Imperial Setup for Meetings and Events: Uses, Advantages and Recommendations

• What is an imperial table setup and what are its advantages? Discover the key features of this table layout and why it works so well for professional meetings.
• When should you use an imperial table? We look at the types of meetings and corporate events where this setup can make a difference.
• How to prepare a meeting room: Technology, equipment and other aspects to consider when creating a comfortable and functional space.

What is an imperial table setup?

An imperial table setup consists of arranging a room around a long rectangular table, with attendees seated on both sides and, usually, at the ends as well. Unlike other room layouts, such as theatre or classroom-style setups, everyone shares the same working surface and can interact more easily with one another.

It is a particularly common format for meeting rooms, business meetings, board meetings, client meetings and corporate events for small and medium-sized groups.

Some of the main features of an imperial table setup include:

• Encourages communication: it makes eye contact and conversation between participants easier.
• Promotes collaboration: all attendees share the same working space.
• Provides a comfortable working environment: the table surface is practical for using laptops, reviewing documents or taking notes.
• Creates a professional impression: it is an elegant and organised layout suitable for a wide range of corporate settings.
• Easily integrates technology: it allows screens, power connections, video conferencing systems and other resources to be incorporated.

Batlló Room, imperial setup. Lexington Paseo de Gracia 56.

Advantages of an imperial table setup

Beyond its appearance, this layout offers a number of advantages that explain why it remains a popular choice for meeting rooms and corporate events.

Facilitates communication

With all attendees seated around the same table, it is easy to maintain eye contact and take part in the conversation. This can be particularly useful for meetings where everyone is expected to contribute.

Creates a professional yet welcoming atmosphere

An imperial table conveys a structured and professional image while avoiding the sense of distance that some layouts designed primarily for presentations can create.

Practical for working meetings

The table surface allows attendees to work directly with laptops, documents, samples or any other materials needed during the meeting.

Adapts to different formats

Although it is often associated with executive meetings, an imperial setup can also be used for workshops, strategy sessions, presentations and client meetings.

Mozart Room, imperial setup. Lexington Príncipe de Vergara 132.

What types of meetings work best with an imperial setup?

Choosing the right meeting room layout depends on the purpose of the meeting, the number of attendees and the type of interaction you want to encourage. An imperial setup works particularly well when a meeting requires interaction, conversation and participation.

Management meetings and board meetings

Management meetings and board meetings often require a calm, comfortable and professional environment in which to review information, analyse results and make decisions.

An imperial meeting setup makes it easy for all participants to see one another and share documents around the same table, creating a layout that is well suited to this type of meeting.

Strategic team meetings

Strategy sessions need space for discussion, sharing ideas and working through different proposals.

In this context, an imperial meeting table combines the comfort of a working table with a layout that encourages everyone on the team to participate.

It is particularly useful for planning meetings, project reviews and goal-setting sessions.

Negotiations and client meetings

The layout of a room can also influence the experience of a meeting with clients or partners. An imperial setup creates a professional environment while remaining open enough to encourage dialogue.

It can be used to present proposals, review projects, negotiate agreements or hold client follow-up meetings.

Presentations to investors or partners

When a presentation requires interaction, questions and discussion, an imperial setup makes it possible to combine content presentation with a more participatory dynamic.

A well-positioned screen and a good audiovisual solution help ensure that all attendees can follow the presentation and subsequently take part in the exchange of ideas.

Workshops and working sessions for small groups

Corporate workshops and working sessions for small groups can also benefit from this type of setup.

Having a large shared table makes it easier to use laptops, documents and other materials, while the layout allows participants to move naturally between explanations, brainstorming, discussion and collaborative work.

Medes Room, imperial setup. Lexington Diagonal 545.

Technology and equipment for an event with an imperial setup

A good event room setup depends on more than simply arranging the tables. Technology and equipment are also essential for creating a comfortable and professional experience.

Before organising a meeting, it is worth considering what resources attendees will need and how they will be integrated into the space.

Some of the most common elements include:

• Screens or monitors, positioned so that all attendees have good visibility.
• Video conferencing equipment, particularly useful for hybrid meetings with participants joining from different locations.
• Power and USB connections, so attendees can keep their devices charged.
• High-quality Wi-Fi, essential for sharing documents, giving presentations and working online.
• Microphones and audio systems, when the size of the room or the meeting format requires them.
• Whiteboards and interactive screens, particularly useful for workshops and collaborative sessions.

But technology is not everything. Lighting, acoustics, temperature and ergonomics are also important parts of the experience in a meeting room.

For meetings lasting several hours, comfortable chairs, appropriate lighting and good acoustics can help attendees stay focused and work more comfortably.

How to choose a space for a meeting with an imperial setup

Before booking a room for a corporate meeting or event, it is worth considering a few key aspects:

Number of attendees. The room should provide enough space for everyone to work comfortably without the table feeling too cramped.

Purpose of the meeting. A presentation, workshop and management meeting do not necessarily require the same layout.

Equipment required. Check in advance whether the room has a screen, video conferencing equipment, power connections and any other resources you may need.

Duration of the meeting. The longer the meeting, the more important ergonomics and comfort become.

Privacy and acoustics. For strategic meetings, negotiations or meetings involving sensitive information, having a quiet and well-insulated space can be particularly important.

Lexington spaces for meetings and events with an imperial setup

At Lexington, we believe that a good workspace should adapt to people and to the needs of each meeting. That's why our meeting rooms and event spaces are designed to accommodate different professional formats, from management meetings and client meetings to workshops and working sessions.

Lexington rooms combine design, functionality and technology, creating environments designed to make meetings comfortable and productive. In addition, the support of a specialised team helps take care of the organisation and details of the event before, during and after the meeting.

If you're looking for a meeting room with an imperial setup for a business meeting, corporate event or working session, discover Lexington's spaces and find the environment that best suits the needs of your meeting. Fill in the form for more information!