Performance Matters: Choosing A Powered Conference Table in 2015

Powered conference tables are the latest craze! As businesses look to improve functionality, efficiency, and performance in the boardroom, the top rated furniture manufacturers have begun their push to deliver high powered tables designed to do just that. In today's post we'll share what to look for in a powered conference table, the top brands, models, and tips to make your meeting area the best it can be.

This year brands like Global Total Office and Mayline are leading the powered conference table boom. With collection like Zira and TransAction, finding a high powered table is easier than ever. Global's Zira tables can be outfitted with custom power modules that feature HDMI, Audio, Phone, Ethernet, and three prong power inputs that will help streamline your meetings. The Mayline TransAction series is just as advanced. These high tech tables offer a futuristic look and can be outfitted with multiple power modules to take meeting performance to the next level.

Don't need all the bells and whistles? No problem! Basic powered conference tables like the Verde from Cherryman Industries can be outfitted with simplified power solutions that offer three prong outlet and phone inputs. These tables are easy to spec, assemble, and operate. In addition to the Verde tables, the Lesro Industries Mystic collection is another prime option for businesses looking to keep things simple.

With so many powered conference tables on the market, you may be thinking "how do I choose"? You'll want to start the process by assessing what options you feel will be used regularly, and those that may be helpful in the future. Contact your dealer of choice and discuss your specific conference room needs. Let them know what you need from your conference table and they will be happy to provide suggestions. If you'd like to skip the sales call, try contacting one of the top conference table manufacturers like Global Total Office, Mayline, or Cherryman Industries. They'll be happy to tell you about all the options available to meet your needs.

We personally recommend the Zira conference table collection from Global Total Office. The great thing about the Zira line is that it's plug and pay telecom plates can be quickly replaced as the needs of your business change. This means, no need to by all new power modules! The Zira conference room furniture collection also includes a wide range of high tech accessories and room accents that will help to compliment your space.

While once thought of as a luxury, powered conference room tables are now becoming the industry standard. Likewise, a conference room table with power options used to be hard to spec. Now manufacturers have simplified the process by offering factory installed modules that you simply need to plug in to operate. No need to cut holes in tables and route wires to obtain power in the boardroom! While aftermarket power ports are widely available that do require some cutting, we highly recommend buying a table with factory installed ports. It minimizes the headaches!

The price point of powered conference tables has also come down significantly. An 8' ft. Mayline Medina conference table with a single centrally located power module will only cost your business around $700.00. That being said, the higher end boardroom tables with advanced options can certainly get a bit more costly. These tables are specifically designed to high tech meeting environments where power is a must. If you're running extension cords across  your table surface and cluttering up the boardroom, a powered table is a must consider. The investment will be significant at first, but the time saved during meetings, training, and strategy sessions will provide your business with long term gains.

Best Selling Powered Conference Tables of 2015

If you want to take conference room productivity and functionality to the next level, you'll need a powered table! This year the top furniture manufacturers have brought to market versatile tables that provide the cutting edge features needed to kick your meeting area into high gear. In today's post we'll highlight 2015's best selling powered conference tables. Enjoy!

When it comes to modern conference tables with power options, there's no better brand than Global Total Office. With their new Zira collection, designing a customized table to meet your businesses multi media needs has never been easier. Simply choose a table shape and size that works for you. Next, select a power port with enough three prong outlets for your space. Then add telecom plates to further boost performance. Global provides cutting edge Oasis series modules that come highly recommended. Telecom plates offer plug and play options that include HDMI, USB, Audio, Phone, and Ethernet inputs. Zira's top of the line tables can be spec'd in your choice of 23 laminate finish options and 2 base accent colors to meet your office decor needs.

With Mayline's extensive lineup of best selling furniture lines, finding a powered conference table for your specific business needs is a breeze. With collections like TransAction, Napoli, and Medina, you'll be ready to create a high tech boardroom ready to meet the demands of your modern business. The TransAction series is Mayline's most advanced. These high tech tables are available with customizable power modules that can be daisy chained together and wired directly into floor outlets. The extensive options available on TransAction tables make them a bit confusing for the average consumer to spec. You'll definitely want to consult with the professionals about one of these bad boys!

