Layout a room with our cool guide to the different kinds of conference room layouts and styles in which conference tables an be arranged to best maximise your event, and your venue.
Theater or Cinema Style
Seats or chairs in rows facing a stage area, head table, or speaker (with no conference tables)
Used for:
This is the most efficient set-up when the attendees act as an audience. This set-up is not recommended for food events or if a key note or address is taking place.
Set-up hints:
This is a very flexible room set-up. Rows can be circular, semi-circular, straight, or angled toward the focal point.
You can offset each row so that attendees don’t have to look over the person in front of them, ie staggering the chairs (this will however increase the space required).
If using banquet type chairs, space them about 20 cms apart as these chairs are normally narrower than most people’s bodies.
If you have the space, allow for at least 45 cms between rows to allow attendees easy movement in and out of the row.
Pros:
Good for large groups when reading/writing is not required
Cons”:
Elevation changes needed for large groups
No writing surface
Minimal group interaction
U-Shape
A series of conference tables set in the shape of the letter U, with chairs around the outside.
Used for:
This layout style is often used for Board of Directors meetings, committee meetings, or discussion groups where there is a speaker, audio-visual presentation or other focal point.
Set-up hints:
A minimum of 50 cm of table space is required per attendee.
Skirt the inside of the “U” if attendees are being seated only on the outside, to avoid seeing legs and handbags sticking out from underneath the table.
Avoid the “U” set-up for groups greater than 25, as the sides of the “U” become too long and may not promote participation from all attendees.
Pros:
Good working space
Good interaction between participants
Ideal when audio-visual or speakers are involved
Cons:
Not ideal for larger group
Classroom or Schoolroom Style
Rows of conference tables with chairs facing the front of a room (and usually a speaker), providing writing space for each person. Think of a school classroom.
Used for:
This room set-up is ideal for note taking, meetings requiring multiple handouts or reference materials, or other tools such as laptop computers. This is the most comfortable set-up for long sessions and allows refreshments to be placed within reach of each attendee.
Set-up hints:
Tables that extend beyond the stage or podium should be angled toward the speaker.
Allow for approximately 50 cms of space per person at each table. (More space may be required depending on the amount of materials).
Minimum space between tables is 70 cms Provide more, if space allows, for ease of movement in and out of rows.
Pros:
Presenter can see all participants
Accommodates large groups in less space
Cons:
Minimal interaction possible
Participants only see each other’s backs
Boardroom Style
A rectangular or oval table set up with chairs around all sides and ends.
Used for:
This table layout is often used for Board of Directors meetings, committee meetings, or discussion groups, generally smaller, more intimate meetings.
Set-up hints:
Many facilities offer rooms with permanent conference tables in a variety of shapes.
If these are not available, standard conference tables can be placed together to form a square, rectangle or hollow square.
Remember, the larger the set-up, the harder it is for attendees to see others at the end opposite them.
Pros:
Good work space
Good working atmosphere
Good interaction between participants
Cons:
Not ideal for audio-visual presentations
Not ideal for speakers
Not ideal for larger groups
