The first known use of "conference" appears in 1527, meaning "a meeting of two or more persons for discussing matters of common concern".

The first known use of "conference" appears in 1527, meaning "a meeting of two or more persons for discussing matters of common concern".[1] It came from the word "confer", which means "to compare views or take counsel".[2] However, the idea of a conference far predates the word. Arguably, as long as there have been people, there have been meetings and discussions between people. Evidence of ancient forms of the conference can be seen in archaeological ruins of common areas where people would gather to discuss shared interests such as "hunting plans, wartime activities, negotiations for peace or the organization of tribal celebrations".