Noun

(en noun)

The act of consulting together formally; serious conversation or discussion; interchange of views.

* Shakespeare

Nor with such free and friendly conference / As he hath used of old.

(politics) A multilateral diplomatic negotiation.

(science) A formalized event where scientists present their research results in speeches, workshops, posters or by other means.

(business) 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.

(sports) A group of sports teams that play each other on a regular basis.

(obsolete) The act of comparing two or more things together; comparison.

* Hooker

helps and furtherances which the mutual conference of all men's collections and observations may afford

(Methodist Church) A stated meeting of preachers and others, invested with authority to take cognizance of ecclesiastical matters.

A voluntary association of Congregational churches of a district; the district in which such churches are.

Noun

(en noun)

An administrative division of an area.

* {{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham)

, title=(The China Governess) , chapter=Foreword citation , passage=‘I understand that the district was considered a sort of sanctuary,’ the Chief was saying. ‘An Alsatia like the ancient one behind the Strand, or the Saffron Hill before the First World War. […]’}}

the Soho district of London

An area or region marked by some distinguishing feature.

the Lake District in Cumbria

(UK) An administrative division of a county without the status of a borough.

South Oxfordshire District Council