Meetings and conference rooms – those places where knowledge is shared, ideas are born or buried, relationships formed and face-to-face opportunities exist like no other. However, not all meeting rooms are created equal and there are many ways to layout the space for the benefit of all.
Boardroom
First there is the classic board room (or depending on size – rectangle) layout – reliable, timeless, and suitable for almost any occasion. It doesn’t matter how polite you are, there is a specific hierarchy based on how close you are to the head of the table. Everyone knows their place, who is in charge and who is making the decisions.
U-shape
The U-shape layout promotes collaborative working and team unity. However, beware of accidentally sitting in the middle of the U, where everyone can see you, looks at you and expects you to take control of the meeting.
Theatre Style
How about The Huddle Room?
This is the perfect place for a small team to gather, share ideas in a cosy space and brainstorm. Imagine papers laid out on the walls and tables, laptops strewn all over the place with cables waiting to snare the unwary. An accidental interloped might feel the tension in the air and the creative buzz as ideas take flight.
Cabaret Style
Imagine a corporate meeting in a late-night speakeasy without the singing and sequins. With the tables in small clusters, complete with table-cloths it is almost like you are about to be fed a top quality meal. The fayre is more likely however to be spreadsheets and quarterly projections. It is the perfect way to encourage conversations and debate combined with the opportunity for speakers and panellists found in a theatre style layout.
Banqueting Style
Finally, the one that we have all been waiting for. The layout that demonstrates the work is over and it’s time to relax and enjoy a pleasant dinner with friends or colleagues. The most friendly of the layouts, it provides the perfect opportunity to chat to those next to you or even on the other side of the table.
These are just a few of the many meeting room layouts regularly requested at The Eastside Rooms, but there are many more, all of which have pros and cons, depending on what an organiser wants to achieve and for how many people. Have a chat to our professional team of event managers to learn more and discuss what might work best for your audience.