Conference /(?)/

Con·fer·ence

Conference

n.
  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. 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.
  3. A meeting for consultation, discussion, or an interchange of opinions.
  4. A meeting of the two branches of a legislature, by their committees, to adjust between them.
  5. A stated meeting of preachers and others, invested with authority to take cognizance of ecclesiastical matters. (Methodist Church)
  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.