A meeting's style should match its content. And having a skilled speaker deliver information in a staid, classroom-style setting is a missed opportunity—and a potentially uncomfortable one, for guests perched on hard folding chairs. So whether you bring in huge beanbags or get inspired by brainwaves, use these ideas to amp up the creative energy at your next conference.
Target's Social Space at TED
At this year's TED, the world-famous conference known for its 18-minute talks, Target hosted a social space called "A Mind for Design," which had seating inspired by brain waves. The reactive space changed colors as guests interacted with it, and it had a live Twitter stream that showcased real-time Tweets from conference attendees.
Photo: Michael Bands
TEDActive
TED content was simulcast in Palm Springs at the event known as TEDActive. Held at La Quinta Resort and Club, the conference let attendees watch content from the comfort of so-called "Ted Beds."
Photo: Kris Krüg
TEDActive
Multiple venues around the property for simulcast viewing included an array of seating groups, including more traditional chairs and desks and armchairs—and even beanbags. Steelcase provides much of the furniture for the TED conferences.
Photo: Kris Krüg
C2-MTL
The edgy conference, which focuses on creativity and commerce, had its first run at Montreal's New City Gas building last May. Communal seating areas let guests perch on swings hanging from an arty canopy. Around the space, couches flanked with lamp-lit end tables lent a cozy, residential atmosphere.
Photo: Elida Arrizza
C2-MTL
In the courtyard, Adirondack chairs topped with umbrellas presented a laid-back area for networking and breakout sessions.
Photo: Barbara Haemmig de Preux
Food and Wine Classic
Guests sat on haystacks covered with bright orange blankets and chevron-patterned pillows at a Belvedere-sponsored party during the 2012 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado. Though the pictured seating configuration is more suited to causal dining, haystacks in rows or in the round could make for fun conference seating during the warmer months.
Photo: Aubree Dallas for Belvedere Vodka
Shelter Co
Based in California, Shelter Co supplies luxury tents—and can coordinate planning details—for corporate meetings and retreats. The European-style tents can be filled with couches, tables, and decorative rooms to create intimate gathering spaces.
Photo: Allan Zepeda
