Event Operations Manual
Software for Club Treasurers

Venue set up

The table below provides examples of the types of activities involved in setting up a venue for an event. Many activities are common to both indoor and outdoor.

Venue setup tasks

Checklist for Indoor Venues Checklist for Outdoor Venues
  • Moving competition equipment into place
  • Erecting sponsor signage
  • Erecting flags, banners and bunting
  • Fixing direction signs
  • Setting up microphones, amplifiers and speakers for public address
  • Positioning podiums for speeches and medal ceremonies
  • Positioning scoreboards
  • Setting out tables and chairs
  • Painting, fixing and/or cleaning equipment, furniture and premises
  • Checking security of windows and doors
  • Working out lighting and air-conditioning controls
  • Positioning of first aid equipment
  • Mowing and marking grass
  • Putting up crowd control ropes
  • Erecting tents and marquees
  • Erecting sponsor signage
  • Fixing direction signs
  • Setting up microphones, amplifiers and speakers for public address
  • Positioning podiums for speeches and medal ceremonies
  • Checking playing surfaces for hazards
  • Erecting flags, banners and bunting
  • Erecting portable toilets
  • Positioning of first aid equipment

The activities suggested above are usually undertaken in the last 24 hours before the event commences. One of the main reasons why a venue cannot be set up earlier is that it may be in use. It is not really practical to begin positioning equipment until there are no more activities and no more usage of the venue before the event commences. To do so may risk theft, breakage and damage that may severely impact on the event. If a venue has some lock up space it may be possible to transport some equipment to the venue

Time is tickingSetting up the venue requires people, equipment and time in the right quantities. Events must start on time and therefore the amount of time for setting-up is finite. Setting-up is often a frenzied activity and may be accompanied by significant amounts of stress if time is too short. It is important that setting-up begins as early as possible and that there are a sufficient number of people on hand to carry out tasks.

Event DirectorIdeally the Event Director is amongst the first to arrive at the venue for setting up to ensure that all staff involved are able to attend to their allocated tasks without delay. If the Event Director cannot be on site first, then someone should be deputized for this task.

Key to open the venueIf the event venue requires keys for access the Event Director should retain these throughout unless security personnel have been designated this task. Keys are often needed in a hurry and their whereabouts needs to be known by all event management staff. This should be considered in advance and communicated to all event management personnel.

power cords are often forgottenA task not to be overlooked in setting up is to test all equipment. Electrical equipment can be particularly problematic. Testing may be undertaken by the equipment coordinator or a person especially designated for the task. Ideally some aspects of electrical equipment should be tested before the set up begins. It could be too late to replace electrical equipment in the hours before the event starts.

Parking at the eventParking for spectators and event staff should also not be overlooked in setting up. It is vital that access roads and entranceways are not blocked to emergency services or venue management personnel.

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