The Distinguishing Factors Between Symposiums And Conferences

Are you confused about what sets symposiums apart from conferences?

In theory, it might seem as though symposiums and conferences are pretty much one and the same. They both tend to bring large groups of people together to discuss a central topic.

But in reality, symposiums and conferences are two very different types of events. So you should make sure that you know what sets them apart before you sign up to attend one or the other.

Today, we’re going to talk to you at length about what differentiates symposiums and conferences. We’re going to begin by touching on what symposiums are vs. what conferences are and then segue into discussing some of their key differences.

Learn all about the distinguishing factors that make symposiums and conferences unique below.

Table of Contents

What Is a Symposium?

If you were to walk up to someone on the street and ask them what a symposium is, there is a decent chance that they would describe it by saying something like, “It’s a conference.” This is a big part of the reason why so many people confuse symposiums and conferences.

But as we just alluded to at the top, a symposium is not a conference. It can be similar to a conference in some ways (more on that later) but it is its own thing entirely.

A symposium is a formal gathering of people that is typically staged in an academic setting over the course of a single day. These people are often experts in their specific field, and they come together to put on presentations that feature several of them giving their takes on a particular subject.

Following the presentations from experts, there are also usually large discussions among all of the experts in attendance. They’ll respond to what was said during different presentations in an effort to spark lively conversations and share their knowledge with one another.

Although it might seem as though symposiums would be relatively stuffy since they’re held in an academic setting, they’re more casual than you might think in many cases. Most of the experts who attend symposiums will loosen up their ties, let down their hair, and have a little fun while talking about a topic that interests all of them.

Visit https://www.spacesymposium365.org/memberships/ to get a better feel for what symposiums are.

What Is a Conference?

If you were to walk up to someone on the street and ask them what a conference is, they wouldn’t have too much trouble breaking it down for you. Unlike symposiums, people have usually heard of conferences before. There is even a chance that they’ve attended one or two in the past.

Growing up, kids hear about their parents going to parent-teacher conferences. They also watch sports and hear about the sports conferences that teams play in. This has made conferences more well-known than symposiums.

So, what exactly is a conference? Well, it’s a formal meeting that features people discussing a wide range of topics. While these topics are often connected in some way, those who participate in the discussions surrounding some aren’t always from the same fields. And while some conferences are academic in nature, most of them aren’t.

Conferences also tend to take place over the course of several days. It’s not uncommon for big conferences to last for a weekend, a long weekend, or even several days in certain cases. There are usually lots of different types of events shoehorned into a single conference to allow attendees to make the most of their time at them.

In Which Ways Are Symposiums and Conferences Alike?

At their cores, symposiums and conferences are decidedly different. If you attend a symposium and then attend a conference right after, you’ll have two very different experiences, even if the symposium and conference both touch on the same topic.

But it’s definitely worth noting that there are some things that make symposiums and conferences alike. Find out about these similarities below.

1. Symposiums and Conferences Feature Large Groups of People Getting Together

You can have both symposiums and conferences that are on the smaller side. In fact, there are some conferences that will only feature a few select people getting together to have a discussion about a topic.

But generally speaking, both symposiums and conferences are going to feature larger groups of people coming together. You might actually mistake a symposium for a conference or vice versa if you ever come across one taking place.

2. They Include Discussions Among Those Interested in the Same Topics

When you see a bunch of people attending a symposium or a conference together, they’re almost always all interested in the same topics. It is, after all, why they chose to attend a symposium or conference in the first place.

They might not always have the same level of interest in topics. For example, those at symposiums are experts in their respective fields and devote their lives to specific topics, while those at conferences might only be interested in specific topics as a hobby. But in one way or another, those at symposiums and conferences are all there to show their mutual interest in the same topics.

3. They Give People a Chance to Connect and Form Lasting Relationships

When you attend the best symposium or the best conference, you’ll be able to do more than just participate in great conversations with people who think like you. You’ll also be able to connect with them on a slightly deeper level and potentially even form lasting relationships with them.

You could say that this is why people choose to attend both symposiums and conferences. They like getting the chance to establish new relationships with people who share their interests.

In Which Ways Are Symposiums and Conferences Different?

While symposiums and conferences are alike in several different ways, there are also obviously a whole host of things that make them different. There really wouldn’t be a need for the words “symposium” and “conference” if they just meant the same thing.

You should know what the differences between symposiums and conferences are. Discover more about their differences below.

1. Symposiums and Conferences Don’t Take the Same Approach to Discussing Topics

At a symposium, a bunch of different experts are going to get up in front of a group of people and talk about the same exact topic. They’ll then join the group of people that they delivered a lecture to so that they can take part in a discussion about the topic afterward.

Conferences, on the other hand, will have presenters who will touch on a lot of different topics. Those topics will often revolve around a central theme. But the presenters at conferences will strive to make their lectures different from the lectures that were delivered before them.

2. They Don’t Feature the Same Types of People in Attendance

When you go to a symposium, you’re going to be a little out of place if you aren’t an expert in whatever field it is that you study. Symposiums are way more academic than conferences, which means that everyone who attends them has a strong background in whichever topic is being discussed.

You’ll also find experts at conferences in some cases. But you might find regular Joes as well. Almost anyone is going to be allowed to attend a conference as long as they’re interested in the topics that are going to be discussed during it.

It’s good for you to know this going into a symposium or conference. You’ll have a much better idea as to what you should expect from the crowd that gathers at one.

3. They Don’t Last for the Same Amount of Time

Symposiums tend to be short and to the point. While they might stretch out over an entire day, they aren’t going to last for any longer than that. Experts will only have to commit to a single day when attending a symposium.

Conferences, meanwhile, can last for days and days on end. The average conference is usually right around three days long. But you might find that some conferences will be even longer than that.

Because of this, conference leaders can cram more presentations into them. You won’t get quite as many presentations at symposiums.