Noun

Singular conference

Plural conferences

conference (plural conferences)

1. (politics) A multilateral diplomatic negotiation.
2. (sciences) A formalized event where scientists present their research results in speeches, workshops, posters or by other means.
3. (business) An event organized by a for-profit or non-profit organization to discuss a pressing issue -- like a new product, market trend or government regulation -- with a range of speakers.

Derived terms

• conference table
• news conference
• press conference
• conference room

A conference is a meeting of people that "confer" about a topic.

• Academic conference, in science and academia, a formal event where researchers present results, workshops, and other activities.
• Business conference, organized to discuss business-related matters best effected there.
• News conference, an announcement to the press (print, radio, television) with the expectation of questions, about the announced matter, following.
• Settlement conference, a meeting between the plaintiff and the respondent in lawsuit, wherein they try to settle their dispute without proceeding to trial
• Conference (sports), a grouping of geographically-related teams
• Conference call, in telecommunications, a "multi-party call"
• Conference hall, room where conferences are held
• Football Conference, an English football league
• In the Netherlands, a solo cabaret act, a type of stand-up comedy lasting one to two hours
• Parent-teacher conference, a meeting with a child's teacher to discuss grades and school performance.
• Unconference
• Amplified conference