This is the simplest style, reflecting the seating found in a theatre or cinema with chairs aligned in consecutive straight rows.

Positives:

• All of the seats are facing forwards towards the front of the function room.
• Maximum seated capacity is achieved for the function room.

Negatives:

• The audience is closed in, needing to push past other audience members to enter/exit the seating area.
• Aisles are required to ensure sufficient access to seating area.
• There is no provision for note taking or consumption of plated food and beverage.
• Audience interaction is hindered as audience members don’t face each other.

This style is similar to U Shape, however there are four sides and no open end, with the audience all facing inwards.

Positives:

•  Audience interaction fully enhanced, with audience members all facing each other
•  Allows audience to consume plated food and beverage easily

Negatives:

•  Seating capacity is reduced
•  Does not allow for a main presentation area or focal point

As the name suggests this style is in the shape of the letter U, with the tables & chairs arranged in an open ended configuration with the audience facing inwards.

Positives:

• The open end allows for a focal point or presentation area
• Allows presenter to approach and engage with each audience members
• Audience interaction is enhanced, with audience members facing each other

Negatives:

• Inefficient use of floor space, with seating capacity reduced
• A large proportion of the audience are seated side-on to the presentation area