Designing seating and flow for comfort and safety
Comfortable seating and clear circulation are critical to attendee experience and safety. Think about lines, sightlines, entry and exit points, and ADA accessibility when planning layouts.
Design principles:
- Create wide aisles and unobstructed sightlines for stages or screens.
- Designate separate entry and exit routes to avoid congestion.
- Keep high-traffic areas clear of loose equipment and vendor booths.
Practical layout tips:
- Use floor plans to simulate attendee movement and identify bottlenecks.
- Place restrooms, concessions, and help desks away from main traffic funnels to reduce interruption.
- Reserve accessible seating near amenities and ensure paths meet accessibility standards.
Test the flow with a staff walkthrough and add signage and marshals to guide attendees. Well-considered seating and flow both improve experience and reduce safety risks.