Symposia vs. Symposium — What's the Difference?

A gathering of experts presenting on various aspects of a common theme.

A conference or meeting for discussing a specific academic or professional topic.

A series of lectures or presentations by multiple speakers.

A single event focused on intensive discussion and exchange of ideas.

An event designed for academic or professional exchange.

A venue for experts to present and discuss new research within a field.

A platform for presenting research findings to peers.

An academic gathering with a narrower focus than symposia.

A multi-day conference with a broad thematic scope.

An event often characterized by a significant degree of audience interaction.

Symposia is a genus of South American araneomorph spiders in the family Cybaeidae, and was first described by Eugène Simon in 1898.

In ancient Greece, the symposium (Greek: συμπόσιον symposion or symposio, from συμπίνειν sympinein, "to drink together") was a part of a banquet that took place after the meal, when drinking for pleasure was accompanied by music, dancing, recitals, or conversation. Literary works that describe or take place at a symposium include two Socratic dialogues, Plato's Symposium and Xenophon's Symposium, as well as a number of Greek poems such as the elegies of Theognis of Megara.

A plural of symposium.

A meeting or conference for discussion of a topic, especially one in which the participants form an audience and make presentations.

A collection of writings on a particular topic, as in a magazine.

A convivial meeting for drinking, music, and intellectual discussion among the ancient Greeks.

A conference or other meeting for discussion of a topic, especially one in which the participants make presentations.

A drinking party in Ancient Greece, especially one with intellectual discussion.

A collection of essays, articles or papers on a particular subject by a number of contributors.

A drinking together; a merry feast.

A collection of short essays by different authors on a common topic; - so called from the appellation given to the philosophical dialogue by the Greeks.

A meeting or conference for the public discussion of some topic especially one in which the participants form an audience and make presentations

Symposia refer to events with multiple sessions on a theme, while a symposium is a focused, single-session conference.

Yes, symposia can cover multiple aspects of a broader theme through various presentations.

Yes, a symposium can feature multiple speakers focusing on a single topic from different perspectives.

A symposium typically lasts for a single day or session, focusing on in-depth discussion on a specific topic.

Academics, professionals, and students interested in the event's theme or specific topic, respectively.

Depending on the event, both may be open to the public, though some might target a specific professional or academic audience.

Yes, symposia often feature keynote speakers to highlight major themes or advancements in the field.

Generally, yes. A symposium often focuses more on discussion and interaction between speakers and the audience.

While symposia may include interactive elements, they primarily consist of presentations and lectures.

Yes, symposia provide ample opportunities for networking among participants with similar interests.

Symposia can cover a wide range of topics, from scientific research to cultural studies.

While often academic, they can also cater to professional fields, exploring practical issues and industry trends.

Speakers are typically selected based on their expertise, contributions to the field, and relevance to the event's theme or topic.

Participants gain in-depth insights into a specific topic and the opportunity to engage with experts and peers.

Yes, a specific symposium can be a component of broader symposia, focusing on a particular aspect of the theme.