Choosing the Right Layout for Your Event

Picking the right event layout makes a real difference in how your audience experiences the day. Here are four layouts commonly used—and how you can find each at 1 Wimpole Street:

1. Boardroom Style

This style is ideal for meetings, usually set up as a large rectangular or oval table with participants seated around it—the perfect setup for face-to-face interaction, collaborative discussions, and hybrid presentations via video conferencing. At 1 Wimpole Street, the Library Boardroom accommodates up to 12  people and includes an LCD screen for focused sessions, ensuring smooth hybrid or in-person meetings.

2. Theatre Style

Perfect for keynote presentations or large conferences, theatre-style seating arranges chairs in rows facing a central speaker or stage. This layout maximises capacity while still allowing everyone to see the stage. At 1 Wimpole Street, the Guy Whittle Auditorium stands out—it’s a tiered, purpose-built theatre-style space, seating up to 298 guests, complete with built-in AV technology and professional on-site support, ideal for impactful lectures and live-streamed events.

3. Cabaret Style

Cabaret seating combines presentation and interaction in one setup. With round tables and chairs facing the front, attendees can easily follow the speaker while collaborating around the table. At 1 Wimpole Street, the Wheatley Room delivers on this setup beautifully: a spacious, book-lined space with excellent daylight, seating up to 72 in cabaret-style format, and AV support located among the RSM’s library and exhibition area—a truly inspiring meeting environment.

4. U‑Shape Style

Choose a U‑shape layout when you want facilitated discussion and easy interaction across the room. Tables curve around, leaving an open end for presenters—perfect for panel sessions or brainstorming workshops. The Marcus Beck Library at 1 Wimpole Street is perfectly suited for this: seating up to 30 guests with generous natural light, and a screen for presentations, it supports engagement without sacrificing professionalism.

Each of these layouts supports different objectives—whether you need to inspire a crowd, encourage discussion, train a group, or conduct high-level meetings. If you’d like help selecting the best layout for your event or arrange a site visit, our team at 1 Wimpole Street would be delighted to assist: enquiries@1wimpolestreet.co.uk