TV Quiz Checklist: Plan the Night Without Last-Minute Gaps

A TV quiz needs more than a list of questions. You need a room that works for teams, tested audio and video, clear answer sheets, and enough time to process registrations and dietary requirements. Start by booking the room and sending invitations, then build the quiz content and participant list. In the final week, check every clip and cable, buy prizes, and prepare the food and drinks. On the day, allow time for tables, the quiz table, presentation and microphone tests before guests arrive.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Reserve the quiz room
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Finalize the participant list
Set quiz rounds
2 people
Write quiz questions
2 people
Check answers
2 people
Create the quiz presentation
Select music clips
Check video clips
Print response forms
Prepare team assignments
Buy prizes
Test equipment
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
Prepare snacks
2 people
Prepare quiz materials
2 people
Check room and equipment
2 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Set up the quiz table
2 people
Set up the buffet and drinks table
2 people
Test presentation and microphones
2 people

Event

Receive participants
3 people
Register teams
2 people
Serve snacks and drinks
3 people
Explain quiz rules
Present quiz rounds
Collect answer sheets
2 people
Check answers
3 people
Announce interim standings
Refill drinks
2 people
Refill snacks
2 people
Check the final standings
2 people
Announce the winners
Present prizes
2 people
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

Switch off equipment
2 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Collect waste
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Clean the room
3 people
Check materials
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Clear away leftover stock

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 50
Buffet tablesqty 2
Quiz table

Tableware

Glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving traysqty 6

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone stand
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
HDMI cablesqty 2
Presentation remote
Spare batteriesqty 8

Quiz materials

Answer formsqty 300
Pensqty 60
Score sheetsqty 10
Team cardsqty 50
Quiz questionsqty 10
Answer sheetsqty 10
Pen holdersqty 8

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 10
Name badgesqty 60
Prizesqty 3

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Dish brushesqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set a registration deadline at least 7 days before the quiz. Use the final participant list to assign teams, prepare team cards and account for dietary requirements before shopping.
Finish the quiz questions, answer checks and presentation at least 3 days ahead. Play every music and video clip once on the actual laptop and confirm that the answers match the response forms.
Test the projector, screen, speakers, wireless microphones, HDMI cables and presentation remote 24 hours before the event. Keep spare batteries, extension cords and power strips together at the quiz table.
Print answer forms, score sheets and team cards for every team, plus at least 10% extra copies. Put pens in holders on the tables so teams do not have to share one pen during timed rounds.
Chill drinks for at least 4 hours before guests arrive and prepare snacks before setup starts. Set up the buffet and drinks table separately from the quiz table, leaving clear access for serving trays and used glasses.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a TV quiz night?: Start 3 to 4 weeks before the event by reserving the room and sending invitations. Set the registration deadline 7 days before the quiz so you have time to finalize teams, dietary requirements and quantities.
How many questions should a TV quiz have?: Plan 5 to 8 rounds with 8 to 10 questions per round, depending on the length of the evening. Allow roughly 10 minutes per round for answering, playing clips and marking answers.
How early should I set up the room for a TV quiz?: Allow 2 to 3 hours before guests arrive for tables, chairs, the quiz table, buffet and drinks table. Reserve the final 30 minutes for testing the presentation, projector, speakers and microphones.
How many drinks do I need for a TV quiz?: For the first hour, plan 2 to 3 drinks per person, then 1 to 2 drinks per person for each additional hour. Add non-alcoholic options and use the confirmed participant list rather than guessing from invitations.

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.