Whether you’re hosting quarterly meetings for executives or smaller huddle rooms for informal collaboration, the most appropriate layout for a boardroom will depend on the type of discussion you’ll be having and the number of people attending. You’ll need to select the layout of your meeting room that allows participants to record notes, or to make use of interactive displays.
One of the most well-known alternatives is the traditional boardroom layout, which has been seen in numerous films and is ideal for discussions that require collaboration and decision making. It consists of rectangular tables which puts all participants on the same page. It is also great for presentations, and it can accommodate both in-person and remote participants.
Another alternative is a hollow square www.boardroomcenter.com/how-to-run-secure-and-effective-board-evaluations design that involves four tables setup in a square with participants seated along the outside perimeter. It has an open space in the middle, where the facilitator could work. This works well for a gathering of less than 20 people. It’s suitable for meetings that don’t have to be about making decisions but instead focus on sharing information or working on specific projects. It’s not the most ideal option for video conference or remote attendees.
The classroom style is ideal for instructive training workshops or sessions, but it can be uncomfortable if there’s a long period of time where attendees are expected to record notes. The theatre style is perfect for large gatherings where you’ll be presenting and want to make sure everyone can view your presentation in a visual format.