Whether you’re hosting quarterly meetings for executives or smaller huddle rooms for informal collaboration, the ideal layout for a boardroom will depend on the nature of the discussion you’ll be having and the number of participants. If you’re looking for attendees to take notes or make use of interactive displays, you’ll have to choose a meeting room layout that supports your desired discussion style.
The traditional boardroom is an extremely popular option. It has been featured in many films, and is ideal for discussions that require decision-making and collaboration. It is made up of rectangular tables that are pushed together that puts everyone on the same page. It’s also great for presentations and can accommodate both in-person and remote participants.
Another option is the hollow square design, which is comprised of four tables set in a rectangular shape with people seated along the border. The middle area is open where an facilitator can work. This is a good option for meetings with fewer than 20 people. It’s also a great choice for collaborative sessions where the focus is not on making decisions, but instead sharing information or working on specific projects. This isn’t a good option for remote videoconferences or remote attendees.
The classroom model is great for instructive types of training workshops or sessions, however it can be uncomfortable when there’s a long period of time where attendees are expected to take notes. The theatre style however, is a great choice for larger events when you’ll be giving a presentation and want to make sure that all attendees are able to view your presentations in a visual format.