10 | BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN COLLEGE
Space Use and Setup Design
Space Selection
In selecting space(s) for your event, you will want to consider:
Type (function) of event
Physical factors of facility
Number of attendees
Attendee comfort
A/V requirements
Speaker focus
Food and beverage requirements
Traffic flow
Restroom accessibility
Facilities for handicapped individuals
External noise
Work closely with the F&E Director to choose the college facilities that best fit your event
requirements.
Setup Configurations
See sample diagrams, beginning on page 14
These play a far larger role in an event or meeting than many planners realize. The arrangement of
tables and chairs often determines the flow of communication.
You can choose from among many possible configurations in setting up your function rooms;
your choice will depend on the particular requirements for each event, and on the potential (and
limitations) of any given room.
Once you are familiar with the setups discussed below, and have evaluated the strengths and
weaknesses of each, you will find your choices are largely a matter of logic and common sense.
Here are brief descriptions of the five basic room setups including variations of each.
