones, music player and laptop at least 24 hours before the event. Bring extension cords, power strips and gaffer tape, and tape down every cable crossing a walkway.
Set aside dedicated jury tables and chairs, with jury forms, calculators and clear sightlines to the dance floor. Prepare one complete spare set of forms in case a sheet is lost or damaged.
Order prizes and catering early enough to check every item when it arrives—at least 7 days before the competition where possible. Count plates, forks, coffee cups and pastry plates against the confirmed guest list, then keep serving platters and covered trays ready for service.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a tango competition?: Plan for a dance floor, active speakers, a mixer, wireless microphones, a music player, speaker stands, a laptop and reliable power distribution. Test the complete setup at least 24 hours beforehand and bring spare extension cords, power strips and gaffer tape.
How many glasses and cups should I buy for a tango competition?: Allow 2–3 drinking glasses per guest for the first few hours, plus additional glasses for judges and dancers. For coffee service, plan at least 1 coffee cup and spoon per expected serving, with around 10% extra for breakage and replacements.
What should I bring for competitor registration?: Set up a registration desk with a laptop, calculator, race numbers, printed registration information and clear signage. Prepare materials for 100% of registered competitors plus at least 10% spare numbers and forms.
When should I order prizes and catering for a tango competition?: Order prizes and catering at least 7 days before the competition whenever possible. Check the delivery as soon as it arrives, and confirm final dietary requirements and quantities no later than 3–5 days before the event.

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