EVENT & SPACE PLANNING GUIDE: AN INDEX TO CAMPUS FACILITIES & SERVICES | 13
Head Tables
Specify if you need a head table setup and the number of people seated at head table.
Reception
A standing social event with food and beverages. Tables are set up for food and beverage service
only. Chairs may be placed around the walls of the room for seating, if space allows.
Guidelines on Seating Styles for A-V Presentations
Some seating styles work well for A/V presentations and others present problems. The most
suitable seating styles for A/V presentations are Auditorium, Classroom, or U-Shaped.
Auditorium and classroom allow placement of the projection screen in the center or in the corner
of the meeting room. The screen or the head table can be angled for good sight lines for both
those seated there and the audience.
Banquet, perpendicular, and hollow square seating styles limit the use of A/V presentations. A
significant number of attendees must turn in their seats to see the projection screen no matter
where it is placed. In the typical banquet style setup, half the audience must turn around to see
the projection screen.
Room & People Proportions
Room Setup
Approximate Sq. Feet
Per Person
Theatre/Auditorium 9-10
Stand-up Buffets
8-10
Receptions
8-10
Seated Banquets
10-14
Classroom
15-16
How Many Can Fit Comfortably with Your Layout
The numbers in the boxes represent the number of square feet required per person for your
meeting attendees to be comfortable in a room layout.
The figures are approximate based on rooms with no obstructions.
The figures do not take into account the physical layout of the room, means of egress or fire code
maximum occupancy rates.
