Events & Festivals

Organizing an event often seems to be mainly about music, food trucks, visitors and atmosphere. But anyone who has ever set up a festival, trade show or corporate event knows: behind the scenes, everything depends on having the right supplies. Without the right materials, setup comes to a halt, safety issues arise, or the site simply becomes disorganized.

For event organizers, production teams and site managers, good event supplies are therefore not an afterthought, but an essential part of a successful production. From cordoning off areas to bundling cables and efficiently disposing of waste, the right tools make the difference between chaos and control.

In this article, we look at the most important event supplies used at almost every event and provide practical tips to help your organization run smoothly.

Essential event supplies on any site

Although every event is different, there are a number of materials that come back on virtually every production.

Cable ties for cable management and rigging

Tyraps, also known as cable ties, are arguably the most-used tool during the build-up of an event.

They are used for:

bundling power cables
attaching banners and signage
securing temporary structures
organising cable management around stages

The great advantage of cable ties is their speed and reliability. In a matter of seconds you fix materials firmly in place, without tools.

Tip for event teams: always keep several sizes of cable ties on hand. Large cable bundles or structures often call for longer and stronger versions.

Duct tape: the lifesaver during events

There is a reason duct tape has a status of its own in the events world.

During build-up and production, duct tape is used for:

temporary repairs
securing cables
protecting floors
marking positions on the ground

Because duct tape bonds strongly and stays flexible, it can be applied in countless situations. Many production teams carry several rolls as standard.

Barrier tape for safety and routing

At busy events it is important to separate zones clearly with barrier tape.

Think of:

backstage areas
technical zones
emergency routes
storage areas

This is where barrier tape comes in. With striking colours or warning texts you make it clear at a glance where visitors may and may not go.

Waste bags for a clean event site

A large event often produces a surprising amount of waste. Think of:

packaging from suppliers
leftover materials from the build
waste from visitors
catering waste

Strong waste bags are therefore essential to keep the site tidy.

Many organisations opt for extra sturdy bags because these stand up better to sharp materials or heavy waste. By placing waste points strategically across the site, the crew can work faster and more efficiently.

Film for protection and transport

During the build-up of events a great deal of material is transported, stored and protected. This is where film plays an important role.

Film is used, among other things, for:

protecting equipment against rain or dust
bundling materials on pallets
stabilising transport loads
protecting décor or signage

For logistics teams, stretch film is often an indispensable aid in getting materials safely to site.

Why good event supplies are essential

Events are logistically complex. Think of:

temporary infrastructure
hundreds to thousands of visitors
multiple suppliers
tight build-up and break-down schedules

According to figures from the events industry, mid-sized festivals often involve dozens of suppliers and hundreds of crew members working together to build an event. In an environment like that, overview and organisation are crucial.

That is why professional organisers always invest in reliable event materials such as tape, cable ties, film and barrier tape. These materials help with:

safety on site
clear routing for visitors
protection of materials and equipment
efficient logistics during build-up and break-down

Kortpack has been supplying practical packaging and fastening materials for years, materials that are also widely used in the events industry.

Tips for event organisers

Professional event organisations know that preparation is everything.

Work with a fixed materials list

Draw up a checklist of all the event materials you need in advance. Think of:

cable ties
duct tape
barrier tape
waste bags
film

That way you avoid teams having to hunt for missing materials during the build.

Make sure you have enough stock

During events, materials are used faster than expected. Cable ties, tape and waste bags tend to go through in large numbers.

An extra reserve prevents delays during build-up and production.

Create central material points

Many events work with material stations across the site. Crew members can pick up materials there quickly, without having to walk to a central store.

This saves time and increases the efficiency of the team.

Good event materials make the difference

A successful event consists of more than entertainment and visitors. Behind the scenes, well-organised logistics is what keeps everything running smoothly.

For B2B organisations in the events industry it is therefore wise to invest in reliable event materials in advance. That way you make sure the focus during the event can be on what really counts: a great experience for visitors.