Symposium

:For other meanings see Symposium (disambiguation)

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Originally, the term symposium referred to a drinking party; the Greek verb sympotein means "to drink together". The term has since come to refer to any academic conference, irrespective of drinking. We have literary depictions of symposia in the sympotic elegies of Theognis of Megara, as well as in two Socratic dialogues, Plato's Symposium and Xenophon's Symposium.

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Greek symposia were a key Hellenic social institution. They were a forum for men to debate, plot, boast, or simply to party. They were frequently held to celebrate the introduction of young men into aristocratic society, much like debutante balls today. They were also held by aristocrats to celebrate other special occasions, such as victories in athletic and poetic contests.

Academic conference: An academic conference is a conference for researchers (not always academics) to present and discuss their work. Generally, the work is presented in the form of short, concise academic papers and presentations lasting about 20 to 30 minutes. Often there are one or more keynote speakers (usualy schol...

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