The physical setup of your training room significantly impacts learning outcomes. Whether you're running a staff professional development day, corporate training workshop, or industry certification course, the right room configuration promotes engagement, interaction, and knowledge retention.
Understanding Training Room Layouts
Each room layout suits different training styles and objectives. Choose your configuration based on:
- Group size and number of attendees
- Training methodology (lecture, workshop, hands-on)
- Level of participant interaction required
- Equipment and technology needs
- Room dimensions and fixed elements
Popular Training Room Configurations
1. Classroom Style
Best for: Lecture-based training, certification courses, large groups, note-taking sessions
Rows of tables and chairs facing the front, similar to a traditional classroom. This layout maximises capacity while providing desk space for materials and laptops.
Advantages:
- Efficient use of space - accommodates more attendees
- Clear sightlines to presenter and screen
- Desk space for materials, laptops, and note-taking
- Formal setting maintains focus
- Easy to distribute handouts
Considerations:
- Limited peer interaction
- Presenter-focused - less collaborative
- Back rows may feel disconnected
Ideal capacity: 20-100+ participants
2. U-Shape (Horseshoe)
Best for: Interactive workshops, discussions, smaller groups, presentations requiring audience input
Tables arranged in a U-shape with the presenter at the open end. Participants face each other across the room with the presenter able to move into the centre.
Advantages:
- Excellent for discussions and Q&A
- Presenter can engage with all participants
- Good sightlines for presentations
- Encourages participation
- Desk space for materials
Considerations:
- Requires more floor space per person
- Limited capacity (typically 15-30)
- Some participants may have their backs to the screen
Ideal capacity: 12-30 participants
3. Boardroom Style
Best for: Executive training, strategic planning sessions, small group discussions, team meetings
A single large table (or tables joined) with participants seated around all sides.
Advantages:
- Intimate setting for discussion
- Egalitarian - no hierarchy implied by seating
- Excellent for collaboration
- Good for document review and shared materials
Considerations:
- Limited capacity
- Some seats have poor screen visibility
- Less suitable for presentations
Ideal capacity: 8-20 participants
4. Cabaret (Rounds)
Best for: Group activities, team-building training, workshops with table exercises, training with meals
Round or rectangular tables seating 4-8 people each, with chairs positioned so all attendees can see the front (half-moon arrangement).
Advantages:
- Excellent for group work and exercises
- Encourages team collaboration
- Easy transition between presentation and activities
- Social atmosphere for networking
- Practical for training with meals
Considerations:
- Requires more space than classroom
- Some attendees have backs to presenter (half-moon reduces this)
- Can encourage off-topic conversation
Ideal capacity: 20-100+ participants (depends on table count)
5. Theatre Style
Best for: Large presentations, keynotes, lectures, conferences, seminars with no writing required
Rows of chairs (no tables) facing the front. Maximises seating capacity for pure presentation-style training.
Advantages:
- Maximum capacity for the space
- Focus entirely on presenter
- Good for short sessions or presentations
- Easy for large group events
Considerations:
- No desk space - difficult for note-taking
- No laptop use possible
- Limited interaction
- Not ideal for extended sessions
Ideal capacity: 50-350+ participants
6. Herringbone (Chevron)
Best for: Training sessions requiring both presentation and group discussion
Tables arranged at angles facing the front, creating a V-shape pattern. Combines classroom efficiency with better sightlines and interaction.
Advantages:
- Better sightlines than straight classroom rows
- Encourages cross-table discussion
- Maintains desk space for materials
- Modern, professional appearance
Considerations:
- Requires more space than standard classroom
- Setup is more complex
Ideal capacity: 20-80 participants
Essential AV Equipment for Training
Projection and Display
- Projector and screen: Minimum 3000+ lumens for well-lit rooms; screen size appropriate for room depth
- Multiple screens: For larger rooms, ensure all attendees have good visibility
- TV monitors: Alternative to projection for smaller groups
- Interactive displays: For hands-on digital collaboration
Audio Equipment
- Microphones: Lapel (hands-free for demos), handheld (audience Q&A), lectern-mounted
- Speakers: Quality audio reproduction for video content
- Audio mixing: Ability to play media while using microphone
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi: Reliable connection for all attendees if using online resources
- HDMI/Display connections: For presenter laptops
- Power points: Accessible outlets for laptop users
- Video conferencing: Camera and microphone for hybrid sessions
Room Environment Considerations
Lighting
- Dimmable lights near screens for presentations
- Adequate lighting for note-taking and reading
- Natural light is positive but may need blackout options
- Avoid harsh overhead lighting that causes fatigue
Climate Control
- Air conditioning that can be adjusted for room occupancy
- Note: full rooms generate significant body heat
- Consider airflow patterns - avoid direct drafts on attendees
- Temperature around 20-22°C is optimal for alertness
Acoustics
- Room should be free from external noise interference
- Good internal acoustics prevent echo
- Consider noise from adjacent rooms or events
Maximising Engagement Through Setup
Sightlines
- Ensure all attendees can see the presenter and screen without obstruction
- Consider screen height - bottom of screen above seated heads
- Avoid long, narrow rooms where back rows feel disconnected
Movement Space
- Leave aisles for presenter to move among attendees
- Allow space for attendees to exit without disruption
- Consider activity space if training includes standing exercises
Breakout Areas
- Foyer or adjacent space for refreshment breaks
- Separate rooms for group activities if required
- Quiet space for phone calls or one-on-one conversations
Checklist: Preparing Your Training Room
- Confirm room layout with venue in advance
- Test all AV equipment before attendees arrive
- Check projector focus and positioning
- Test microphones and audio levels
- Ensure adequate power for all devices
- Confirm Wi-Fi network and password
- Set comfortable temperature
- Adjust lighting for presentations
- Position signage for wayfinding
- Prepare registration/welcome area
- Organise refreshment break area
- Have backup plans for technical issues
Training Venues in Brisbane South
KP Centre in Shailer Park provides professional training facilities and professional development venues for Brisbane South organisations:
- Auditorium One: Large training events up to 350 theatre-style or 200 classroom
- Auditorium Two: Workshops and seminars up to 200 theatre or 100 classroom
- Flexible configurations: Classroom, U-shape, cabaret, and theatre setups available
- Professional AV: Built-in sound, lighting, and projection
- Free parking: 200 spaces for attendees
- Catering flexibility: Arrange morning tea and lunch with your preferred caterer
Contact us to discuss your training room requirements and arrange a venue inspection.