When it comes to creative meeting layouts, many of us are wowed by the immersive installations Montreal’s C2 conference delivers annually. Yet even if your budget can’t cover, say, sound-bathing lounges or seats that swing from the ceiling, this disruptor “un-conference” delivers an important industry lesson. Namely, today’s attendees are dissatisfied with traditional meeting layouts. We asked three experts to weigh in on why and how meeting spaces are evolving and what steps all planners can take. WHY THE SHIFT AWAY FROM TRADITIONAL LAYOUTS? Jennifer James of Jennifer James Events in Calgary says, “The industry across the board started identifying that people do have different learning styles and the way we were traditionally doing it—either theatre or, semi rounds or whatever—there are other ways to accomplish that, that feel more updated.” We’re also influenced by research supporting experiential over passive learning, says Barb McRae, president of CanSPEP and owner of Strategic Events in Grimsby, ON. “There’s an expectation now from people that they just don’t want to sit all day.” IGNITE YOUR... Sharon Bonner of Bright Ideas Event Agency in Richmond, BC, says, “Especially after COVID, people really want the freedom and time to connect.” Today, “people don’t like to gather in a 300- or 400-person seating atmosphere,” and prefer eye contact, movement, smaller groupings and deeper-dive discussions. GETTING STARTED McRae says it begins with listening carefully to your client and understanding their goals. Is their event focused on networking or education? Are there other considerations (accessibility, quiet space)? How open are clients to change? James has encountered occasional resistance here, noting, “So many clients are used to what they know,” so even if they want interactivity, they may need a planner’s encouragement to try a new element, like lounges. VENUE SELECTION AND CONSULTATION With non-traditional layouts especially, Bonner says it’s critical to choose the right venue and involve an event planner from the start. “I look at my main goals and objectives from the client, How shaking up traditional setups enhances attendee engagement by Connie Jeske Crane → ROOM LAYOUTS Good to Know B R I G H T I D E A S , N O TA B L E N E W S , C O O L T R E N D S “ I look at my main goals and objectives from the client and my top three objectives and if the venue space doesn’t allow for that, I move on.” Spring 2026 | Ignitemag.ca | 9
