Conference Room Layouts for Different Meeting Situations

November 29, 2021

Choosing a conference room layout can be challenging because it’s such a key part of ensuring your conference room achieves its objectives. The good news is we’ve narrowed down some of the best and most popular conference room layouts to help you get started.

Set the mood and keep things organized with any one of these conference room diagrams. For each example below, you’ll find advice on how to use it and what it’s best for, and how to create it.

Here’s what you need to think about before you plan your event layout:

  1. Headcount:

Begin with the number of employees present in a meeting. Also take into account the number of guests that would attend a meeting. Figure out how many people you are trying to fit in your layout.

  1. Safety and Security:

Once you’ve got an accurate headcount down, consider what safety features you’ll need. Things like wheelchair access and clear paths leading to emergency exit doors should come to mind.

  1. Space Dimensions:

You’ll also need the measurements of the space or spaces within the venue. This might sound like common sense. But it’s tempting to just start planning right away.  However, once you create a conference room layout you love, you don’t want to suffer from having all your hopes and dreams crushed if you find out it’s not realistic later on.

  1. Necessities:

Then you’ll need to factor in necessities like decor, furniture, and food. For example, would you be hosting a buffet style dinner?

  1. Objectives:

And finally, keep your event objectives in mind. Each Conference Room layout has its own advantages and disadvantages. Know what you’re going for before diving in.

Creative Conference Room Layout Tips

Regardless of which conference room layout idea you choose from our options, keep these interesting variations in mind as you go. These simple tips can be applied to almost any layout you choose. Just because your arrangement options are limited it doesn’t mean your creativity has to be too.

  • Arrange your tables into unique shapes that resemble your company logo.
  • Highlight VIP guest seating with floor risers.
  • Visually divide spaces with a mix of table heights. Tall tables go near the bar or dance floor and short tables live around the lounge area.
  • Use interesting chairs set ups. Bean bags make for a hip and laid back environment whereas communal or family-style benches help guests mingle and connect.
  • Separate areas with lighting. Use eye-catching hues to draw or detract attention where needed.
  • Put attendees into groups. Whether it’s by shared interest or age, find ways to help people connect at your event through assigned seating or designated activity areas.

Conclusion:

Depending on a room’s size, it can be tailored for specific functions that other rooms can’t perform. For example, an auditorium can seat far more people than a typical office space, so it’s ideal for hosting a lecture or presentation. Furthermore, a room’s layout can have a dramatic effect on productivity and connection between employees. This is certainly the case with rooms that are designed specifically for meetings, such as a boardroom or conferencing space.