Arthurian legend gave us an early example of what we now call a ‘working lunch’: business conducted while dining with co-workers. Arthur and the knights did their dealings at the Round Table. This classic tabletop shape is popular because it provides a ring of continuity and makes all participants seem equal – at least, where seating is concerned.
If you’ve got a hotel with conference rooms, you should consider furnishing it with one of the classic round tables. This puts businesspeople at ease, because nobody gets to lord over everyone else by being seated at one end or the other. All are equal at a round table. Having everyone seated in a circle makes the working lunch or conference seem more comfortable and familiar. In a relaxed setting, such meetings are sure to be more enjoyable. And remember, happy workers are productive workers. If businesses have a very successful meeting at your hotel, they will be likely to come back again.
Some ideas for round tables for your conference room can be found at Laytrad, Bonluxat, and Gala Source. (Laytrad’s also a great source for UK hotel chairs.) Wooden tables always seem the most inviting to me, but there are also many other tabletop materials to choose from. Try for something low-maintenance that’s resistant to coffee stains.
One good candidate for your next conference room table, pictured above, is the teak wood EM TA 010. It’s made from FSC certified teak, which is harvested and recycled according to environmentally friendly standards. This is a table you can feel good about.
The next time your hotel hosts an event, make sure that your furniture is up to the task. Rather than the typical Formica covered runners with stackable plastic chairs, offer guests a memorable experience with a nice, round table and cushiony chairs. After all, they’re there to think about business solutions, not achy backsides.
