As Murphy’s Law goes, anything that can go wrong will go wrong. It is always better to be prepared than to scramble and purchase things at the very last minute during your event, which can cause unnecessary stress. So here are 15 essential items that every event manager should have on hand during an event.
Bottle of water
I can’t stress this enough, it is essential to stay hydrated during your event as the last thing you want to happen is pass out halfway through. Many people are counting on you as the person in charge and you need to be in your best physical condition.
Black tape
From taping stray cables and fixing broken costumes, black tape can really do wonders to help you during your event.
Swiss army knife
It is likely that you will need to make last-minute adjustments, so this will come in handy.
Pens, paper & clipboard
You will need to jot down last-minute changes, details, or even do stage plans so this is a must! Moreover, you never know when you’ll need to write my papers for me, so being prepared is a good idea.
Your event rundown sheet
As an event manager, you have to always be on the ball. You need to stay on top of everything and ensure that you are aware of every little detail. Keep your rundown neat and precise as many people will turn to you for questions.
Your wallet and valuables
You may need to purchase last-minute items or even show your ID to security during your event. Make sure you have all your valuables with you to ensure that you are identifiable.
Phone, charging cable & spare power bank
Communication is key during every event. You have to stay connected with your technical team, event management team, and the client in case something crops up. It is best to have a fully charged phone when you arrive at your event site.
Contact list
Keeping a main contact list of important people during your event is vital. You may also have event helpers who will be assisting you, so exchange contact numbers with each other beforehand in case of emergencies.
Event pass
In large scale events such as festivals, large product launches, and concerts, everyone needs to be identifiable. Printing lanyards with the person’s designation is crucial for clients, the media, and your own team to identify each other. Wearing event lanyards also help to prevent breaches of event security.
Wet & dry tissue
During your event, be prepared to get your hands dirty and in sunny Singapore, you will get sweaty as well. Wet tissue can come in extremely handy to refresh yourself so that you look and feel your best during your event.
USB flash drive
Whenever graphics, background music, playback or videos are involved, it is always handy to keep a USB flash drive with you at all times. We recommend the flash drive’s capacity to be at least 128GB.
First aid kit
You don’t have to carry this around with you for the whole event. However, do keep a first aid kit closeby as accidents do happen during events. Alcohol wipes, bandages, plasters, and antibiotic cream are the basic essentials you should have in your first aid kit.
Sunblock
If you are organising an outdoor event, especially in Singapore where the sun shines all year round, the last thing you want is a nasty sunburn. So pack a good sunblock that is SPF50 and above. You can also apply them before your event, but do remember to reapply it regularly.
Extra shoes
You will most probably be on your feet for the entire event. On one hand, you may want a comfortable pair of shoes for when you around the event site. On the other hand, you may want to change into nicer shoes when meeting your clients. So always pack a spare set of shoes.
A light snack
Missing meals during an event is fairly common because there is simply so much to do and so little time! Always keep an energy bar for yourself in case you find yourself starving midway through an event.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Murphy’s Law reminds us that things can go wrong when we least expect them to, and as event managers, being prepared is paramount. The 15 essential items discussed here are your event survival kit. They ensure you can navigate unforeseen challenges, stay focused, and provide the best possible experience for both clients and attendees.
From staying hydrated with a bottle of water to having essential tools like black tape and a Swiss army knife, these items can be lifesavers in the midst of event chaos. Pens, paper, and your event rundown sheet keep you organized, while your wallet and valuables, along with your event pass, ensure smooth operations.
If you don’t know how to spend your time with benefit and fun. You will definitely not stay away and will love it as much as I do.
By having these items on hand, you’ll minimize stress, handle any unexpected situations with ease, and ultimately, ensure the success of your event. Preparedness is the key to being a reliable and effective event manager.