conf.

Noun

conference (plural conferences)

1. The act of consulting together formally; serious conversation or discussion; interchange of views.
   • Nor with such free and friendly conference / As he hath used of old.1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Iulius Cæsar”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward]...
2. (obsolete) The act of comparing two or more things together; comparison.
   • helps and furtherances which […] the mutual conference of all men's collections and observations may afford[1594], Richard Hooker, edited by J[ohn] S[penser], Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie, […], London: […] Iohn Windet, […], →OCLC, (please specify the page)
3. A multilateral diplomatic negotiation.
4. A formal event where scientists or other scholars present their research results in speeches, workshops, posters or by other means.
5. An event organized by a for-profit or non-profit organization to discuss a pressing issue, such as a new product, market trend or government regulation, with a range of speakers.
6. A group of sports teams that play each other on a regular basis.

See all 12 meanings of conference