Meetings and conferences are both structured events where people convene to discuss a variety of topics, but they differ in significant ways. Typically, a meeting is a smaller, more frequent gathering of individuals from the same organisation or team to discuss specific issues, projects, or initiatives. Oftentimes, the purpose of a meeting is to encourage direct participation from all attendees, and meetings can be routine, such as weekly departmental meetings. During meetings, the decision-making process is typically more collaborative and involves a lesser number of stakeholders.
A conference, on the other hand, is a larger, less frequent gathering that frequently includes participants from diverse organisations and disciplines. Usually focusing on broader topics or themes, conferences can last several days. The format may vary, including presentations, panel discussions, and seminars. Although there may be opportunities for interaction, the majority of conference attendees are typically passive, listening to experts or thought leaders. In conclusion, while both meetings and conferences facilitate discussion and the exchange of knowledge, they differ in terms of scale, frequency, scope, level of participant engagement, and, frequently, the diversity of participants.
What is a Meeting?
A meeting is when two or more people get together with the same goal in mind. It’s a place where people can talk to each other, share thoughts, talk about problems, make decisions, or work on tasks together. Meetings can happen in different places, like businesses, schools, neighbourhood groups, or social clubs. They can also happen in person or online. In business, meetings are often set up to talk about a certain topic connected to the organization’s operations, like project updates, strategic planning, or solving problems. Team members, managers, or people with a stake in the project are usually there, and everyone generally takes part in discussions and makes decisions.
There are different kinds of meetings. Formal meetings have a schedule and a set of rules or procedures that they follow. Informal meetings, on the other hand, are more flexible and happen on the spot. Meetings can happen as often as once a year or as often as every day. The success of a meeting is often contingent on the quality of the preparation, the efficacy of the communication, and the level of engagement of the attendees. Effective meetings can help people work together, make better decisions, be more open, and, in the end, make an organisation or group more successful. But meetings that aren’t run well can waste time and money, so careful planning and performance are important.
What is a Conference?
A conference is a formal gathering where people get together to talk about a certain topic or theme. It can involve a large number of people, often from different organisations, professions, or parts of the world, who share a similar interest or field of expertise. Conferences can last one day or several, and they can be in person or online. Unlike meetings, where most people participate actively, most people at conferences sit back and listen to presentations or group discussions led by experts or thought leaders in the field. These talks or discussions can be about the most recent study, innovations, trends, or challenges that have to do with the topic at hand.
People can often network at conferences by talking to their peers, experts, and leaders in their field. This can lead to collaborations, partnerships, or business possibilities. They might also have workshops or break-out events that are more hands-on and involve more people. In the end, a meeting is a place where people from all over can share information, learn, and connect. It can lead to new ideas, help people get better at their jobs, and start conversations and projects within a field or between fields.
Difference Between Meeting and Conference
A meeting is a smaller, more frequent gathering of people from the same group or organisation to work on a common goal or resolve a specific problem. Everyone in the room plays a vital role in the debates and decisions that are made. In comparison, a conference is a larger, less frequent gathering that brings together people from several organisations or areas to talk about overarching topics. Most attendees at conferences sit passively and listen to talks given by subject matter experts. In contrast to the focus on rapid team-based choices and actions at meetings, conferences offer a venue for the dissemination of information, the cultivation of professional relationships, and the advancement of expertise on a broader scale. Below, we’ve outlined the key differences between a meeting and a conference.
Size
In contrast to the hundreds or even thousands who may attend a single conference, the average meeting size is far less.
Frequency
Daily, weekly, and monthly meetings are the norm, whereas annual or semiannual conferences are the exception.
Purpose
Different from conferences, which aim to exchange knowledge, inspire new ideas, and foster networking on a larger scale, meetings are typically organised to address specific concerns, make decisions, or track progress.
Participation
Every person present at a meeting should contribute to the conversation. Most people at conferences just sit and listen to keynote speakers; the only opportunities for participation are during Q&A sessions, workshops, and networking breaks.
Organization
Typically, just one group or entity takes charge of organising a meeting. The organisers of a conference, on the other hand, could be a group of businesses, a government agency, or even one individual.
Duration
The average meeting lasts a little more than two hours. It’s not uncommon for conferences to extend for a whole week.
Scope
The typical meeting agenda consists of discussing team operations. Conferences showcase the most recent trends, research, or best practices in a given industry by focusing on broader subjects or themes.
Format
The format of most meetings is rather casual, with everyone free to speak their mind. Keynote addresses, panels, workshops, poster sessions, and social events are just some of the conference formats.
