How to Create Meeting Room Floor Plans

Restaurants, convention centers and hotels rely on various floor plans to accommodate business meetings, banquets and conferences. Common floor plans are the theater floor plan, the banquet floor plan, the bar-style floor plan, the boardroom floor plan, the U-shape floor plan and the hollow floor plan. Which floor plan is best for the venue depends on the type of meeting and the number of participants expected to attend. Setting up a meeting room requires a good layout and proper measurements.

Instructions

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Accurate measurements are needed when determining floor space.

Use a tape measure to determine the area, or space of the room. Multiply the length and the width to determine square footage. Write down the number for reference. An assistant can help hold the tape measure.

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Consider the sizes and shapes of the tables. Meeting organizers may request rectangular, round or square tables, and perhaps a bar or other setups.

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Rectangular tables come in different sizes.

Rectangular tables are used to create a U-shape floor plan. The tables are joined at the ends to form a "U." This type of floor plan is designed for interactive meetings because it allows easy feedback for the speaker. Visual displays, such as charts, posters and screens, can be placed in the open area of the "U." Measure the length and width of the tables to determine how many can be used for the space.

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The square table floor plan, or hollow floor plan, is similar to the U-shape, except all of the sides are closed. This setup is useful for small to medium-size groups and allows for direct interaction and discussion. The speaker or facilitator can choose one side as the head table.

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Bar tables, smaller round tables that are waist high, can be placed in clusters. This is a reception room floor plan. The area of the floor will determine the number of bar tables that can be used. Allow space for food and beverage tables and a waste/collection area, as well as room for participants to mingle.

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Banquet tables are arranged in clusters and usually seat eight.

Tables for a classroom/banquet floor plan are round and usually seat about eight people. These tables are arranged in what are known as "clusters." The circumference and walking space between the tables will determine how many clusters can be arranged. If the room is small, you many want to situate the tables on each side of the room and leave the center available for easy mobility.

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Theater floor plans allow for maximum capacity.

Theater floor plans consist of rows of chairs, sometimes with an aisle in the center. This type of floor plan can seat the maximum capacity and is suitable for large groups, although it is not appropriate for venues that require interactive activities and discussion.

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Boardroom plans are designed for small groups.

Boardroom/conference floor plans are designed for close seating around a boardroom table. This style encourages close interaction among participants. The facilitator/speaker usually sits at the head of the table. Another speaker or person of significance may be seated at the opposite end of the boardroom table.

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Additional tables are needed for some venues.

Place the meeting tables and chairs according to your floor plan. Set up food and beverage tables, display tables and any other tables according to need.

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