Live conferences bring people together … in both a physical and emotional sense. That’s why we love them (and have missed them) so much.

But of all the moments that make up a conference, there is none MORE physically together than when the crowds gather at Pre-Dinner Drinks to check the seating list to see who they are going to have to make small-talk with that evening.

Heads are gathered in close proximity and pointed towards the collection of A4 pages that have been stuck to a wall or a board. Necks are craned forward in unison to try decipher the often absurdly small font that has been used.

If ever there is a moment that can turn a super conference into a super spreading event, it is this. So here’s my tip:

For the foreseeable future, print seating plans up in large font and spread them around the Pre-Dinner Drinks area.

Sure, that means people may have to spend much more time walking around to find where they’re going to be sitting … but surely on an evening where you’re going to be eating and drinking more than usual, a little extra light exercise isn’t a bad thing?

And, if you’re looking for some incredibly creative ideas for your future seating plans, I present below some helpful suggestions.