Classification of academic conferences, Academic conferences can be classified in various ways based on different criteria. Here are several key classifications:

1. Discipline or Field of Study:

- STEM Conferences: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics

- Social Sciences: Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Political Science

- Humanities: Literature, History, Philosophy, Arts

- Interdisciplinary: Conferences that cover multiple disciplines, such as health sciences, environmental studies, etc.

2. Geographical Scope:

- Local/Regional Conferences: Usually focused on a specific area, often organized by local universities or institutions.

- National Conferences: Involve participants from across the country and may attract higher-profile speakers and broader topics.

- International Conferences: Feature global participation and often discuss issues of worldwide relevance.

3. Format:

- In-Person Conferences: Traditional format where participants attend physically.

- Virtual Conferences: Conducted online, allowing remote participation.

- Hybrid Conferences: Combine in-person and virtual elements.

4. Purpose or Focus:

- Research Conferences: Focused on presenting and discussing original research findings.

- Workshops: Hands-on training sessions typically focused on specific skills or methodologies.

- Symposia: Gather experts to discuss a particular topic or issue.

- Networking Conferences: Primarily organized for networking opportunities and professional relationships.

5. Organizational Structure:

- Professional Associations: Conferences organized by professional bodies in specific fields (e.g., IEEE for engineers).

- Academic Institutions: Hosted by universities or colleges, often emphasizing their program strengths.

- Non-Profit Organizations: Conferences aimed at specific issues or communities, sometimes with a focus on advocacy.

6. Audience:

- Academic Audience: Primarily for researchers, professors, and scholars.

- Industry Professionals: Targeted toward practitioners and professionals in specific sectors.

- Students: Designed for graduate and undergraduate students, often with focus on beginner research or thesis work.

7. Frequency:

- Annual Conferences: Held once a year.

- Biennial Conferences: Occur every two years.

- Ad-hoc Conferences: Organized as needed to address specific topics or current issues.

8. Scale:

- Large Conferences: Involve hundreds to thousands of participants and multiple tracks of sessions.

- Small Conferences: More intimate events, usually with fewer participants and a more focused agenda.

By using these classifications, one can better understand the landscape of academic conferences and their relevance to different stakeholders in academia and industry.