Here’s the table summarizing the information on meeting room layouts and the styles in which conference tables can be arranged

Layout NameDescriptionBest Usage
Theater StyleSeats or chairs in rows facing a stage area, head table, or speaker (with no conference table).Large groups when reading/writing are not required.
U-ShapeConference tables set in the shape of the letter U, with chairs around the outside.Board of Directors meetings, committee meetings, or discussion groups.
Classroom StyleRows of conference tables with chairs facing the front, providing writing space for each person.Meetings requiring note taking, multiple handouts, or reference materials.
Boardroom StyleRectangular or oval table with chairs around all sides and ends.Board of Directors meetings, committee meetings, or discussion groups.

This reference guide will assist you in selecting the appropriate meeting room layout and table arrangement style based on your specific requirements.

Theatre style layout  Theater Style

Seats or chairs in rows facing a stage area, head table, or speaker (with no conference table)

Used for

This is the most efficient set-up when the attendees will act as an audience. This set-up is not recommended for food events or if note taking is required.

Set-up hints

This is a very flexible room set-up. Rows can be circular, semi-circular, straight, or angled toward the focal point.
Offset each row so that attendees don’t have to look over the person in front of them (this will increase the space required).
If using banquet type chairs, space them 3” to 6” apart as these chairs are normally narrower than most people’s bodies.
If you have the space, allow for 24” between rows to allow attendees easy movement in and out of the row.

Pros

Good for large groups when reading/writing are not required

Cons

Elevation changes needed for large groups
No writing surface
Minimal group interaction

U shape style layout  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 2’ of table space is required per attendee.
Skirt the inside of the “U” if attendees are being seated only on the outside.
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 work space
Good interaction between participants
Ideal when audio-visual or speakers are involved

Cons

Not ideal for larger group

classroom style layout  Classroom Style

Rows of conference tables with chairs facing the front of a room (and usually a speaker), providing writing space for each person.

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 2’ of space per person at each table. (More space may be required depending on the amount of materials).
Minimum space between tables is 3’. Provide 3½’ 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

conference layout or boardroom style 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.

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

View more conference room designs and styles>>