20 | BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN COLLEGE
Types of Meetings
Break-out Sessions
Small groups formed from larger sessions for the purpose of discussing specific subjects.
Clinic
A workshop-type session in which the staff provides small groups with training in one
particular subject.
Colloquium
A program in which the participants determine the content. Leaders construct the
program around the most frequent problems. Usually has equal emphasis on instruction
and discussion.
Concurrent Sessions
Session scheduled at the same time.
Congress
The most commonly used European designation for a convention.
Convention
Usually, general sessions and committee meetings convened for a common purpose; the
traditional form of annual meeting.
Forum
A panel discussion by experts in a given field that provides opportunity for audience
participation hosted by a moderator.
Institute
General sessions and group discussions of several facets of a subject; usually a substitute
for formal education where the staff provides most of the training resources.
Lecture
A formal presentation by an expert; sometimes followed by a question and answer period.
Plenary Session
A general assembly for all participants.
Seminar
A group sharing experiences in a particular field under the guidance of an expert discussion
leader.
Symposium
A panel discussion by experts in a given field before a large audience; some audience
participation but less than that of a forum.
Workshop
A general session involving participants who train each other to gain new knowledge, skill,
or insights in to problems.
