Alan Alda

If two scientists are giving their papers at a symposium, and one of them is just naturally better at talking to the public or talking to a group of people, that scientist is liable to get more attention - in fact, I'm told that they do get more attention - than the one who's a little more stiff about it. Well, that's not good for science.

American Actor

Paul Heyse

In the spring of 1854, some of my publications persuaded King Maximilian II of Bavaria to offer me, at the suggestion of Emanuel Geibel, a position in Munich with an annual salary of 1000 guilders, to take part in his so-called symposia, weekly soirees at which scholars and poets were gathered.

German Writer

Wadah Khanfar

We have Al Jazeera Arabic news, Al Jazeera English news, of course; we have three sports channels, and we have Al Jazeera Mubasher, which is a live channel that broadcasts live press conferences and symposiums and meetings. And, of course, we have Al Jazeera commentary in Arabic.

Palestinian Leader

Kate Christensen

The New Nordic diet originated in 2004, when the visionary chefs Rene Redzepi and Claus Meyer called a symposium of regional chefs to address the public's increasing consumption of processed foods, additives, highly refined grains, and mass-produced poultry and meat.

American Novelist

Angie Stone

The college stations have a big voice, and I would like to become more involved with them. I would like to have symposiums with the members of various college radio stations.

American Musician

Symposiums are often formal, focusing on sharing expert knowledge or research findings.

Academic Setting

Unlike workshops, symposiums are more about discussing than hands-on learning.

Not a Workshop

The subject of a symposium is typically niche, appealing to those with specific interest or expertise.

Specialized Topics

In ancient Greece, it signified a social event with drinks and intellectual conversation.

Social Gathering

Greek symposiums often focused on debates about philosophy, life and ethics.

Philosophical Themes

Understanding ancient symposiums helps grasp references in classical literature and history.

Cultural Context

 But over the course of history, some of our most respected philosophers have put forward some intriguing theories. Love makes us whole, again. The ancient Greek philosopher Plato explored the idea that we love in order to become complete. In his "Symposium", he wrote about a dinner party,

Why do we love? A...

 for example our expanded resources have made it possible to build some amazing public facing elements around this symposium creating our first-ever explores festival to showcase our explores work to the world just last

Explorers Festival,...

 for discussions about the things that ensued. One of the most exciting things about this experiment was the conversation that happened afterwards. An entirely spontaneous symposium happened in the park.