Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Staging • Hollow Square • Classroom Style

Classroom Style

Term from Event Planning industry explained for recruiters

Classroom Style is a common way to arrange seating at events, meetings, and conferences. It features rows of tables with chairs facing forward, similar to a school classroom setup. This layout is particularly popular for training sessions, workshops, and presentations where attendees need a flat surface to take notes, use laptops, or have materials in front of them. Event planners often need to understand different seating arrangements as they significantly impact participant engagement and space utilization. Other similar terms include "Theatre Style" (chairs only, no tables) or "Lecture Style."

Examples in Resumes

Coordinated setup of 200-person conference in Classroom Style format with audiovisual support

Managed space planning for corporate trainings using Classroom Style and Theater Style arrangements

Optimized meeting room capacity by converting Classroom Style setup to accommodate 50% more attendees

Typical job title: "Event Planners"

Also try searching for:

Event Coordinator Meeting Planner Conference Organizer Corporate Event Manager Event Setup Specialist Venue Coordinator

Where to Find Event Planners

Professional Associations

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you determine the most efficient room setup when a client requests classroom style seating?

Expected Answer: A senior planner should discuss factors like room dimensions, aisle requirements, audiovisual needs, fire code compliance, and calculating maximum capacity while maintaining comfort. They should also mention alternative layouts if classroom style isn't optimal.

Q: How would you handle a last-minute request to change from classroom style to roundtables while maintaining the same capacity?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of quick space recalculation, staff coordination, timeline management, and ability to communicate impact on event flow and capacity to clients.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key measurements needed for comfortable classroom style seating?

Expected Answer: Should know standard measurements for table depth (18-24 inches), space between rows (32-36 inches), and per-person width (24-30 inches), plus understanding of ADA compliance requirements.

Q: What are the pros and cons of classroom style versus other seating arrangements?

Expected Answer: Should discuss advantages (good for note-taking, clear sight lines) and disadvantages (less networking opportunity, requires more space than theater style) of different layouts.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What type of events are best suited for classroom style seating?

Expected Answer: Should identify appropriate events like training sessions, educational seminars, workshops, and corporate presentations where participants need writing surfaces.

Q: What basic equipment is needed for a classroom style setup?

Expected Answer: Should list essential items like tables, chairs, water stations, basic audiovisual equipment, and understand standard table dimensions and chair counts.