Choosing the Right Seating Arrangement for an Event

Much work goes into planning events like conferences, weddings, corporate events, or luncheons. While each of these occasions may look very different, they depend on the right seating arrangement to help guests feel comfortable and at ease. The following are common seating arrangements that suit a variety of events.

Banquet

One popular seating option for an audience is banquet style. It’s the right choice for any function that involves food service or interacting in small groups. The layout entails multiple round tables with attendees sitting in a circular formation. Seated guests need an apt amount of space to eat, while servers also require enough room to attend to all tables and move around. Planners should know the maximum number of tables and chairs that can fit in the space to ensure it isn’t cluttered.

Theatre

Theatre style is similar to what one would experience in an auditorium or at the movies. Chairs are arranged in forward-facing rows with access aisles between for people to walk. It’s the best selection when the stage is the main focus and no interaction is required among the attendees.

Classroom

Classroom style seating is great for facilitating a conference-style learning environment that may require breakout sessions. While the main stage is still the focal point, there are also tables present for handouts and for participants to take notes.

Boardroom

With this layout, group discussion is encouraged by the rectangular table layout with chairs surrounding each side. This is a good choice if someone is planning an event such as a team briefing, sales presentation, or a high-level executive meeting. It’s an intimate space that’s ideal for accomplishing collaborative and important tasks.

While important, finding the right seating style is only one of the many aspects that go into planning a successful event. Our dedicated team at A-Abco Rents and Sells, Inc. provides stages, dance floors, chairs and tables, lighting and more for events across the San Francisco Bay Area. Contact us today for a free quote.