Choose the right layout for a successful meeting!
THE ROUND TABLE
Do you know why King Arthur gathered his knights around a round table? To ensure that each knight was an equal distance from the Grail.
The round table is the ideal setting if you want to be on the same level as your participants. It reminds them that teamwork takes precedence over individuality. What’s more, a round table encourages exchange and brainstorming.
Choose the right layout for a successful meeting!
Accor's My All Meeting specialists give you the keys to choosing the right solution for your needs.
For several weeks now you’ve been preparing your next meeting to strengthen your team’s cohesion. You’ve found the ideal venue, sent the agenda to participants, and fine-tuned your presentation. But what about the layout of your meeting room? Round or rectangular table, U-shaped room, theater room, classroom… What configuration should you choose? What’s the best layout for your meeting room?
Do you know why King Arthur gathered his knights around a round table? To ensure that each knight was an equal distance from the Grail.
The round table is the ideal setting if you want to be on the same level as your participants. It reminds them that teamwork takes precedence over individuality. What’s more, a round table encourages exchange and brainstorming.
The theater room is composed of several rows of chairs facing the presenter or speaker. This configuration is often used forseminarsorproduct launches, when you want to put a person or object in the spotlight.
It allows you to place a lot of chairs and optimize space if there are a lot of participants, but exchanges are limited.
This arrangement is possible if you’re organizing a meeting with a group of around thirty people. Neither too formal nor too academic, the U-shaped table is much appreciated by participants, offering good visibility while maintaining a certain distance.
However, space utilization is far from optimal, and this arrangement is not always possible in small rooms. The U-shaped table is an excellent choice for lively presentations.
The classroom may make you smile at first sight because of its academic nature. Nevertheless, this layout is ideal for exams, presentations, and pair work.
Participants have a clear view of the speaker and can take notes comfortably. Remember to leave a central aisle. You’ll be able to move towards the group during your presentation and follow the progress of their work if you’re planning workshops.
This classic configuration is widely used by executive committees and boards of directors. You can also opt for this layout for small groups of less than ten people.
The advantage of a rectangular table is that there’s a center, and the person placed in the center attracts the attention of the other participants.
Moreover, chairs placed opposite each other also encourage interaction. The main disadvantage of the rectangular table is that it’s difficult for people at either end of the table to communicate.
As you can see: the configuration of your meeting room must be adapted to the nature of your event,
to your objectives and the size of the group.
Now all you have to do is make one last check that the equipment you’ll be using is working properly.
