a formal meeting of people with a shared interest, typically one that takes place over several days

an international conference on the environment

the Labour Party Conference

a commercial association for the regulation of an area of activity or the exchange of information

an international authority or, if that was not possible, a regional operators' conference

take part in a conference or conference call

I conferenced with a senior analyst at the Congressional Research Service

a dessert pear of a firm-fleshed variety