Difference Between Symposium and Conference
Discussion is perhaps the best way in which information and views can be expressed and exchanged. It allows one to understand what others think on a given matter and provide you with an opportunity to listen to opposing and like minded views on a given topic.
Discussion can be both formal and informal in nature. It can be done sitting in one’s living room in a casual manner or in a boardroom where there are many professionals and the setting is formal. Then there are events arranged for the purpose of discussing matters of importance and to provide people with an opportunity to express their opinions on a topic or set of topics. Often much can be achieved from these discussions.
Many organisations and institutes hold conferences and symposiums for deliberation on various matters. Generally the two terms are used as synonyms but there are some differences amongst the two.
A conference is a platform at which people will discuss their ideas, their researches and make presentations for the benefit of others as they make their points. A symposium is a combination of several small conferences. The main difference is that although both are on the same lines, one is a part of the other.
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Symposium
The concept is originally from Greece where the symposium was a literary party that involved drinking of alcohol. In current day and age, it is a professional setting in which people present their view on various topics of importance and present others with their research work and theories.
It can simply be an event where discussion are held on more serious endeavours such as policy making may also be a part of it. These are an excellent idea for bringing experts in a given field under one roof to discuss and come up with solutions to various matters of importance.
These can be arranged by a private organisation, an educational institute or by any government agency. It can last a day or longer depending on the organisers.
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Conference
A conference is a platform for experts as well as novice to come to and discuss various aspects of a subject. These can include the results of latest researches as well as discussions on how to further work on already proven facts. Often the discussions are more to refresh the knowledge of the participants.
This can be arranged by any institute though there are generally professional organisations that hold such events. It will often last a few hours and it is rare that a conference goes beyond on day.
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