The ideal format for a boardroom will depend on the number of people are in attendance and the type of discussion that is taking place. It is important to choose the layout of your room that allows participants to take notes, or to make use of interactive displays.
The traditional boardroom is a well-known option. It has been featured in many films and is a great choice for discussions that require collaboration and decision-making. It is made up of rectangular tables that are pushed together and put all participants on an equal footing. It is also suitable for presentations and can accommodate both in-person and remote participants.
Another option is a hollow square layout that has four tables set up in a square shape with participants seated along the outside perimeter. The middle is an area where an facilitator can work. This works well for meetings of less than 20 people. It’s great for group sessions that aren’t necessarily about making decisions but instead focus on sharing information or working on specific projects. However, it’s not necessarily the most ideal option for video conference or remote attendees.
The classroom format is great for instructive training sessions or workshops but it can be uncomfortable if there’s an extended period of time where attendees are expected to record notes. The theatre style is perfect for large-scale meetings where you’ll be presenting and want to ensure all attendees are able to see your visual presentation.