the mad science of seating for meetings and events
TRANSCRIPT
The Mad Science of Seating for Meetings and EventsBrittany ValenteMarketing Manager, Convene
AGENDA
• About Convene
• Why does seating psychology matter?
• The Path to Seating Success– Figuring out your meeting and event goals
– Seating Configurations 101
– The Debate: Classroom vs. Theater
– Hybrid Meetings– yay or nay?
About
The nation’s fastest growing network of
meeting, event and conference venues
12+ Locations in NYC, DC, Philly
Brittany ValenteMarketing Manager
Convene.com
WHY DOES SEATING PSYCHOLOGY MATTER?
A Political Status Arena: Members Subconsciously Jostle for
Influence!
Where people sits affects everything from how well they engage
with each other to how well they absorb information.
The arrangement, the number of chairs, and their positioning all
create an atmosphere that can either help or work against the
goals of your meeting.
5
PATH TO SUCCESS... STEP 1
Decision Making
• Participants are working toward defining an action
• Typically a leader moderating the discussion
Problem Solving
• A team or cluster of sub teams and a facilitator overseeing discussions.
• Participants offer ideas, give feedback and contribute solutions toward specific problems
Information Session
• Teaching or training meetings where information is shared
• Require large spaces for big groups
Brainstorming
• These are highly collaborative and creative meetings
• Encourage equal participation in an open atmosphere
Determine The Meeting’s Primary Goal
PATH TO SUCCESS... STEP 2
Determine The Best Seating Configuration That Serves Your Primary Goal
PATH TO SUCCESS... STEP 3
Which seating is right for my event?
One size does NOT fit all!
RECTANGLE
RECTANGLE
Capacity: 2-20 people
People who sit across from
each are more likely to argue,
while people who think alike
tend to sit side by side.
The most successful strategic
position is the corner position to
the right of the leader.
If there are no seats at
the head of the table, the
middle becomes the power
position.
What It’s Good For• Situations where group members need to work together and feel
god about their interaction.
Ideal For:• Board meetings, small discussions and focus groups where one
person facilitates.
Why It Works• The shape of the table gives each individual the same amount of
space.
• Participants have a relatively clear view of all other members, and
there is an established leader at the head of the table.
About Convene
U-SHAPE
U-SHAPE
What It’s Good For• A more casual table arrangement than rectangle, making it a go-to
shape for training and instruction.
• The open end provides good visibility during presentations, while
desk space enables note taking.
• Speakers can move inside the U to interact with group members
or work one-on-one with individuals.
Why It Works• The speaker, teacher, or trainer can easily see and interact with
all participants.
• It combines the efficiency of a classroom format with the
sociability of a circular shape and encourages feelings of equality
and collaboration.
CAPACITY: 20-50 PEOPLE
FUN TIPS:
You can retain 3x more
information if you view it in
your right visual field
Outgoing individuals are more
sociable in half circles while
the shy prefer to sit in chairs
arranged in rows
Seat conflicting personalities
on the same side of the table
with people seated between
them to diffuse tension
SEMI CIRCLE
What It’s Good For• Semi-circles are a good choice for informal presentations and
discussions where participants don’t need to take notes.
• Works well for meetings and breakout sessions where snacks are
served, as well as brainstorming sessions and team-building
activities.
Why It Works• Provides clear lines of sight among all participants
• The instructor or facilitator can move within the center to interact
with individuals.
• There are no “power seats” in a semi-circle, so participants have a
perception of equality.
• Open participation and discussion are encouraged.
CAPACITY: < 50 People
FUN TIPS:
Placing the AV screen at the
open end of the semi-circle
gives every participant a clear
view of presentations
Ice breakers and team-
building activities are easily
facilitated in the center of the
semi-circle
About Convene
ROUNDS
ROUNDS or PODS
What It’s Good For• Smaller groups and problem-solving sessions that require a high-level
of interaction and equal contribution of ideas.
• Perfect for food-focused events + alternative seating.
Why It Works• Everyone enjoys equal status.
• Clear sight lines that encourage interaction and contribution from
everyone at the tables
• It fosters informal collaboration and conversation, even while sharing a
meal.
CAPACITY: 6-12
Participants
FUN TIPS:
Round arrangements promote
a feeling of equal status
For problem solving, it’s ideal
to have everyone facing each
other for discussion
Eye contact with all members
is possible which increases
trust within the group
About Convene
Classroom
About Convene
Theater
About Convene
Classroom
CLASSROOM vs THEATER
What It’s Good For• Larger audiences in lecture-style trainings and presentations
• Classroom Space for note-taking and laptops
• Theater Performances, lectures, keynote speakers, stage shows
Why It Works• Classrooms designed for active learning have a significant effect on engagement.
• Seating people in rows, whether at tables or in theater setting, has proven to
reduce the number of off-task distractions and improve focus on the materials
presented.
HYBRID MEETINGS: ON SITE + OFFLINE
What It’s Good ForHybrids enable people to attend when they can’t physically be
there.
Why It WorksThe combination of face-to-face and virtual collaboration boosts
the exchange of ideas and improves the overall success of the
meeting. Virtual attendees turn into future in-person delegates.
noun:
a physical meeting that accommodates virtual attendance
CAPACITY: Bandwidth &
Space Limitation
FUN TIP:
Hybrid streaming production
booths offer online-only bonus
programming, interviews, and
panel discussions with high-
profile speakers.
About ConveneALTERNATIVE POSTURES
About ConveneALTERNATIVE POSTURESGala Tables
Fireside Chat
PODs
Couch Discussion
Classroom + High-Top
22
Thank you! Questions?
More [email protected] Thank you for tuning in!Visit etouches.com/virtualtour
follow us on twitter @etouches