Conference vs. Forum

The act of consulting together formally; serious conversation or discussion; interchange of views.

(politics) A multilateral diplomatic negotiation.

(science) A formal event where scientists present their research results in speeches, workshops, posters or by other means.

(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.

(sports) A group of sports teams that play each other on a regular basis.

A constituent tournament of a sports league in a given season.

(obsolete) The act of comparing two or more things together; comparison.

(Methodist Church) A stated meeting of preachers and others, invested with authority to take cognizance of ecclesiastical matters.

A voluntary association of Congregational churches of a district; the district in which such churches are.

To assess (a student) by one-on-one conversation, rather than an examination.

The act of comparing two or more things together; comparison.

Example: ‘Helps and furtherances which . . . the mutual conference of all men's collections and observations may afford.’;

The act of consulting together formally; serious conversation or discussion; interchange of views.

Example: ‘Nor with such free and friendly conferenceAs he hath used of old.’;

A meeting for consultation, discussion, or an interchange of opinions.

A meeting of the two branches of a legislature, by their committees, to adjust between them.

A stated meeting of preachers and others, invested with authority to take cognizance of ecclesiastical matters.

A voluntary association of Congregational churches of a district; the district in which such churches are.

a prearranged meeting for consultation or exchange of information or discussion (especially one with a formal agenda)

an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members

a discussion among participants who have an agreed (serious) topic

a dessert pear of a firm-fleshed variety.

take part in a conference or conference call

Example: ‘video conferencing’;

A conference is a meeting of people who about a topic.

Example: ‘confer’;

A place for discussion.

A gathering for the purpose of discussion.

A form of discussion involving a panel of presenters and often participation by members of the audience.

(Internet) An Internet message board where users can post messages regarding one or more topics of discussion.

Example: ‘Trish was an admin on three forums, and had no trouble at all when it came to moderating them.’;

(historical) A square or marketplace in a Roman town, used for public business and commerce.

A market place or public place in Rome, where causes were judicially tried, and orations delivered to the people.

A tribunal; a court; an assembly empowered to hear and decide causes.

Example: ‘He [Lord Camden] was . . . more eminent in the senate than in the forum.’;

a public meeting or assembly for open discussion

a public facility to meet for open discussion

a place of assembly for the people in ancient Greece