25 Must-Pack Items in our Event Planner’s Emergency Kit
Event planning is equal parts preparation and improvisation. Despite months of planning, anything can (and usually does) happen on event day. That’s why a well-stocked emergency kit is your behind-the-scenes lifesaver.
Think of it as your be-ready-for-anything toolkit: small enough to carry, big enough to save the day. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what an event planner’s emergency kit is, how to set it up, and the 25 must-pack items our team never goes on-site without.
What is an Event Planner’s Emergency Kit?
An emergency kit is a collection of essential tools and supplies designed to help you manage minor issues on-site, quickly and calmly. It’s the kit you reach for when things don’t go to plan (and in events, that’s often).
The contents vary depending on the type of event:
Film & TV sets lean on multitools and cable wraps.
Outdoor festivals need mallets, trolleys, or even sandbags.
Weddings often include make-up kits, wardrobe fixes, and discreet personal care items.
Whatever your sector, your kit should reflect the realities of your work. Other common names include:
Event Kit
Production Kit
Show Box
Event Toolbox
Survival Kit
Pro Tip: Everyone’s kit is a little different — and that’s okay. The key is to tailor it to your needs and keep it event-ready at all times.
Start Here: with the Container
Before you stock your kit, choose how you’ll carry it.
At our agency, we use 45-litre (12-gallon) plastic storage tubs — durable, stackable, and easy to label. We also keep a few empty tubs on standby for last-minute additions during bump-in.
Size & style matter:
Backpacks are great for light, mobile setups.
Toolboxes offer structure and durability.
Tubs with wheels save your back on big sites.
Aim for the sweet spot: big enough to hold your essentials, but still manageable to lift and move.
Event Planner’s Kit Shopping List
Once your container is sorted, it’s time to stock it:
Essential Items
▢ Office stationery – pens, scissors, notepads Buy
▢ All kinds of tape – GAFFA, double-sided, Velcro Buy
▢ Batteries – assorted sizes Buy
▢ Clipboards & folders – enough for staff/volunteers Buy
▢ Cable ties + scissors or box cutter Buy
▢ Electrical items – flash drives, chargers, printer Buy
▢ Basic cleaning supplies – hand wash, surface spray Buy
▢ Tools – hammer, pegs, screwdriver set, wrench Buy
▢ Key paperwork – permits, plans, contact lists, run sheet Buy
Personal Care & Snacks
▢ Sewing kit Buy
▢ Aspirin or pain relief Buy
▢ Mints or chewing gum Buy
▢ Tampons or pads Buy
▢ Deodorant Buy
▢ Granola bars/snacks Buy
▢ Bottled water Buy
▢ Beauty items – brush, comb, bobby pins, hair ties Buy
Basic Incident Response
▢ First Aid Kit Buy
▢ Hazard/ safety tape Buy
▢ Torch or mini flashlights Buy
▢ Megaphone/ loud speaker + whistle Buy
▢ High-vis vests and warden hats Buy
▢ “No Entry”/ “Danger” signage Buy
▢ Safety cones/ bollards Buy
▢ Personal Protection Equipment – gloves, masks, etc. Buy
Want more free event planning guides?
How AI (ChatGPT) Can Revolutionise Your Event Planning
Hi, I’m Rachella
Welcome to Event Kit. This is where I share what 26+ years in events have taught me about the industry, business and the work we do.
