Plenary Session
A session attended by all conference participants, typically featuring keynotes or major announcements.
Definition
A plenary session (from Latin "plenus," meaning full) is a meeting attended by all conference participants, typically held in the main ballroom or largest space. Plenaries usually feature keynote speakers, major announcements, awards, and content of universal interest to attendees.
Plenary sessions create shared experiences that build community and ensure universal exposure to key messages. They're scheduled at times when breakout conflicts don't compete for attention—typically openings, closings, and mid-conference highlights.
Why It Matters
Plenaries provide universal touchpoints that unify conference experiences. While breakouts personalize content, plenaries create shared moments that become the conference's memorable highlights and conversation topics.
For sponsors and organizers, plenary sessions offer maximum audience exposure for announcements, recognition, and messaging.
Examples in Practice
A conference opens with plenary keynote that sets themes explored in subsequent breakouts, creating coherent programming.
A closing plenary celebrates community accomplishments and previews next year, leaving attendees energized and committed.
A mid-conference plenary breaks up breakout fatigue with a high-energy presentation that re-engages the full audience.