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 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]
1550s, "act of conferring," from Fr. conférence (16c.), from M.L. conferentia, from conferre (see confer). Meaning "formal meeting for consultation" is from 1580s.