Classroom style seating is the preferred method for longer presentations or presentations where there is a lot of note-taking or references to handout material. Six-foot or eight-foot tables are typically used. When placing the tables, be sure to line up the outside edge of the first table with the edge of the platform or riser (if used).

The following guidelines should be used when setting up for classroom style seating:

• The minimum width of table to be used in classroom style seating is 18 inches.
• The minimum table top length for a classroom style setup should be no less than 24 inches per attendee.
• Where food service is not required and seating is at one side of the table only, allow 36" between tables.

An excellent alternative to the classroom style seating is the chevron approach because it increases audience interactivity—it is very flexible, good for either large or small groups, and fosters a sense of audience involvement as the audience can see others and get feedback from them.

Both classroom and chevron style seating can be quickly adapted into interactive "clusters" for group exercises (audience members can simply turn their seats around to face the table behind for discussion).

Calculating space requirements

To determine the number of people your room will accommodate when using classroom style seating, divide the "attendee" seating area (square feet) by 8 (eight). This calculation allows for chair and passage aisles. It does not allow for problems caused by wide traffic aisles, location of columns, service doors or unique room shapes. It is very useful, however, for a quick, general approximation. Please note, this calculation provides maximum seating—if space is available for more comfortable seating, allow an additional 2 square feet per person.

Additional recommendations:

• Keep the front row as close to the stage as is comfortable. The distance from the first row of seats to the stage should be no more than 10 feet.
• Platforms or risers give presenters greater visibility. The ideal stage/riser height for audiences up to 200 people is 6-12 inches. For audiences over 200 people, increase the height to 12-24 inches.
• If a lectern is being used for introductions, set it back a few feet, and to the right or left on the stage/riser.
• Do not overset the room. If you are planning for 300 people, set the room for 275 instead of 350. Stack extra chairs at the back of the room. It is much better to have every seat taken than large empty spots throughout the audience.
• Rope off the last 5-10 rows until the presentation is about to start. Also, don't put handouts on the seats in the roped area. This will encourage people to sit near the front.

Accommodations for people who have disabilities

Be sensitive to people who have disabilities:

• Blind/Visual impairment: Guide dogs are well-trained, accustomed to being around people, and need to stay with their owner, so make sure that a chair is provided with enough space on the floor for this working companion. Many people who have a visual impairment use computer technology to "read" information to them. If you can determine in advance of the conference that some attendees will be using this type of equipment, ask presenters to provide you with any electronic presentation files they plan to use in a format that can be read by this technology (e.g., .doc, .xls, .ppt).
• Deaf/Hearing impairment: If some of the attendees have a hearing impairment and you are providing a sign-language interpreter, seat them in the front off to one side. An interpreter will normally stand in front of the group with his/her back to the stage.
• Mobility impairments (i.e., wheelchairs or crutches): Remove a few chairs at the ends of the rows near the front to provide space for people using wheelchairs to sit in a comfortable position with a good view. People using crutches may have a need for greater space so the front row is usually the best recommendation. If any of the presenters are using wheelchairs and you are using any form of riser or stage, ramp access must rise no more than 3 (three) inches per foot of run.

Make sure that any accommodations are in place prior to the arrival of the attendees because no one likes to be the cause of a disruption (i.e., moving people out of their chairs and re-locating them to accommodate a wheelchair).