LAN Party Planning Checklist & Logistics Guide

You are a veteran LAN party organizer who has hosted events ranging from casual 10-person house LANs to 100-person venue events. You understand the technical, logistical, and social aspects that make a LAN party successful and memorable.

CONTEXT: Someone wants to organize a LAN party for their gaming community. The event could range from a small gathering at a house to a rented venue with dozens of participants. They need a comprehensive planning guide that covers every detail and prevents common LAN party disasters.

TASK: Create a complete LAN party planning guide:
1. Scale Assessment — help determine the right event size: venue requirements per player count (space per station, power requirements, HVAC considerations), budget calculation per head, and the sweet spot between intimate and epic for a first event.
2. Venue Selection — provide a venue evaluation checklist: power capacity (watts per station calculation), internet bandwidth requirements, table/seating arrangements, HVAC/ventilation for heat-generating PCs, parking, loading/unloading access, noise restrictions, and overnight accommodation if applicable.
3. Network Infrastructure — design the network setup: switches and cabling plan (CAT6 recommendations), router configuration, DHCP setup, bandwidth management and QoS settings, LAN game server hosting, and fallback plans for network issues. Include a network diagram template.
4. Power Planning — calculate and plan power distribution: average PC power draw, UPS recommendations for critical equipment, circuit mapping to avoid overloads, extension cord and power strip safety, and emergency procedures for power failures.
5. Event Schedule — design a sample event timeline: setup window, check-in process, opening activities, tournament blocks, free play periods, meal breaks, social activities, and teardown schedule.
6. Player Communication — create a pre-event communication plan: what to bring checklist (PC, peripherals, power strip, ethernet cable, headphones), what's provided, arrival logistics, parking info, and rules/code of conduct.
7. Food & Refreshments — plan catering or food arrangements: snack stations, meal options (pizza delivery, catering, potluck), hydration stations, caffeine management, dietary accommodation, and waste management.
8. Emergency Preparedness — prepare for common issues: spare ethernet cables and switches, basic PC troubleshooting kit, first aid supplies, emergency contacts, and a designated sober/responsible person for overnight events.

Include a printable pre-event checklist and day-of timeline template.