Summit:
An event that brings together a group of people that are united by an affiliation. Multiple speakers and presenters with the end-goal of aligning beliefs, values, missions or perspectives.
Symposium:
An event that brings together a varied group of people who are interested in the overall theme of the event, expecting to see a variety of speakers and presenters, as well as varied subject matter. Vendors, breakout sessions/workshops and activities are expected, offering opportunities for a variety of businesses to grow sales, consumer loyalty and find their ideal consumer.
Seminar:
An event that brings together a group of people wanting to learn about or understand a concept, experience or lesson on a specific subject. Event goers expect to see a variety of speakers and presenters who are subject matter experts on the topic directly related to the title of the seminar.
Workshop:
An event that brings together a group of people wanting to learn and be educated on one specific subject. Event goers expect workbooks, lesson plans and relevant handouts that will help them grasp the concept post-event. There may or may not be more than one presenter.
Conference:
Similar to Symposium but with a more limited scope of subject matter appealing to a more targeted audience who may have something in common. Event goers expect to see a variety of speakers and presenters who have overlapping and complementary subject matter. The speakers and presenters may sell their courses, programs, books, retreats and other elements that grow their business and audience.
Festival:
An outdoor event that unites a community with a theme that delivers entertainment and connection with local businesses, leaders, performers, entertainers, educators and vendors for goods and services.
Vendor Event:
An indoor or outdoor event that allows local businesses to showcase their products and services to the community.
Product Launch:
Large corporations, small businesses and everything in-between can create an event that brings people together with the intention of creating brand ambassadors, product endorsements and brand loyalty in an overall effort to drive growth through sales of a product or group of products.
Fund Raiser:
Almost any event type can be transformed into a fund-raiser. It's all about getting sponsors and an audience that supports your cause. The games, raffles, auctions and prizes are secondary to funding the event with sponsors and creating an audience who believes in your cause.