conference
n
1 a meeting for consultation, exchange of information, or discussion, esp. one with a formal agenda
2 a formal meeting of two or more states, political groups, etc., esp. to discuss differences or formulate common policy
3 an assembly of the clergy or of clergy and laity of any of certain Protestant Christian Churches acting as representatives of their denomination
the Methodist conference
4 (Sport) (U.S. and Canadian) a league or division of clubs or teams
5 Rare an act of bestowal
(C16: from Medieval Latin conferentia, from Latin conferre to bring together; see confer)
♦
conferential adj