Choosing the Best Board Room Format
Whether you’re hosting quarterly meetings for executives or small huddle rooms for informal meetings, the best layout for a boardroom will depend on the kind of discussion you’ll having and the number of participants. Whether you want participants to write notes or make use of interactive displays, you’ll need to select a layout that will accommodate your desired discussion style.
One of the most well-known options is the classic boardroom layout that has been featured in many movies and is ideal for discussions that require collaboration and decision making. It is made up of rectangular tables joined that puts everyone on the same page. It is also ideal for presenting, and can accommodate both remote and in-person participants.
Another option is a hollow square design that has four tables set up in a square with people seated along the of the perimeter. The middle is an area where an facilitator can work. This is ideal for meetings of less than 20 people and is suitable for meetings that aren’t primarily about making decisions but instead focus on sharing information or working through specific projects. It’s not the best choice for video conferences or remote attendees.
The classroom style can be used for training sessions and workshops that are instructional but it might not be comfortable if attendees must take notes for an extended period of time. The theatre style, on the other hand is a great option for larger meetings where you’ll be giving a presentation and you’ll want to ensure all attendees can see your visual presentations.
