Z_Definitive_Guide_to_Running_a_Successful_REIA_Meeting_Reduced_size

RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL REIA MEETING
information about a particular subject. These events may have
worksheets or handouts that people will need to follow. Since there
will be so much information to process, the audience will also want
to take notes.
This configuration will make use of long tables. Ideally, the
audience should only be seated along one side of the table, the side
facing the stage. This will let them take notes without the need to
look away from the stage. In addition to this, the speaker can
address everyone face-to-face rather than having people constantly
turn around.
The tables can be set up in rows, rather than staggered. Remember
that you want to make it as easy as possible to move between the
tables. The best way to do this is to create aisles between each
column of tables. You could, for example, break the tables up into
three columns with an aisle between each one. This will not only
allow people to move around but will foster a stronger classroom
feeling.
Regardless of how you set up the room, make sure there are no
doors off to the side of the stage. Nothing is more distracting than an
attendee walking up in front of the room, right in front of the
speaker, to leave the room or go to the bathroom. The best exit is the
exit in the rear of the room, away from potentially becoming a
distraction. Speaking of distractions, even windows in the room can
create distractions. I once spoke at a REIA meeting where there
were floor to ceiling windows off to the side of the room. There was
a lot of construction going on outside, and I found myself competing
for the attention of the room every time the huge bulldozers and
Caterpillars drove by.
Audio and Video Equipment
The audio and visual equipment will play a major role in any
presentation. Most speakers will have some sort of modern
110