D defs.my
Entry 6 senses Webster, 1913

Conference

/kän'-fẽr-əns/ · Con·fer·ence · IPA /ˈkɑn.f(ə.)ɹəns/
01 n. The act of comparing two or more things together; comparison.
  1. 1.
    The act of comparing two or more things together; comparison.[Obs.]
    “Helps and furtherances which . . . the mutual conference of all men's collections and observations may afford.” — Hocker.
  2. 2.
    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.” Shak.
  3. 3.
    A meeting for consultation, discussion, or an interchange of opinions.
  4. 4.
    A meeting of the two branches of a legislature, by their committees, to adjust between them.
  5. 5.
    A stated meeting of preachers and others, invested with authority to take cognizance of ecclesiastical matters.(Methodist Church)
  6. 6.
    A voluntary association of Congregational churches of a district; the district in which such churches are.
Phrases & compounds
Conference meeting — a meeting for conference. Specifically, a meeting conducted (usually) by laymen, for conference and prayer.
Conference room — a room for conference and prayer, and for the pastor's less formal addresses.