Running a meeting, organising a corporate event or providing training is no easy task. Everything must be prepared and taken care of in detail. This includes choosing between the different types of set-ups that are perfect for your event, as well as chairs and tables.
Although it may not seem like it, there are different types of table and chair layouts depending on the meeting, company event, training or workshop.
In any case, attendees should feel comfortable. For this reason and given that the different events we are discussing take place around a table, we present 7 types of set-ups to make the best impression for your business.
1. U-shaped or horseshoe set-up
The U-shaped set-up, also known as a horseshoe, consists of arranging tables and chairs in a “U” shape, where the participants are placed on the outer perimeter and the interior space is left free.
It is used in training courses and group dynamics. In them, we distinguish two “opposing” parties and a third party, generally impartial.
Among the types of set-ups that are perfect for your event, the U-shape allows all participants to comfortably attend the presentations or explanations that you want to make, as the free side is perfect as a point of attention.
It is also used in international meetings, although, in these cases, the right or left side is usually agreed in advance.
2. Imperial set-up
In the imperial set-up, the chairs are arranged around a rectangular table, with no space in the centre.
It is the most common set-up for General or Extraordinary Meetings, councils, meetings of two groups. It is also used for presentations without a projector or brainstorming.
The imperial set-up conveys the sensation that both groups sit facing each other, while the director or organiser presides.
3. School assembly
The most common type of set-up for training courses, workshops or seminars is the school set-up. A row of rectangular tables is placed towards the front of the room. Here, the trainer, in turn, can be provided with a table and chair. Hence the name “school”.
This is the set-up par excellence for training sessions and the one in which the participants feel most comfortable, as there are tables for taking notes. It is also used for product presentations.
4. Theatre set-up
Also known as auditorium staging, it is like school staging, but without the use of tables.
Theatre staging consists of a row of chairs facing the front of the main room or stage. It is mostly used for conferences or corporate events where there is a set of presentations.
Attendees and guests do not take notes. It is also used for speeches, lectures or executive presentations.
5. Closed U-shaped set-up
Also known as an oval set-up, the tables form an o-shape, leaving a free space in the middle.
Similar to the rectangular set-up, the table chairs can be placed centrally or at the head of the table. It is also used for meetings with clients, General Meetings or Extraordinary Meetings.
6. Assembly of spade chairs
Variant of the auditorium set-up, no tables are used, but the chairs incorporate a paddle in the form of a table. Also used in trainings or courses where a laptop is not required but note-taking is.
7. Cabaret or cocktail set-up
The most common type of set-up for large events is the cabaret or cocktail set-up. The attendees are seated around small circular or square tables. Very common for group dynamics, it limits the number of attendees around the table but offers a feeling of greater equality between them.
If you are interested in spaces with table and chair layouts, do not hesitate to consult our rooms for meetings, corporate events or training sessions.
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