Suzan E. Hutchinson is a Research Associate in the Department of Civil Engineering. They contrast the conference to the lecture where participants remain more passive. Every participant can see the face of every other participant. Every participant can face the speaker. Every participant can hear any speaker.
Every participant can face any visual presentation.
A circular table 6 feet in diameter can accommodate 6 or 7 people for a working conference and a 10 foot diameter can accommodate 10 to 12 people. In accommodating large groups where more than one row of seats is required, the additional rows of seats should be elevated. Where visual presentations and displays are a normal part of meeting agenda, a horseshoe configuration is more effective than a circle. Any meeting space should provide a standing area. Keep group size within 12 ft. circle.