One of the many decisions that you will make as an Event Planner is how to set up your meeting space.  Round tables, rows of chairs, or classroom tables?  What is the best fit for your event?  

First, you need to consider the size of the meeting space that you have reserved and any capacity limitations.  Tables take up more space, especially rectangular classroom tables.  If you have reserved a small meeting room, then rows of chairs will be your best option.  

Second, consider your event focus and the set-up that will be the most conducive to accomplishing your event goals.  Is this a training retreat where you need everyone in rows?  Do you need some open space for group activities?  Or is it a fellowship-based retreat where sitting at round tables might be a good option?  

Here are a few notes about each set-up option for you to consider:

• Theater (rows of chairs) – ideal for group worship and breakout sessions with a speaker.  This set-up option will take up the least amount of space and be a good fit for most groups.
• Circle of Chairs – this works well for small group discussions.
• Classroom (half-width 6-foot rectangular tables, seats 2 per table) – if space allows, classroom-style works well for marriage retreats, training retreats, or events where notetaking is a priority.  
• Workshop (full-size 6-foot rectangular tables, seats 4 per table) – good for craft breakouts or team-focused events where the speaker walks around the room checking in on each table.
• Round Tables (seats 8) – ideal for catered meals and fellowship-based retreats. Sitting at rounds keeps your guests in close proximity and still provides them with a writing surface.  If you sit at rounds for group worship, keep in mind that the front half of the table will have to turn their seats around to face the front of the meeting room.
• Boardroom or Hollow Square – works well for small team meetings (under 20) with in-depth discussions where eye contact is a priority.

If your set-up needs don’t fit well with any of the standard options listed above, reach out to your venue contact and talk through options.  At Ridgecrest, we are happy to make suggestions for how best to accomplish your event vision in your reserved meeting space.   If you are ready to plan your next retreat with us, click here to fill out an RFP.