Room Setup Guide
Classroom style
Rows of tables with 2-3 chairs per table, facing the front of the room. Appropriate when the conference is informational: When presenters will provide the information, with some dialogue with the audience.
Theatre style
Rows of chairs facing the front of the room, usually divided by center and/or side aisles. Maximizes meeting room space utilization. Works well when the audience needs to take minimal notes and/or the presentation is 2 hours or less in length.
Conference style
Six- or eight-foot conference tables clustered in the center of the room to form one solid surface. Chairs are placed around the perimeter of the tables. Good for small “brainstorming” sessions when there is no designated presenter/leader. Provides plenty of workspace for each person and good communication/visual lines for all.
U-Shape Style
Six- or eight-foot conference tables placed end to end in the room to form the shape of a U. Chairs are placed around the outside of the U. Small groups that require conversations between the presenter and audience, as well as conversations between the participants.
Hollow Square Style
Six- or eight-foot conference tables placed in a rectangular outline with open space in the middle. Chairs are placed around the perimeter of the square. Good for small “brainstorming” sessions when the group does not have a designated presenter/leader. Provides plenty of workspace and good communication/visual lines for all.
Banquet style
Used for food functions, standard round tables of either 60 or 72 inches in diameter are used to seat 8 to 12 people. 1/2Moon Rounds: Seating around 1/2 of the table so all are facing towards the front with no one’s back to the presenter.
Chevron or “V” Shape Style
The chevron arrangement allows discussion among small groups of participants during or immediately after a larger group activity. Chevron creates a more enclosed type of feel for the presenter and audience.
Herringbone Style
Appropriate when the meeting is an informational type presentation. The presenter is providing the information, with some dialogue with the audience. Herringbone creates a more enclosed type of feel for the presenter and audience.