Why Thoughtful Seating is important for your event- Handy Entertainment

Crowd of guests at tables for Chocolate Lip Print Analysis at a formal corporate event - Handy Entertainment

Who is at YOUR table?

Thoughtful Seating

Thoughtful seating is an important part of events. It is the awareness of where people are seated and why.

Let’s face it–the social, political, and economic impact of where we are is important. Are you really at the table? Did you choose your table or were you seated at it?

The same thing goes for your seat mates and the distance or closeness between you. Last, but not least, where is your table located in the grand scheme of things?

Making everybody feel welcome

When you start planning your event, look at ways to show guests how much you appreciate them by making them feel truly welcome. Events are where you can make, include, accommodate, and introduce all different people.

Make your event outstanding

Planners tend to set up the floor plan based on space and available furniture and decor. That makes sense. Unless, of course, you can base the design and seating on your guests’ needs.

Informal events tend to be laissez-faire—like musical chairs (who sits closest to the dessert table?) Do good by doing it well–make sure attendees can fully participate in the entire event.

Leveling the playing field for all kinds of people

Corporate events are intentionally more result-oriented. Who are the participants and what is the objective of the event: a meeting; presentation; awards ceremony; birthday celebration; conference, trade show, or networking events?

Social events can include a wide range of ages.

Whether the guests are related (weddings, family reunions), a cohort (graduations, Bar- and Bat Mitzvahs), or loosely connected (birthdays, anniversaries, showers), there will be a scatter and a concentration.

Maybe large numbers of guests have the same professions.

Do they live in the same city or region, share a hobby or religion? Maybe they’re in the same age range.

Use this for planning—mix it up, or put like-minded folks together. Just don’t make your seating arrangements alphabetized.

Accessibility is frequently overlooked at events

Ever notice how hard it can be to hear at events—even on a good day and without a DJ or loud speaker next to you?

Consider that when planning seating. Put those who want to talk (and hear) further away from the loudspeakers.

Disabilities

How many of your guests have mobility challenges or need frequent access to the restroom?

Is there anyone with sensory or audio processing issues? What about very tall people, or the petite?

How will that affect sight lines? Accessibility plays a greater role than you realize. Hidden disabilities impact attendee participation and enjoyment of your event.

Decisions on whether or not to attend might hinge on what accommodations are offered or if they have to request them.

Traditional seating prioritizes position in business or in a family. Ensure that people on the fringe can also see and hear.

Create meaningful interactions

Consider using more and smaller tables to increase interaction. A six-top table makes it easier to have conversations than a 10-top or banquet table. Although banquet tables can help people get to know their dinner partners, it can be a long, maybe even boring evening if they can’t (or won’t) communicate!

Facilitate meaningful interactions

Look at some of the ways you can facilitate meaningful, memorable, and creative interactions at your event. One option is to hire us! Enhance everyone’s enjoyment of the entire experience by creating thoughtful seating and making sure everybody is at the table.