Banquet Seeting

Typical Banquet Setup styles
Classroom/Seminar-style for Business Events

 PR Functions (Press release, Fashion, Dealer’s Meeting, Seminars, Exhibitions)
 Conferences (Political, Trade Union, National Sales, International, etc)
 Internal or External Briefings
CLASSROOM/SEMINAR SETUP, IMPORTANT POINTS:
 – The overhead projector/LCD projector table may be used for classroom setups.
 – 3-5 people per classroom/seminar table.
 – Each seating has a pencil, a note pad, and a water glass plus coaster set in front of
it.
 – 2 ½ feet spacing between tables.
Round Tales for Formal, Social or Business Events
 Luncheon
 Dinner/Dinner Dance
 Buffet
 Wedding
 Annual Ball
 Graduation Dinner
ROUND TABLE SET UP, SOME IMPORTANT POINTS:
 – Round tables are used (normally) for formal dinner setups where smaller parties
can join easily.
 – Max. 10 people per table.
 – Table legs are lined-up in the same direction.
 – Setup ‘Molton’/under-lay before the table cloth.
 – Table cloths and chair covers must be properly ironed.
Oblong/Rectangular Tables for Formal, Social or Business Events
 Luncheons/Dinner/Dinner Dance/Banquets
 Buffets
 Annual Ball/Graduation Dinner
ROUND TABLE SET UP, IMPORTANT POINTS:
 – Oblong/rectangular tables are primarily used for banquet setups.
 – 8-10 people per table.
 – Setup ‘Molton’/under-lay before the table cloth.
 – Table cloths and chair covers must be properly ironed.
U-Shape for Business Events
 Meeting/Conference/Press release/Seminars
Comb-shape style
U – SHAPE SET UP, IMPORTANT POINTS:
 – Seminar tables are primarily used for meeting setups.
 – Max. 3 people per table.
 – The table cloth is preferably used, green felt shall be avoided.
 – Each seating has a pencil, a note pad, and a water glass plus coaster set in front of
it.
 – 2 ½ feet spacing between tables.
Congress/Theatre style for Business Events
 Meeting/ Press release/ Seminar/Speeches
CONGRESS/THEATRE STYLE SETUP, IMPORTANT POINTS:
 – All theatre/congress setup has a service station (at least 1 set per 40-50 person).
 – Approximately 2-4” inches between chair to chair.
 – Approximately 1 ½ chair-width between rows.
 – The platform is used for the speaker.
8 Must-Know Types of Seating Arrangements for Events

Seating arrangements have the power to make or break deals, relationships, and even event
goals. “Much of getting what you want comes down to where (event attendees) sit,” says Brian
Lee, Chief of Product Management at Lifehack. And where people sit depends on the type of
seating arrangement that’s chosen for the event, meeting, conference, etc.
Read on to discover 8 must-know types of seating arrangements, along with expert advice from
professional event planners. Plus, learn how the psychology of seating arrangements can help
planners make the best possible choices when creating their event diagrams and floor plans.
How do you choose a seating arrangement type?
Choose the type of seating arrangement based on what activities you have planned for the event
as well as how long the event will be and any specific needs attendees may have. For example, a
week-long conference with lots of lectures won’t work with pod seating for every major agenda
item, but a single-day creative workshop for a small team will.
Discover 8 types of seating arrangements all event professionals need to know:

