Inklingo

How to Say "conference" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “conference” is “reunión” — use 'reunión' for a general, often formal, meeting or gathering, which can range from a small team discussion to a larger assembly..

English → Spanish

reunión

nounA2general
Use 'reunión' for a general, often formal, meeting or gathering, which can range from a small team discussion to a larger assembly.

Examples

Tengo una reunión importante a las diez de la mañana.

I have an important meeting at ten in the morning.

conferencia

kon-feh-REN-syah/koɱ.feˈɾen.sja/

nounB1formal
Choose 'conferencia' for a formal meeting, often involving presentations or discussions, and commonly used for specific types like 'conference call' or academic lectures.
Three people seated around an oval table participating in a formal meeting.

Examples

Tenemos una conferencia telefónica con el equipo de Madrid a las tres.

We have a conference call with the Madrid team at three o'clock.

Los presidentes se reunieron para una conferencia de paz de emergencia.

The presidents met for an emergency peace conference.

Combining Words

When referring to remote meetings, 'conferencia' is often combined with other words like 'telefónica' (telephone) or 'web' (web/video) to specify the type of meeting.

congreso

kohn-GREH-soh/koŋˈɡɾeso/

nounB1formal
Use 'congreso' for a large, formal assembly, typically focused on a specific professional or academic field, often involving many speakers and attendees.
A simple illustration of a large formal meeting. A person stands on a stage behind a microphone addressing a wide audience seated in an auditorium.

Examples

Viajó a Madrid para asistir a un congreso de medicina.

He traveled to Madrid to attend a medical conference.

El próximo congreso internacional se celebrará en junio.

The next international convention will be held in June.

Presentamos nuestra investigación en el congreso anual.

We presented our research at the annual conference.

Using 'a' with Attendance

When talking about attending a conference, use the preposition 'a' (to/at): 'Asistir a un congreso'.

Confusing 'Conference'

Mistake: “Using 'conferencia' when referring to the large, multi-day event.”

Correction: 'Congreso' refers to the big event; 'conferencia' is usually just one speech or lecture within the event.

convención

nounB1formal
Opt for 'convención' when referring to a large gathering, especially one for a particular profession, industry, or interest group, often with a celebratory or fan-oriented aspect.

Examples

La convención de videojuegos atrajo a miles de fanáticos este año.

The video game convention attracted thousands of fans this year.

General vs. Specific Meetings

Learners often confuse 'reunión' and 'conferencia'. Remember that 'reunión' is the most general term for any meeting, while 'conferencia' implies a more formal, often public or academic, event with presentations.

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