I wonder if anyone can help me find a solution to this problem please?


I run training sessions for a growing group of about 50 volunteers
approximately every 3 months. In order to help the learning process, I
allocate them to tables of 6 or 7 with the aim of enabling them, over a
period of time, to meet and work with as many of their colleagues as
possible. For obvious reasons, I also try to ensure that each table has the
widest possible mix of experience.


To manage this, I have a spreadsheet which records in Column A the names of
the volunteers (most experienced at the top, newest at the bottom). The
subsequent columns record, from left to right, the table numbers that they
sat on at each meeting. A blank indicates when an individual was unable to
attend a session.


My question is about to how best to allocate table numbers at future
sessions. I have tried allocating places randomly but, interestingly, that
does not always give the widest mix of experience on each table (you can, by
chance, end up with virtually all the 'new' members on one table).
Furthermore, I would like to ensure that no one sits on the same table as
someone they worked with at the last session (or, preferably, the last 2 or
3 sessions).


Has anyone any ideas please as to how I can solve this problem using Excel?


TIA

V