A conference room or meeting room layout is an essential element of hosting any event. Meeting room setups are each designed to achieve a different goal with larger-scale conferences needing different layouts to that of small team meetings.
In this blog, we’ll give you examples of the different meeting room setup styles so you can select the best one to use at the venue of your choice.
Looking for the right corporate events venue? We have a wide range of brilliant options at Absolute Venues that cater to all your needs.
Theatre Style Layout
A theatre or auditorium layout is a simple but effective layout where all chairs in the room are arranged facing one direction. This direction is usually somewhere with a stage or screen at the front, similar to what you’d see at the cinema.
This type of layout is great for lots of different types of business events. This can include seminar venues where presentations and speeches are held in front of selected groups as it allows all members of the audience a clear view of the speaker or presentation. It’s also an ideal layout for product launches where screens are essential in presenting and demonstrating your product.
This is one of many types of conference room layouts that are more accommodating for larger audiences as chairs are packed together in tight rows without tables, allowing for maximum seating.
If you’ve got a larger meeting room, ensure you have speakers for everyone to hear those presenting. Also, consider investing in multiple screens so attendees further back can still see the content.
Classroom Style Layout
This layout should be a familiar one that most of us grew up with in schools, with rows of tables facing the front of the room with chairs tucked behind them.
This is one of the meeting room layouts regularly used in training venues where practical activities take place or note-taking is required. Tables allow for the use of laptops and notebooks throughout the event and every participant has a clear view of the speaker at the front.
You can arrange the tables so that attendees can be paired up for group work or spread them out for independent work or examinations. Always ensure there is enough room in between rows of desks to walk safely throughout the room.
Boardroom Style Layout
Boardroom style is one of the meeting room setups that involves a table being placed in the centre of the room. The large table is surrounded by seats that allow all participants to face each other, usually in a circle or square shape.
This set-up is designed to allow for easy communication between participants so it’s ideal for business meetings and lunches in which lots of collaboration and discussion are to be expected.
If you’re hosting a business lunch, this style of set-up allows people to enjoy their food on a spacious table whilst still maintaining a professional setting for important discussions.
U-Shaped Layout
This style involves arranging several tables in a U-shape with seats for attendees positioned on the outer side of the tables. With this layout, the speaker or presenter can either sit at the central table or the U or stand in the middle of the U shape so that everyone can hear and see them.
Team building venues and workshops will often utilise this structure as it allows for both presentations to be held as well as open discussions and activities without having to rearrange the room.
Whatever one of the many meeting room layouts you choose for your team building, ensure it’s a success with our guide on how to organise a successful meeting.
Banquet Style Layout
A banquet is usually a formal celebration that involves food and drink. In this setting, several circular tables are placed around a room with chairs surrounding them. With this layout, you’re able to socialise in small groups as you dine and drink.
This layout is perfect for galas and award ceremonies where guests sit and celebrate their professional achievements or spend some time bonding with their company.
Conference Style Layout
A conference venue is usually arranged with one large table surrounded by several smaller tables. The main party, speakers or board are usually sat at the head table whilst the guests are seated around the smaller tables facing them.
This set-up allows for groups to both discuss and feedback throughout the day whilst also being able to listen to presentations and get a clear view of the speaker.
To make sure your conference is a success, check out our conference planning checklist for tips and tricks to make the day a productive one.
Cabaret Style Layout
One of the more unusual but effective meeting room layouts, this style involves positioning circular tables in a room with chairs only positioned around half of the table, facing the front of the room.
This set-up allows guests to collaborate in small groups whilst still facing the front to interact with a speaker or presentation. The cabaret style is brilliant for networking venues where there is a mixture of presentations and group activities or breaks. The set-up allows for socialising and discussion between speakers whilst maintaining a clear view of the room.
Perfect Layouts for Any Event with Absolute Venues
Whatever conference room layouts take your fancy, you’ll find the perfect venue to match here at Absolute Venues. We have a range of locations across the UK and beyond that can host any professional event. If you let us know your layout requirements, our experts will do all the hard work and hunting to find the right venue to suit your needs.
Get in touch with our experts today and we’ll help you take the best steps to planning a productive meeting or conference in an exceptional venue.