The Napoli and Medina conference furniture collections share similar design characteristics. Napoli offers a wood veneer construction and is a bit more high end. Medina is a laminate line available in attractive finish options and with basic power module options that won't break your budget. If you just need the basics in your boardroom, you can't go wrong with either of these two best selling lines.

Cherryman Industries is a leading manufacturer of professional desk configurations, ergonomic chairs, and awesome tables for the boardroom! Their best selling Verde collection offers tables in 3 different lengths to fit meeting areas of any size. Verde tables are available in two quick shipping finish options that are sure to provide a refreshing alternative to the traditional cherry and maple finishes that trended in years passed. All three of the Verde conference table models feature white accented legs with cable troughs designed to help you run power from surface to outlet effectively. The best part is, power modules for the Verde tables are incredibly affordable and you won't have to select any custom options. Simply add one, two, or three modules to your table and your ready to roll!

Highly respected for their top notch reception, lobby, and waiting room furniture, Lesro Industries deserves more credit for their awesome conference tables! If you're tired of traditional table shapes like rectangular, oval, and round in the meeting area, Lesro's elliptical conference tables will certainly strike your fancy. These industrial-modern tables feature sleek curved sides and metal legs that are sure to wow your conference room guests. Affordable, easy to assemble, and very well made! Mystic tables can really do it all. The power modules can be factory installed to make things easy when your table arrives. Simply select a top finish, metal leg finish, and module that works for you. It doesn't get much easier than that!

How To Spec Your Powered Conference Table

If you're looking to create a cutting edge conference room for your business, you'll need to incorporate a powered table into your space! These days meeting areas are all about efficiency and productivity and powering up your space is just plain smart. Unfortunately, most of today's powered conference room tables are tough to spec. In today's post we'll simplify the process to make selecting your new powered conference table a breeze.

1.) Select A Table

The first step in process is to select a table. You'll want to start by measuring out your conference room to see what size table will be appropriate. Be sure to take note of power outlets, windows, entry ways, and any room obstructions of importance. Next determine how many guests you hope to accommodate during your meetings. On average, you'll want to allocate 3' of table space per guest. If you take one important point away from today's article, let it be this: Measure your space effectively! You don't want to spend thousands on customized powered conference tables only to find that they don't fit properly in their respective areas. Like they always say, measure twice, cut once.

Once your space is properly measured, you'll want to know what powered conference tables are the best for your business. Brands like Mayline and Global Total Office are paving the way this year and should be at the top of your list. Mayline's TransAction series conference tables and Global's Zira tables are the easiest to spec, look great, and provide a ton of customizable options that will help you make your space one of a kind.

2.) Selecting Cut Outs

Once you've measured your space and selected your new conference table, you'll want to select the cutout locations for your power modules. For boardroom tables smaller than 8' in length, a single cutout in the center of your tables surface should be just fine. Those in need of larger solutions will have the option of a variety of cutout locations. Take into consideration your closest power outlets and how many modules you'll need. Often businesses opt to have cutouts in the table center, left, and right ends for a total of 3 ports.

3.) Select Infeed Options

If your table is going to be outfitted with a single cutout, a basic module with three prong outlet cord can be selected to power your space. You can choose to have the module wired to a floor power outlet or a wall outlet depending on the length of power cord you select. If your table is utilizing multiple modules, you'll need to select from a few standard indeed options. This will allow you to daisy chain your modules together, resulting in the need to only plug in one cord to obtain power.

4.) Select Modules

Basic power modules must be selected to outfit your table cutouts. These base units are the main power source of your table. Base modules like the Oasis from Global Total Office can be configured with any number of 3 prong outlets you feel will be necessary. Multiple finish options and sizes are available for your to choose from. Select an option that will be best for your meeting area needs and proceed accordingly.

