Planning the Seminar Room Set-up - Part 1 Theater, Classroom and Chevron Style Seating

In this and the next few blog posts I'll tell you about the different ways to set-up your seminar room and give you some tips about set-up. When selecting a seating style keep in mind that you want the audience to be able to see you, hear you, and be comfortable during the event.

Theater Style Seating
Chairs are set up in straight rows facing the stage. There are aisles on either side and a center aisle, just like in a theater. There are no tables in this arrangement so it would not be appropriate if the audience needs to take notes during your presentation or if you are serving food. This arrangement allows the most number of people in a room but make sure the rows have enough room between them to allow leg room.

Classroom Style Seating
Same as theater style but with long, narrow draped tables – usually 30 inches by 6 feet. Audiences like tables when they have take lot of notes or have handout materials and when they have a drink or a small plate of food. With the addition of tables, there is not as much room as theater seating. Some people do a mix of both, classroom style in the front of the room and theater seating in the back and add chairs when they have more attendees than anticipated.

Chevron Style Seating
Theater or classroom style seating but instead of straight rows facing the stage, the rows are angled towards the stage. The audience can see the well without straining their necks and you can establish good eye contact with everyone. This style takes more room than theater and classroom.

I'll tell you more about seating styles next time.