Keep in mind that the type of seating arrangement you choose depends on the space you have
available, your goals for the event, and what furniture you have at your disposal.
1. Chevron
Chevron style seating offers two columns of short, angled rows with an aisleway down the
middle. A successful strategy of many planners who use this seating arrangement style is to
create a clear focal point front and center to direct attention towards a speaker, then strategically
seat participants you’d like to group together for discussions.
Pros:
o Everyone can view the speaker and work in small groups as needed
o Maximizes space using angled rows
o Best of both worlds for presentations
Cons:
o Not ideal for large group discussions
o Attendees may have sightline issues if seats aren’t staggered
Best for:
o Trainings
o Presentations with audience participation
o Conferences
2. Auditorium
An auditorium style seating arrangement involves built-in seats or rows of chairs that face a
single point of focus, which is typically a professional stage or a podium. Take advantage of
stage space and set up a background that will be attractive for photos such as textured fabrics or
logo prints.
Pros:
o Great for large groups, lectures or speaker series, and ceremonies
Cons:
o Sound can often be an issue
o Audience participation or group breakout sessions can be uncomfortable
Best for:
o Award shows
o Press conferences
o Product demonstrations
3. Banquet
Banquet seating means using round tables evenly spread out throughout the space. Keep in mind
that tables in banquet seating arrangements usually accommodate between 8-10 people. For best
results, group together people who are familiar with each other, such as family members or co-
workers. Otherwise, seat people according to shared interests such as hobbies or project goals to
encourage natural conversation.
Pros:
o Socializing is easy and comfortable
o Ideal for networking and relaxing
Cons:
o Each table becomes an island, making it difficult to interact with other tables unless
prompted to do so
Best for:
o Weddings
o Parties
o Award shows
o Banquets
o Charity events
4. Boardroom
Boardroom and conference seating offers one long, rectangular table for guests to sit facing each
other. Keep the following principles of conference seating psychology in mind when creating
your seating chart:
o The VIP should sit at the head of the table
o The VIPs’ closest advisors should flank them
o People in the middle or towards the opposite end will spend most of their time listening
o Anyone sitting opposite the VIP will likely feel inclined to disagree with them, but if not,
they should be a verbal supporter so that others take note
Pros:
o Facilitates discussion
o Directs focus to one person
o Offers strategic placement for business meetings
Cons:
o Not ideal for long visual presentations
o Can lead to group disagreements if the VIP and the person sitting opposite don’t see eye to
eye
Best for:
o Brainstorming sessions
o Small team meetings
o Strategic mergers
o Influencing those seated in the middle to agree with the VIP
5. Cabaret
Research from Cornell University found that physically sitting (or standing) closer to someone
makes you feel emotionally closer to them too, which may explain why cabaret style seating at
events helps build relationships. Whether you choose cocktail tables for your entire space or mix
them in with other seating types, make sure to place the chairs in a U-shape around them with an
opening that faces a chosen focal point.
Pros:
o Socializing is encouraged yet guests can remain focused on performances or presentations
o Has a laidback and organic feel to it
Cons:
o Doesn’t maximize space
Best for:
o Award shows
o Passive training presentations
o Live entertainment
6. Classroom
A study published in the Social Psychology of Education proved that “teachers need to be
informed about the possibly preventive and intervening effects of a seating arrangement on
students’ academic and social behaviors.” This means event planners should also pay special
attention to the type of seating arrangement they choose, since it has a direct impact on
participant aptitude and actions in a learning environment. For best results, limit small tables to
four attendees and leave at least three feet of space between each seat at long tables.
Pros:
o Focuses attention to the front of the room
o Naturally primes attendees for learning
o Ideal for note-taking
Cons:
o Tends to feel overcrowded if attendees aren’t properly spaced out
o Can feel too nostalgic for a professional setting
Best for:
o Group trainings
o In-person certifications
o Product information workshops
7. Hollow square
Similar to both banquet and U-shaped style seating, the hollow square style looks exactly how it
sounds. Everyone can see each other while maintaining a comfortable distance, which makes it
ideal for eating meals or working on laptops. Use this seating arrangement type for groups that
would be too crowded at a regular banquet table and to give those sitting on each end some extra
elbow room.
Pros:
o Supports eating and working
o All attendees are visible to one another and can have comfortable discussions
Cons:
o Doesn’t work well with presentations
o No clear leadership seat or focal point
o Doesn’t maximize floor space
Best for:
o Collaborative meetings with fewer than 30 guests
o Working lunches
o Workshops
8. U-shaped
U-shaped or horseshoe seating features a group of tables in the shape of a box with a hollow
center and one open end. Make up for the loss of floor space by placing decorative or
presentation materials on the walls. Use this type of seating arrangement for attendees who have
worked together before or are planning to do so in the near future to facilitate relationship-
building.
Pros:
o Ideal for both presentations and group collaboration
o Everyone can see each other at all times
o Audience can comfortably interact with speakers
Cons:
o Requires a facilitator or designated leader to help keep the dialogue going
o Not suitable for large groups over 30 participants
Best for:
o Team meetings
o Presentations

Banquet Seeting

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Banquet Seeting

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Banquet Seeting

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Typical Banquet Setup styles

Classroom/Seminar-style for Business Events

8 Must-Know Types of Seating Arrangements for Events

Discover 8 types of seating arrangements all event professionals need to know:

You might also like