Convention vs. Conference: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 22, 2023
A convention is a large gathering based on shared interests or professions, while a conference is a formal meeting for discussion, often academic or business-focused.
Key Differences
A convention typically refers to a large gathering of people who share common interests, often in a particular profession or hobby. Conferences, on the other hand, are formal meetings where participants discuss a specific topic, often in the realms of academia or business.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
At a convention, attendees might partake in workshops, displays, or networking events relevant to a particular theme or industry. In contrast, a conference often has scheduled talks, presentations, and panels with an aim to share knowledge or research findings.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
The scope of a convention can be broad, encompassing a wide range of activities and subjects related to its central theme. Meanwhile, a conference tends to be more specialized, narrowing its focus on a specific field or topic.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
While both conventions and conferences provide networking opportunities, a convention's atmosphere is often more relaxed, while a conference maintains a more structured and formal tone.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Comparison Chart
Primary Purpose
Gather people with shared interests or professions.
Facilitate formal discussion, often academic or business.
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Oct 22, 2023
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Activities
Workshops, displays, networking events.
Talks, presentations, panels.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Scope
Can encompass a wide range of related subjects.
Tends to focus narrowly on a specific field or topic.
Harlon Moss
Oct 22, 2023
Format
Might be informal, with various events over days.
More scheduled and formal with sessions and agendas.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Convention and Conference Definitions
Convention
A large gathering of people with shared interests or professions.
The annual comic book convention attracts thousands of fans.
Huma Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
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Conference
An association of sports teams that compete mainly among themselves.
The Lakers play in the Western Conference of the NBA.
Janet White
Oct 22, 2023
Convention
An assembly or gathering of a particular group.
The political party held its convention to choose a presidential candidate.
Harlon Moss
Oct 22, 2023
Conference
A prearranged meeting for consultation or exchange of information.
The teams had a conference to discuss the project details.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Convention
An accepted way of doing something; a custom or practice.
It's a convention to shake hands when greeting someone.
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Oct 22, 2023
Conference
A series of meetings for discussing a particular subject.
A medical conference on cardiovascular health is scheduled next month.
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Oct 22, 2023
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Convention
A formal agreement between countries.
The Geneva Convention outlines the treatment of prisoners of war.
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Oct 22, 2023
Conference
A formal meeting for discussion, often academic or business-focused.
The technology conference showcased the latest industry innovations.
Huma Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Convention
Established norms or standards within a community.
Breaking social conventions can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.
Harlon Moss
Oct 22, 2023
Conference
A deliberative assembly of representatives or delegates.
The conference was held to negotiate the terms of the treaty.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Convention
A formal meeting of members, representatives, or delegates, as of a political party, fraternal society, profession, or industry.
Sumera Saeed
Apr 02, 2022
FAQs
Are conferences typically longer than seminars?
Yes, conferences often span multiple days with various sessions, whereas seminars are usually shorter and focused.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
How is a conference different from a seminar?
A conference is a larger gathering with multiple sessions, while a seminar is typically a single session or lecture on a specific topic.
Huma Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
What's the primary goal of a convention?
The primary goal of a convention is to gather people with shared interests or professions for networking, learning, or entertainment.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
What might you find at a business convention?
At a business convention, you might find workshops, product displays, networking events, and keynote speakers.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Are conferences always formal?
While conferences tend to be formal, they can vary in tone based on the topic and audience.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 22, 2023
What's the role of keynote speakers at conventions?
Keynote speakers at conventions provide insights, inspire attendees, and often set the tone or theme for the event.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 22, 2023
Can conventions be related to hobbies?
Yes, conventions can be related to hobbies, such as comic book conventions or gaming conventions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Are conventions only held for entertainment industries?
No, conventions can be held for various fields, from entertainment to professional industries.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Can a convention be an established practice?
Yes, "convention" can also refer to an established custom or way of doing something.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 22, 2023
Are there conferences for specific academic disciplines?
Yes, many academic disciplines hold conferences to discuss research findings and advancements in the field.
Sara Rehman
Oct 22, 2023
Who typically attends conferences?
Professionals, researchers, scholars, or enthusiasts related to the conference's topic usually attend.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Can a conference be part of a larger convention?
Yes, larger conventions might incorporate conferences as part of their scheduled events.
Harlon Moss
Oct 22, 2023
Can a conference result in published proceedings?
Yes, academic conferences often result in published proceedings summarizing the research presented.
Janet White
Oct 22, 2023
Can conventions be held virtually?
Yes, with advancements in technology, many conventions are now held virtually, especially during times of travel restrictions.
Harlon Moss
Oct 22, 2023
Can conventions influence trends in an industry?
Absolutely, conventions can highlight emerging trends and set directions for industries.
Harlon Moss
Oct 22, 2023
Do conferences always have scheduled agendas?
Most conferences have scheduled agendas to organize discussions, presentations, and panels.
Janet White
Oct 22, 2023
Is a conference typically larger than a workshop?
Yes, a conference usually encompasses multiple sessions and workshops, making it larger in scale.
Janet White
Oct 22, 2023
Are conventions more informal than conferences?
While it varies, conventions often have a more relaxed atmosphere, whereas conferences might maintain a more formal tone.
Janet White
Oct 22, 2023
Can "convention" refer to international agreements?
Yes, "convention" can refer to formal agreements between countries, like the Geneva Convention.
Janet White
Oct 22, 2023
What's the main focus of a business conference?
A business conference focuses on industry trends, innovations, and networking opportunities.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
