You never know what could happen when you are on-site for an event. Despite months of planning, meetings and timelines, something unexpected will always occur that you didn’t plan for. Could you have prepared?

Although we all know how to leap over obstacles and land on our feet, as well as look flawless, over the years, we have learned many things that are essential to keep in your event box. You don’t need a huge box, just a 12-gallon storage container.

This is our list of items you should always have in your emergency kit.

Part 1: The most important planning items you should bring to an event.

It is important to have all your essential and backup items. Take, for example:

1. Additional pens, scissors and paper.
2. There are many types of tape: clear, duct and painter’s tapes.
3. Batteries of all types
4. Clipboards
5. Walkie Talkies
6. Labels
7. Thumb drives
8. Chargers
9. Emergency Kit
10. Mini Sewing Kit

The basics. These are the essential items that everyone will need. These items will make you appear like a pro and be a lifesaver.

Trust us. We know from experience that these items can be very useful in an emergency.

Part 2: What you should bring to an event.

An extension cord can be brought to your event location.

It doesn’t hurt to have an extension cord, no matter what venue you are at, whether outside or inside. Sometimes venues would charge our clients or us for extra extension cords. Or they didn’t have enough. Both of these problems can be avoided if you have your extension cords. Make sure you tape your name at the plug’s end to avoid getting lost with other things.

A mini-toolbox can be brought to your event.

It can be fixed. Yes! Someone might get hurt if you run around a few minutes before the event begins. It happens. We can vouch for it. It’s not everyone’s fault. It’s not easy to maintain your home. A mini toolbox is a great idea. Available to make a quick fix.

For your next event, bring a Bluetooth stereo system.

You can use a Bluetooth speaker to entertain your vendors and yourself while setting up. There might be times when you need to use it for more serious purposes. You can set up a Spotify playlist for your event to set the mood, then pair your phone with it and voila! You don’t even need to know this…

To events, bring a folding doll.

It can be physically exhausting to haul boxes of goods around, especially in large venues. Although most venues provide dollies and carts, it is possible to need one more. This tiny is what our team recommends. It folds up easily to fit into small spaces in an office.

For events, dress up in something more formal.

This isn’t true. You have many options. From personal experience, this is something I recommend keeping close at hand. Two stories from my experience:

hosted a gala event a few years back for more than 1,000 people. This included doctors, dignitaries from the area, and executives at the C-suite. It was a black-tie affair. We set the dress time for our team a few hours before the event. Unfortunately, when my event coordinator went to the bathroom, the zipper of her dress decided that it was time to go. Another employee took my dress and cut it out for me. Thank goodness for heavy-duty scissors! Another member of the team gave her an additional dress, which she fortunately fit. Problem solved.

Our team produced a non-profit fundraiser at a high-end venue during a recent gala: no jeans, tie, and entrance. A band member arrived at the front door wearing very nice jeans. Despite all the begging and pleas, the staff at the front door refused to let him in. My team member brought an extra pair of pants and a second pair of shoes to save the day! He was at the soundcheck within minutes.

These must-have items will ensure that you are always prepared for any event.

It never hurts to be prepared; take it from us. You can join SocialTables and share your story about how you used these items to save an important event. Next, we will discuss the steps to planning the perfect event.