How to Set Up Conference Tables for Success

Whether you are giving the presentation or participating in a group conference, nothing can be worse than sitting in a quiet room where no one responds or interacts with each other. The goal of all presentations and conferences is to teach, to learn and to interact with those around to establish results. The setup of the tables and chairs in the room can greatly influence the success of your meeting or presentation. Set up the chairs and tables for optimum participation and interaction to ensure the most success.

Instructions

Setting Up for One Presenter

1

Determine how many people are expected for your presentation and how many people the room can hold. Most places you present at will have a meeting coordinator or planner who can provide you with this information.

2

Supply a limited number of tables at the front of the room for those expected. Disassemble extra seating if the tables and chairs can be moved or folded up. If possible, have fewer chairs and table space available than the number of people you expect because estimates will always be high. Limited seating will force people to sit close together and in the front of the room, encouraging participation and attention.

3

Mark off a section of seating in the back of the room if the chairs and tables cannot be removed or folded up. Post signs on chairs or tables in the back of the room that say "reserved" or "wet paint." This will force the audience to sit together in the front of the room.

Setting Up for a Brainstorming Session

4

Place a single conference table, large enough to seat all of the participants, in the very center of the room. This is most effective for groups of six to twelve people.

5

Use two tables placed side by side if you have too many people for a single conference table. Sitting side by side will allow the two groups to come up with their own ideas and then to confer with each other at the end.

6

Sit the discussion or group leader at the head of one of the tables if the tables are square. If they are circular, have the group leader stand when speaking to be fully recognized.

Setting Up for Interactive Training

7

Set up small conference tables around the room. Be sure that the tables are far enough apart that people are not running into each other, but close enough that the groups are not completely isolated from each other.

8

Sit three to five people at each small conference table. This is an ideal number of people for interactive topic discussion and role-playing so that they do not get off topic or feel as though they cannot contribute because there are too many other voices.

9

Sit the discussion or group leader at the head of each table if the tables are square. If they are circular, have the group leader stand when speaking to be fully recognized.