There are a number of different meeting room layouts, from classroom to theatre. But which one is best for your meeting? Each different style has different benefits and so it’s important to think about what type of meeting you are holding and just what you want to get out of it. See below for an overview of the seven different meeting room layouts and their benefits and drawbacks:

Banquet Layout

This uses round tables. There may be just one, for a small meeting, or they may be dotted around the room.
When to use: This is great for most meal functions but is good, too, for small committee meetings and research groups in which noting taking and group involvement is needed.

Classroom Layout

This can take you back to school. Rows of tables face the stage. Ideally they should all be angled towards the speaker. Placing water jugs and glasses on the tables is a welcome touch.
When to use: This layout is best for those events in which the presenter is to do most of the talking and the delegates refer to material, work on computers or take notes. It is the layout that offers the most comfort for very long sessions, but does not aid conversation and discussion amongst delegates.

Conference Layout

In this, the attendees are seated around a rectangular table. Depending on the size, tables may be joined together to create a large rectangular table.
When to use: This setup is the preferred choice for many board and committee meetings. It is also of use for small lunch or dinner functions. It promotes interaction.

Crescent Layout

In this layout, the attendees all sit, facing the speaker, at round tables. For this, any chairs facing away from the speaker are removed so that the people on each table form a crescent towards the speaker.
When to use: This layout is good for meetings that include both lunch followed immediately by a session in which a speaker will hold forth. It also is good for sessions in which the attendees will be broken up into small groups for discussion.

Hollow Rectangle Layout

Classroom tables are arranged in a square, rectangle or other shape in which the centre is empty.
When to use: This is great for larger board or committee meetings, when interaction is desired. It is important to allow good sight lines between all attendees, so long thin shapes should be avoided where possible.

Theatre Layout

The theatre layout involves chairs being lined up to face the speaker. Whether the rows are straight or herringbone, it’s best to offset each one, so that the audience isn’t sitting directly behind one another.
When to use: This is best for audience events, in which the attendees will be listening to a speaker or watching a presentation. It also makes an efficient use of space and means the maximum number of people can attend. However, it’s bad for note taking or any events where food is to be served (unless you have a separate room for it).

U-Shape Layout

Here, rectangular tables are joined together to create a U shape. The attendees normally sit just on the outside of the U.
When to use: This layout is often used for directors and committee meetings. When audiovisual presentations are going to be made (at the open end of the U), all attendees will have a good view. It also can be used for dinners – when diners sit on the inside as well as the outside of the U.