Meeting vs. Conference: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 15, 2023
A "Meeting" is a gathering for discussion or decision-making, while a "Conference" is a large formal assembly of people with shared interests.
Key Differences
Both "Meeting" and "Conference" refer to gatherings of individuals, but they carry distinct implications regarding their nature and purpose. A "Meeting" typically refers to a gathering of people, often in a professional context, where topics are discussed, decisions are made, or information is shared. On the contrary, a "Conference" usually denotes a larger, often more formal event, where people with shared interests or professions come together to exchange knowledge, discuss trends, or participate in workshops.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
While "Meetings" can be casual or formal, they are generally smaller in scale and might happen frequently within organizations. They can be scheduled regularly, like weekly team meetings, or arise spontaneously. "Conferences," in contrast, are generally large events that are planned well in advance and may last for several days, featuring multiple sessions, speakers, and often, a predefined agenda.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
The duration and planning involved in "Meetings" and "Conferences" also differ. A "Meeting" might last for just an hour or even less, requiring minimal preparation. Meanwhile, a "Conference" can extend over multiple days, requiring significant planning, including logistics, securing speakers, and arranging venues.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
In terms of participation, "Meetings" typically involve participants actively discussing or collaborating. Everyone present usually has a chance to voice their opinions or concerns. In a "Conference," attendees might spend a significant portion of their time listening to experts, attending sessions, or networking, with limited opportunities for direct input.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Participant Role
Active discussion or collaboration
Listening, attending sessions, networking
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Meeting and Conference Definitions
Meeting
An assembly of people to make decisions.
The board meeting decided the company's future.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
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Conference
A multi-session assembly with a set agenda.
The conference had sessions on various topics.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Meeting
A chance encounter or appointment.
I had a brief meeting with her at the cafe.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Conference
A large gathering on a particular subject.
The annual tech conference attracts thousands.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Meeting
A scheduled or impromptu assembly.
We had an emergency meeting about the issue.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Conference
An extensive gathering with keynote speakers.
The keynote at the conference was inspiring.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
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Meeting
A convening of members or stakeholders.
The annual shareholders' meeting is in May.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Conference
A formal event requiring significant planning.
Organizing the international conference took months.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Meeting
A gathering for a specific purpose.
The team had a meeting to discuss the project.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Conference
An event for discussion, education, or networking.
She presented her research at the conference.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
Meeting
An assembly or gathering of people, as for a business, social, or religious purpose.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meeting
The act of persons or things that meet.
Meeting him will be exciting.
I enjoy meeting new people.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
A meeting of committees to settle differences between two legislative bodies.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meeting
A gathering of persons for a purpose; an assembly.
We need to have a meeting about that soon.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
An assembly of clerical or of clerical and lay members from a particular district in various Protestant churches.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meeting
(collective) The people at such a gathering.
What has the meeting decided.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meeting
An encounter between people, even accidental.
They came together in a chance meeting on the way home from work.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meeting
A place or instance of junction or intersection; a confluence.
Earthquakes occur at the meeting of tectonic plates.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
The act of consulting together formally; serious conversation or discussion; interchange of views.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meeting
A religious service held by a charismatic preacher in small towns in the United States.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meeting
(Quakerism) An administrative unit in the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
Denver meeting is a part of Intermountain yearly meeting.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
(science) A formal event where scientists present their research results in speeches, workshops, posters or by other means.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
(business) An event organized by a for-profit or non-profit organization to discuss a pressing issue, such as a new product, market trend or government regulation, with a range of speakers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
(sports) A group of sports teams that play each other on a regular basis.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meeting
A junction, crossing, or union; as, the meeting of the roads or of two rivers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meeting
A congregation; a collection of people; a convention; as, a large meeting; an harmonious meeting.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
(obsolete) The act of comparing two or more things together; comparison.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meeting
An assembly for worship; as, to attend meeting on Sunday; - in England, applied distinctively and disparagingly to the worshiping assemblies of Dissenters.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
(Methodist Church) A stated meeting of preachers and others, invested with authority to take cognizance of ecclesiastical matters.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meeting
A formally arranged gathering;
Next year the meeting will be in Chicago
The meeting elected a chairperson
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
A voluntary association of Congregational churches of a district; the district in which such churches are.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meeting
The social act of assembling for some common purpose;
His meeting with the salesmen was the high point of his day
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
To assess (a student) by one-on-one conversation, rather than an examination.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meeting
A small informal social gathering;
There was an informal meeting in my livingroom
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
The act of comparing two or more things together; comparison.
Helps and furtherances which . . . the mutual conference of all men's collections and observations may afford.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meeting
A casual or unexpected convergence;
He still remembers their meeting in Paris
There was a brief encounter in the hallway
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
The act of consulting together formally; serious conversation or discussion; interchange of views.
Nor with such free and friendly conferenceAs he hath used of old.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meeting
The act of joining together as one;
The merging of the two groups occurred quickly
There was no meeting of minds
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
A meeting for consultation, discussion, or an interchange of opinions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meeting
A place where things merge or flow together (especially rivers);
Pittsburgh is located at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
A meeting of the two branches of a legislature, by their committees, to adjust between them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
A stated meeting of preachers and others, invested with authority to take cognizance of ecclesiastical matters.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
A voluntary association of Congregational churches of a district; the district in which such churches are.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
A prearranged meeting for consultation or exchange of information or discussion (especially one with a formal agenda)
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
An association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conference
A discussion among participants who have an agreed (serious) topic
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Is every gathering in a company a "Meeting"?
No, gatherings can vary in nature; they can be meetings, workshops, or trainings.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Are "Conferences" always multi-day events?
Not always, but they often last multiple days due to their extensive agenda.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Do all "Meetings" need a set agenda?
Not necessarily, but having an agenda helps guide the discussion.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
What's the core purpose of a "Meeting"?
A "Meeting" is for discussion, decision-making, or information sharing.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
How is a "Conference" generally structured?
A "Conference" often has multiple sessions, speakers, and a set agenda.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
How is a "Conference" different from a seminar?
A "Conference" is broader, often covering multiple topics, while a seminar typically focuses on a specific subject.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Who typically attends "Conferences"?
Professionals, experts, students, and enthusiasts related to the conference's theme.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Can a "Meeting" happen virtually?
Yes, virtual or online meetings have become common, especially in recent times.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Are "Conferences" always in-person events?
No, there are many virtual conferences, especially in the digital age.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
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.
