Networking events come in standing and seated formats, and many combine both. This guide covers poseur tables, bar furniture, glassware, and canape equipment for corporate events of 50 to 150 guests.
Networking events come in standing and seated formats, and many combine both. This guide covers poseur tables, bar furniture, glassware, and canape equipment for corporate events of 50 to 150 guests.
Networking events come in two formats: standing receptions and seated dinners. The hire requirements differ for each, and many events combine both in a single evening.
\n\nPoseur tables are the core piece of furniture at a standing reception. They give guests somewhere to rest drinks and papers while they move around the room. A poseur table is around 110cm high with a 60cm diameter top, enough for four to six guests to gather around.
\nFor 50 guests in a standing reception, 6 to 8 poseur tables distributes the crowd without creating bottlenecks. For 100 guests, scale to 10 to 14 tables. For 150 guests, 15 to 20 poseur tables is a practical range depending on the room dimensions.
\n\nBar stools alongside poseur tables suit networking events where some guests prefer to sit, in particular at longer evening events or where older delegates are in attendance. Not every poseur table needs bar stools; a ratio of two stools per table for around half the tables in the room is a common arrangement.
\n\nA mobile bar requires a flat surface for drinks preparation, space for bottles and glasses, and an ice point. Straight trestle tables work well as a bar counter when covered with a tablecloth. A 6ft trestle table gives enough surface for two bar staff to work side by side.
\nAdd a second trestle table behind the bar for storage and backup stock. Glassware at a drinks reception includes wine glasses, tumblers, and champagne flutes depending on what is being served. For 100 guests at a two-hour reception, allow 1.5 glasses per person per hour as a starting point.
\n\nWine glasses cover red and white wine service. Champagne flutes are needed if prosecco or champagne is on the menu. Juice glasses or tumblers cover non-alcoholic options. Expo Hire glassware is available in large quantities for reception formats.
\nFor a 100-guest reception, a working order is 120 wine glasses, 80 champagne flutes, and 60 tumblers. Adjust based on the split between alcoholic and non-alcoholic options at the specific event.
\n\nNetworking events that include canape service need plates or napkins for guests. Side plates work for table-based canape displays. For pass-around service, napkins are the more practical option as guests can hold them in one hand while managing a drink in the other.
\n\nWhere the networking event includes a seated element, such as a keynote session or a dinner, round or rectangular tables can be configured in the room after the standing reception ends. Building the room layout around the transition between standing and seated formats saves time during the changeover.
\nRound tables of 5ft or 6ft seat 8 to 10 guests and allow conversation across the table during a dinner. Rectangular trestle tables are more space-efficient where a lecture-room layout suits the format.
\n\nCorporate networking events often have branded elements such as table runners and pull-up banners. Plain white or black tablecloths work well as a neutral base for branded overlays, and they give the room a clean corporate look without additional cost.
\n\nExpo Hire's minor damage waiver is worth considering for networking events held at external venues where equipment is handled by bar staff and waiters who are not the hirer's own team. It covers accidental breakages during the hire period for a small addition to the order cost.
\n\nExpo Hire delivers across England and Wales. See the carriage guide for delivery rates by distance. For evening networking events, a morning delivery allows the venue to set up at their own pace before guests arrive.
See also: corporate away day hire guide and cocktail party hire guide.
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