Let's Talk Layout
If you’re planning an event but aren’t sure which type of event layout and seating plan is right for you, here are some questions to ask yourself before you decide which arrangement will work for your event.
We need this information when booking the event.
Event Layout Guide
Know Your Purpose
What is the purpose of the event? A layout that works well for a conferece is probably not what you would choose for a wedding.
Run the Numbers
How many people will be attending your event? The number of guests attending will affect your event seating plan.
Our event space can hold up to 100 guests comfortably, and for safety purposes we cannot exceed maximum occupancy of the venue.
Restrictions
Are there any restrictions due to the type of venue selected for the event?
Special Considerations
Are there any special activities or circumstances that need to be taken into consideration? Do you need a dance floor? Space for a podium or special presentation?
Go With the Flow
If you are planning a large event, you will also need to consider the flow of traffic. This is very important and often overlooked.
Event Seating Plans
Theatre Style Seating
Classroom Style Seating
Theatre Style Seating
The theater style layout is used when guests are purely an audience and little or no interaction is required.
This is an excellent for events with a large number of guests, but not a good selection if food is being served or if the audience will have to do extensive note taking.
U-Shape Seating
Classroom Style Seating
Theatre Style Seating
A series of conference tables are set-up to create the shape of the letter “U”. The chairs are then placed on the outside of the “U”. This is an excellent style when there are few guests and they have a focal point such as a screen or TV. This is commonly used for directors meetings, discussion groups, or other types of committee meetings.
This type of layout is excellent for groups of 25 or less and where note-taking and interaction may be required.
Classroom Style Seating
Classroom Style Seating
Classroom Style Seating
This event seating style got its name because of its popularity in classrooms and test-taking situations. As a result, it is excellent for events in which a person will need to take notes, receive handouts, or use devises such as a laptop.
This is also a good layout if it’s a long event, such as a conference, because it allows the individual to have room for refreshments. However, this is not the best layout if interaction between guests is required.
Banquet Style Seating
Conference Style Seating
Classroom Style Seating
Often used for weddings or gala dinners, this is an excellent option when food is being served. The caterers use round tables throughout the room with chairs around each table.
Keep in mind that some of the guests will have to turn their chairs in order to see the presentation or head table.
Conference Style Seating
Conference Style Seating
Conference Style Seating
As the name suggests, his event seating style is popular for board meetings and other committee meetings because it encourages interaction between the guests.
One table or a set of tables is combined to create one large table in the middle of the room with chairs around the sides and the ends. This is not an ideal set-up if there is a presentation because it can be difficult for the guests to have a good view.
Reserved Seating
Conference Style Seating
Conference Style Seating
Here, you can either use a place card to assign guests’-their seat or you can provide the guest with a ticket to designate each chair to each of the participants or guests.