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A MATTER OF STYLE.
Welcome to your conference room layout primer. The glossary of terms below will help you visualize the desired table arrangements and better picture the location for your table of honor. We handle a variety of configurations, each adapted to specific needs. All you have to do is pick the one(s) best suited to your event.
 Style d'aménagement |
Banquet
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Arrangement: Tableclothed round or rectangular tables, chairs facing each place setting. Everyone eats at the same time; table waiting included so guests do not have to move around. |
Conference
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Arrangement: Tableclothed table at the front facing the rest of the room arranged with round or rectangular tables, also tableclothed; chairs facing each place setting. Everyone eats at the same time; table waiting included so guests do not have to move around. |
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U style
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For meetings or meals
Arrangement: Tables are arranged in U formation; chairs are on the outside. Although this configuration limits seating capacity, it is recommended for meetings or celebrations where bringing participants closer together is preferred. |
Square
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For meetings or meals
Arrangement: Tables are arranged in square formation; chairs are on the outside. This configuration limits seating capacity, but fosters teamwork and proximity of participants. |
| Evening buffet |
Arrangement: Tableclothed tables in a section of the room for the buffet area. Tableclothed round or rectangular tables for guests, chairs facing each place setting. Guests move about from the buffet area to their respective tables. |
| Cocktail buffet |
Arrangement: Tableclothed tables in a section of, or outside, the room for the buffet area. Occasional tables, tableclothed. Guests move about and eat standing. |
| Cocktail |
Arrangement: Everyone stands; some occasional tables scattered here and there. |
Classroom
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Arrangement: Tables and chairs on one side of the room only facing the front table. |
Auditorium
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Arrangement: Chairs facing stage; no tables. |
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 Table of honor.
Picturing the most strategic spot for the table of honor becomes easier once you've settled on a configuration. The idea is to give it a prominent location but away from heavy traffic. This table requires a special place for maximum interaction.
Some useful tips.
For sit-down meals, consider place cards for each guest assigned to the table of honor.
If needed, place a poster at the entrance with a plan of the room complete with table numbers and seating assignments, or elicit the help of the maitre d' for the execution of this task.
Remember that the members of the honor table party enjoy VIP status and are served first. Even if the meal is buffet style, guests at the table of honor are always waited on and should never be required to move about for their food.
Other than for very specific needs, it is strongly recommended that tables not be separated along each end of the room, leaving a huge, divisive gap in the center. Such an arrangement conveys a very 'cliquish' impression.
 
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