The Event Manager’s ‘Survival Kit’ Checklist

Through my job I’ve come across loads of Event Managers on events and I’m always intrigued (and surprised) by the random objects they pull out of nowhere that can literally save the day - a bit like Mary Poppins and her bottomless handbag! When something goes wrong, I’ve noticed how experienced Event Managers will just deal it, using their own toolbox of ‘event essentials’, rather than chase the venue and wait for someone else to sort the problem out.

So I’ve created a checklist of event management essentials, inspired by their impressive organisational skills. My intent is that this list can be used by people who are new to event management and want to be well-prepared for upcoming events.(As a bonus I’ve included handy dandy check boxes)

Batteries (assorted sizes)
Bags (carrier, bin, sandwich and sick bags)
Blue and white tac
Bottle opener and corkscrew
Cable ties
Camera
Candles
Calculator
Clipboard
Disposable table cloths
Disposable razor
Dustpan and brush
Elastic bands
Extension cord
First aid kit
Hand towels
Hand wash/shower gel
Hammer
Insect repellent
iPhone lead and plug
J cloths
Knife
Pens and pencils (also highlighter pens)
Post it notes
Polish and duster
Maps (Road, Train and Tube)
Matches and lighters
Markers (thick, black markers)
Measuring tape
Mints
Multi purpose phone charger
Multi purpose surface cleaner
Multi plug socket adapter
Music CDs (compilations)
Nails and screws (assorted)
Napkins
Notepads (A5 for notes and plain A4 for signs)
Pain killers (Aspirin/Ibuprofen/Paracetamol/[and for the ultimate hangover cure] Resolve)
Paper clips
Paper towels
Phillips screwdriver
Picture hanging wire
Pins
Pliers
Pushpins/tacks
Safety clips
Scissors
Screwdriver
Sewing kit
Shoe polish (weddings)
Shower hooks
Stapler and staples
White sticky labels
Stopwatch
String
Sun protection lotion
Superglue
Tape (carpet, clear, scotch, masking, electrical and duct tapes)
Tape measure
Tea spoons
Tea towels
Tissue paper
Toothpaste and disposable toothbrushes
Toothpicks
Torch
Water bottles
Whistle
Wipes (hand and face wipes)
Window cleaner
Wire cutters
Umbrella
USB stick (conferences)

I recommend printing this post out and using it as a shopping list to replenish items after an event. Hopefully this checklist will prevent you from worrying about forgetting something, so you can spend your time planning and managing successful events. Best of luck to all of the new Event Managers.

Please note that this post is very much a work in progress. I look forward to hearing from the more experienced Event Managers in the comments.