A boardroom is a formal gathering held in a specific space for this purpose, also known as the boardroom, within a company or other organization. It is here that high-level decisions, which often affect the employees of a company as well as shareholders who own its shares or the overall economy and the economy at large, are made. Meetings can be held every quarter or monthly, and there are additional ad-hoc meetings as necessary to discuss urgent issues. They typically follow a standard structure and agenda. They are usually private and participants are often required to sign non-disclosure agreements.

The term is also used to refer to a room in a stockbroker’s office where stocks and market quotes are displayed. The first references to the term are to rooms inside the London Stock Exchange building.

While conference rooms and boardrooms have similar purposes, they are distinct spaces with their own unique design and ambience. The difference between them is in their exclusivity, space and layout, as well as the integration of technology. Understanding these distinctions helps organizations optimize their effectiveness and efficiently utilize both spaces.

In boardrooms and the C-suites of the world, diversity and inclusion are quickly becoming more than a buzzword. As the movement gains momentum many companies are transforming their practices in new ways and implementing new policies in order to ensure that their workforce represents their customers. However, there is still much get more to be done. The most effective place to begin is in the boardroom.