The best board room format is one that is suitable for your size group, topic of the meeting and desired level of interaction. Each layout of a meeting has its advantages and disadvantages and there are a myriad of other factors that play into the success of a workshop or conference.
The classic boardroom layout is a large table in the middle of the room, with chairs around it. Most often used for agenda-focused meetings and video conferences that require open discussion, this layout can seat up to 25 persons. It’s best for groups that have one designated point person who can lead the group and ensure the session stays on task.
Similar to a conference table but with tables positioned closer close together, the layout of a classroom provides improved line of vision for participants and is able to accommodate more than 20 people. This layout is better to be used for workshops with small groups and group discussions than the layout of a boardroom which can feel claustrophobic for some.
The theater layout is another popular option for workshops or presentations with large audiences. It features rows of chairs that face the front. This arrangement places the audience in the spotlight and allows speakers to concentrate their find here attention to specific delegates or segments. Although it’s not as engaging as other formats for meetings but it will help keep the audience entertained and focused throughout sessions lasting more than an hour.