http://www.boardroomcenter.com/how-to-run-secure-and-effective-board-evaluations/

If you’re hosting quarterly meetings for executives or small huddle rooms for informal collaboration, the most appropriate layout for a boardroom will depend on the kind of discussion you’ll having and the number of participants. You’ll want to select a layout for your meeting space that encourages attendees to take notes, or even to make use of interactive displays.

One of the most popular alternatives is the traditional boardroom layout that has been featured in a variety of films and is ideal for meetings that require collaboration and decision making. It is comprised of rectangular tables that are pushed together that puts everyone on the same level. It’s also great for presentations and can accommodate remote and in-person participants.

Another alternative is the hollow square design, which involves four tables set in a square with attendees seated along the border. It also has a space in the middle where the facilitator could work. This works well for a meeting of fewer than 20 people and is suitable for meetings which don’t need to be focused on making decisions, but rather focus on sharing information or working on specific projects. It’s not a good choice for remote or videoconference attendees.

The classroom model is great for instructive types of training sessions or workshops however it can be uncomfortable when you’re running a long duration where participants are expected to take notes. The theatre style is perfect for large meetings in which you’ll be giving a presentation and want to ensure everyone is able to view your presentation in a visual format.