A hollow square setup arranges tables in a closed square or rectangle with chairs only on the outside, so everyone faces each other across an empty center. A herringbone setup (also called chevron) angles rows of classroom tables in a V toward the front, so everyone can see the presenter and take notes. Use hollow square for discussion among equals, and herringbone for presentations and training with note-taking.
Hollow square
Best for: committee meetings, board discussions, workshops where everyone participates equally.
Capacity: with standard 6 ft (1.8 m) tables seating about 3 per side, a square of 4 tables seats about 12. Each extra table on a side adds about 3 seats. Allow roughly 25 to 35 sq ft (2.3 to 3.3 sq m) per person including circulation.
Pros:
- Equal status, no "head" of the table.
- Everyone sees everyone else.
Cons:
- Wastes the center space.
- Hard for everyone to see a single screen or a presenter at the front.
- Hard to cover on camera: people sit on four sides, facing in.
Herringbone (chevron)
Best for: training, lectures, briefings and seminars where people take notes.
Capacity: similar to classroom style, a little less because of the angle. Plan for 2 to 3 people per 6 ft table, with an aisle down the middle.
Pros:
- Everyone faces the front; better sightlines than straight classroom rows.
- Tables for laptops and notes.
Cons:
- Less interaction between attendees.
- Takes more floor space than theater style.
AV considerations for hollow square
The hollow square is one of the hardest layouts for video calls.
- Camera: a single front camera sees backs of heads on the near side. Options: a 360° center camera like the Neat Center (in Neat rooms), or a multi-camera setup with front and rear cameras. See multi-camera conference rooms and 360 conference cameras.
- Open the square at the display end (turning it into a U-shape) if the meeting is hybrid. See U-shape setups.
- Microphones: put table mics on every side, such as Logitech Rally Mic Pods or Poly Studio A2 Table Microphones, or use ceiling mics over the tables.
- Displays: at least one display visible from every side, or two displays on opposite walls.
AV considerations for herringbone
Herringbone works well for hybrid training because everyone faces one direction.
- Front camera on the presenter, plus a wide shot of attendees. A PTZ like the Logitech Rally AI Camera Pro or a presenter-tracking camera covers a moving trainer.
- Rear camera facing the presenter for the remote audience, if you want a "from the audience" view.
- Presenter mic: a wireless lavalier or headset. See wireless presenter microphones.
- Audience mics: ceiling mics or a few table mics for Q&A.
- Displays: large front screen or projector sized for the back row. See projector screen size.
Choosing a layout
| Goal | Layout |
|---|---|
| Discussion, everyone equal, in person | Hollow square |
| Discussion with remote participants | U-shape or boardroom |
| Training with note-taking | Herringbone or classroom |
| Presentation, max capacity | Theater style |
| Small group work | Cabaret or round tables |
See all options in conference room layout styles and classroom-style setups.
Running hybrid sessions in a flexible room? Tell us the layouts you use and we'll design AV that works for each.
Related guides
Outfitting several rooms, or reselling? Get a volume quote or apply for wholesale pricing →
