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Seating arrangements have the power to make or break your conference and meeting in conference venues, “Much of getting what you want comes down to where (event attendees) sit,” says Brian Lee, Chief of Product Management at Lifehack. And where people sit depends on the type of seating arrangement that’s chosen for the event, meeting, conference, etc.

Read on to discover 8 must-know types of seating arrangements, along with expert advice from professional event planners. Plus, learn how the psychology of seating arrangements can help planners make the best possible choices when creating their event diagrams and floor plans.

How do you choose a seating arrangement type?

Choose the type of seating arrangement based on what activities you have planned for the event as well as how long the event will be and any specific needs attendees may have. For example, a week-long conference with lots of lectures won’t work with pod seating for every major agenda item, but a single-day creative workshop for a small team will.

Discover 8 types of seating arrangements all event professionals need to know:

Keep in mind that the type of seating arrangement you choose depends on the space you have available, your goals for the event, and what furniture you have at your disposal.

1. Chevron

Chevron style seating offers two columns of short, angled rows with an aisleway down the middle. A successful strategy of many planners who use this seating arrangement style is to create a clear focal point front and centre to direct attention towards a speaker, then strategically seat participants you’d like to group together for discussions.

Pros:

Everyone can view the speaker and work in small groups as needed

Maximizes space using angled rows

Best of both worlds for presentations

Cons:

Not ideal for large group discussions

Attendees may have sightline issues if seats aren’t staggered

Best for:

Trainings

Presentations with audience participation

Conferences

2.Auditorium

An auditorium style seating arrangement involves built-in seats or rows of chairs that face a single point of focus, which is typically a professional stage or a podium. Take advantage of stage space and set up a background that will be attractive for photos such as textured fabrics or logo prints.

Pros:

Great for large groups, lectures or speaker series, and ceremonies

Cons:

Sound can often be an issue

Audience participation or group breakout sessions can be uncomfortable

Best for:

Award shows

Press conferences

Product demonstrations

3.Banquet

Banquet seating means using round tables evenly spread out throughout the space. Keep in mind that tables in banquet seating arrangements usually accommodate between 8-10 people. For best results, group together people who are familiar with each other, such as family members or co-workers. Otherwise, seat people according to shared interests such as hobbies or project goals to encourage natural conversation.

Pros:

Socializing is easy and comfortable

Ideal for networking and relaxing

Cons:

Each table becomes an island, making it difficult to interact with other tables unless prompted to do so

Not everyone is looking forward, hard it you have a speaker / presentation etc

Best for:

Weddings

Parties

Award shows

Banquets

Charity events

4.Boardroom

Boardroom and conference seating offers one long, rectangular table for guests to sit facing each other. Keep the following principles of conference seating psychology in mind when creating your seating chart:

The VIP should sit at the head of the table

The VIPs’ closest advisors should flank them

People in the middle or towards the opposite end will spend most of their time listening

Anyone sitting opposite the VIP will likely feel inclined to disagree with them, but if not, they should be a verbal supporter so that others take note

Pros:

Facilitates discussion

Directs focus to one person

Offers strategic placement for business meetings

Cons:

Not ideal for long visual presentations

Can lead to group disagreements if the VIP and the person sitting opposite don’t see eye to eye

Not everyone is looking in the same direction so makes presentations etc difficult

Best for:

Brainstorming sessions

Small team meetings

Strategic mergers

Influencing those seated in the middle to agree with the VIP

5.Cabaret

Research from Cornell University found that physically sitting (or standing) closer to someone makes you feel emotionally closer to them too, which may explain why cabaret style seating at events helps build relationships. Whether you choose cocktail tables for your entire space or mix them in with other seating types, make sure to place the chairs in a U-shape around them with an opening that faces a chosen focal point.

Pros:

Socializing is encouraged yet guests can remain focused on performances or presentations

Has a laidback and organic feel to it

Cons:

Doesn’t maximize space

Best for:

Award shows

Passive training presentations

Live entertainment

6.Classroom

A study published in the Social Psychology of Education proved that “teachers need to be informed about the possibly preventive and intervening effects of a seating arrangement on students’ academic and social behaviours.” This means event planners should also pay special attention to the type of seating arrangement they choose, since it has a direct impact on participant aptitude and actions in a learning environment. For best results, limit small tables to four attendees and leave at least three feet of space between each seat at long tables.

Pros:

Focuses attention to the front of the room

Naturally primes attendees for learning

Ideal for note-taking

Cons:

Tends to feel overcrowded if attendees aren’t properly spaced out

Can feel too nostalgic for a professional setting

Best for:

Group trainings

In-person certifications

Product information workshops

7.Hollow square

Similar to both banquet and U-shaped style seating, the hollow square style looks exactly how it sounds. Everyone can see each other while maintaining a comfortable distance, which makes it ideal for eating meals or working on laptops. Use this seating arrangement type for groups that would be too crowded at a regular banquet table and to give those sitting on each end some extra elbow room.

Pros:

Supports eating and working

All attendees are visible to one another and can have comfortable discussions

Cons:

Doesn’t work well with presentations

No clear leadership seat or focal point

Doesn’t maximize floor space

Best for:

Collaborative meetings with fewer than 30 guests

Working lunches

Workshops

8.U-shaped

U-shaped or horseshoe seating features a group of tables in the shape of a box with a hollow centre and one open end. Make up for the loss of floor space by placing decorative or presentation materials on the walls. Use this type of seating arrangement for attendees who have worked together before or are planning to do so in the near future to facilitate relationship-building.

Pros:

Ideal for both presentations and group collaboration

Everyone can see each other at all times

Audience can comfortably interact with speakers

Cons:

Requires a facilitator or designated leader to help keep the dialogue going

Not suitable for large groups over 30 participants

Best for:

Team meetings

Presentations

At Cavendish Venues we are constantly striving to improve the experience for the delegates who visit our venues. We believe we lead the field of London meeting and conference venues when it comes to customer service. We have perhaps the most experienced team of conference and venue managers anywhere in London, complemented by market leading technology. If you are looking for a venue for your next conference or meeting get in touch now.