5.) Select Telecom Plates

Your base power module will only come standard with 3 prong outlet inputs. If this is all you need, you're good to go. However, this is seldom the case. Based on the modules you choose for your powered conference table you'll have a certain number of telecom plates to fill. Options like phone, data, USB, HDMI, and many others are available to choose from to help you take your meeting area to the next level.

How To Select A Custom Conference Table with Power

If you're planning to makeover your conference room in 2014, choosing a powered conference table is a must. Unfortunately, this process can be a bit tricky and confusing for the average consumer. Luckily, in today's article we'll highlight and explain the step by step process to ensure you select the perfect table for your meeting area. Enjoy!

Step 1: Know The Top Brands

Not all conference tables are created equal! While nearly all brands are offering powered solutions, it's important to select a product from a reputable and reliable source. Brands like Mayline, Global Total Office, and Cherryman are all highly recommended by industry professionals as they offer the versatile options needed to ensure you achieve your multi media meeting area goals.

Step 2: Select A Table

The top conference room table collections available with factory installed power modules include the Global Zira collection, Mayline TransAction series, and Cherryman Verde lines. Start by measuring your space to determine what size table will fit best and how many guests you are able to accommodate. Next, select a table that fits your decor and business style. The aforementioned lines all offer a variety of large and small conference tables for sale that are ideal for nearly any boardroom.

Step 3: Choose Your Power Port Locations

Once you've selected a power ready table, you'll need to choose where you want your technology ports to be located. Typical locations include the left end, middle, and right end. In most cases, a single centrally located module will work best for you. If you're working in a high tech and fast paced business environment, adding modules in all three locations might be a good idea. As a general rule of thumb, 6' to 8' conference tables will be just fine with a single power port while tables 10' and larger will greatly benefit from 2 or more ports.

Step 4: Assess Your Power and Data Needs

The extensive offering of power modules available makes this step a must. Take the time to meet with your team to determine how many basic power outlets, phone jacks, USB ports, HDMI inputs, and RJ45 input will be needed to meet your needs. This will provide your dealer of choice with a helpful outline of what module will work best for you.

Step 5: Selecting A Power Module

Choosing a power module is perhaps the most important step of the entire design process. As the central hub of your new table, it's important to choose the right module for your long term business needs. Basic modules are available from the top brands mentioned above that typically feature (2) three prong outlets and (2) phone inputs. If this is plenty for your business, keep it simple and cost effective by choosing the basic option.

Those in need of a more multi media friendly solution will need to choose from a variety of modules capable of receiving telecom ports which we will cover in the next step. Simply select a module style with enough (3) prong outlets to handle your work load and move on to the next step. From an aesthetic standpoint, it's also important to choose module that will compliment the look of your table. Most commonly, silver and black metal models are available that should work perfectly.

Step 6: Selecting Telecom Plates

Those with high tech boardroom demands will need to select the correct telecom plates to be inserted into their chosen module. In a nut shell, telecom plates are the units that contain inputs for HDMI, RJ45, USB, and other power options besides your basic three prong outlets. Here is where it's essential to cover your previously assessed needs. On average, telecom plates are quite affordable. That being said, choosing a few more inputs than what you currently need is never a bad idea as it ensures room for business growth. The new Global Total Office Zira Conference Tables are available with telecom plates that range from around $50 to $120.


Step 7: Installation

So you've designed your conference table with power options you needed for meeting area success. Now it's time to focus on installation. It's always smart to let your table manufacturer handle as much of the power install as possible. In most cases they will cut the power port in your table surface and install the basic module. You'll need your IT team or an electrician to connect the telecom plates. This is typically quite simple and shouldn't feared. If you've selected a ground wired unit, an electrician will be needed to run your tables power through the floor. This is typically the option needed for large conference tables with multiple power ports. Single port tables will typically come with a standard 9' cord that can be routed to a 3 prong outlet nearby.

The actual table assembly process should also be quite simple. Start by flipping your table top over onto a safe (scratch free) surface. Connect the legs and carefully flip the table back over. The job can be effectively handled with basic hand tools. Clean up the remaining packing materials and you should be good to go! Enjoy your new powered conference table and meetings sure to wow your valued clientele.