Convention, Seminar, and Congress: What’s the Difference?

Published on | Corporate events

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A company convention is a key moment for internal communication and cohesion. It’s an opportunity to bring all employees together around a common message. By sharing key figures of future projects and other information with your employees, you’ll support their sense of belonging. However, convention, seminar, and congress are often confused. This article helps you see clearly and understand how to properly organize this type of event.


What is a Company Convention?

A company convention is a strategic event. It unites employees around the company’s vision and values. This professional event often reviews the past year, key figures, and successes. It also presents upcoming innovations and projects, while motivating teams for the following year.


The company convention highlights large-scale projects. It helps all employees better understand the organization they work in. This collective moment also promotes meetings between different departments, strengthening cohesion and internal exchanges.


Formats vary, but the core of the event often remains a speech presenting all the points mentioned. This can be supplemented by projections, animations, or an evening event. Everything will depend on the tone and atmosphere you want to give your event.

When to Organize Your Convention?

Many organize their company convention at the beginning of the year to present upcoming objectives and projects. This motivates teams and launches the year on a positive dynamic. Others prefer to hold it at the end of the year to review successes, thank employees, and celebrate collective achievements. The company must choose the date taking into account the availability of participants and the most favorable period to create a real impact. The goal is to avoid competing with other internal events.


Why Does a Company Organize a Convention?

The company convention allows management to share a clear vision and common goals. It’s a time to present the strategy, results, and future ambitions. The goal is to strengthen the overall understanding of the company’s trajectory.


Beyond information, the company convention creates a collective dynamic. It values successes and highlights talents. This reinforces the sense of belonging and team motivation.


A convention is also a celebration of the company’s successes. It’s an opportunity to thank employees for their efforts and recognize their contribution to collective achievements. This emotional moment strengthens the company culture and pride.


Finding the Ideal Venue for Your Company Convention

The venue plays an essential role in the success of your company convention. It should reflect the atmosphere you want to create. Depending on your needs, you can opt for a theater-style room, a cabaret setup, or an amphitheater. Each format influences the perception of employees and the impact of the event.

A good venue must meet several criteria:


  • Accessible: transportation, accommodation, and parking nearby.


  • Modular: possibility to arrange the stage, plenary room, workshops, and relaxation areas.


  • Equipped: screens, microphones, stage, and other necessary facilities for your presentations and animations.



Save Time with Alfred Meeting

Finding a suitable venue can be complex, especially when managing several hundred participants. Our project managers simplify this step. They compare venues according to your criteria. After selecting them, they gather quotes to help you make the best choice. By putting venues in competition, some prices can be lowered.

Finally, the venue is not the only expense for your company convention. For this, Alfred Meeting also gathers all your providers.



What’s the Difference Between Convention, Seminar, and Congress?

The Seminar: Team Training

A seminar often takes place in a small group. Its objective is to train employees or strengthen cohesion through team-building activities.

Speeches are less present than in a company convention. 


The individual is at the center of the event. This moment allows them to learn and feel closer to their company and colleagues. The seminar is generally aimed at a targeted group.


The Company Convention: A Unifying Gathering

The company convention puts the collective in the spotlight. Its objective is to present the achievements of the past year and the future prospects for the entire company.

All departments are involved: it’s a global and unifying event.

The goal is to inform, motivate, and strengthen the company culture.


The format is less personal than that of a seminar because it puts the company more at the center.


The Congress: A More External Professional Event

The congress, like the convention, highlights upcoming innovations and key results.

However, it is more aimed at an external audience. Partners, clients, experts, or investors are invited to participate.

The objective is not to motivate internal teams. It consists of valuing successes and promoting the company in its sector.


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