What is a Roundtable Conference?

Roundtable conferences are a way to bring together people of differing opinions to discuss the issues on which there is disagreement. This process--sometimes a heated one--is designed to find solutions or to suggest policy. Roundtable conferences are built around an agenda and comprise discussions of strategy, resolution and improvements. Roundtables are an effective communication vehicle and are often successful in bringing about important changes.

Identification

A roundtable conference is a meeting where peers gather to discuss and strategize over particular subjects pertaining to their business or government. Some refer to the roundtable conference as a brainstorming session--an idea exchange. According to India's history website (see References), the first roundtable conference was held in London, England, November 12, 1930, by the British government. Its purpose was to consider government reform and a constitution for the people of India.

Purpose

The purpose of a roundtable conference is to tackle difficult issues and find satisfactory resolution on which the majority can agree. In a business roundtable discussions can be held, for example, on labor union negotiations or strategic business plans for the future. In government, the meetings usually bring about some sort of reform.

Effects

Decisions and conclusions of roundtable meetings are often viewed as having positive outcomes. While every participant may not be equally satisfied with the conference outcome, the resolutions are sought carefully and usually agreed upon by the majority. However, not all roundtable meetings end with resolution, as was the case with the first roundtable conference of 1930 held In London, mentioned above. For that conference, subsequent meetings were held to bring about the needed change.

Comparisons

To further delineate the types roundtable conferences, a comparison of them illustrates their different purposes. Based on the same concepts, international and business roundtables nevertheless differ in practical terms.

International Roundtable

Inogate, an international energy co-op program, held a roundtable conference in 2008 entitled, "Learning from the Past and Defining Next Steps." The main objective of the meeting was to take a look at the progress that partner countries and the European Union had made toward a set of objectives forged at an early meeting regarding energy conservation and processes. This type of conference impacts daily life for an entire region.

Corporate Roundtable

Operating in the corporate environment, a group called LeadFirst focuses on assisting corporate leaders develop their management skills. LeadFirst hosts a CEO roundtable where 6 to 12 top executives from various businesses meet monthly to hone leadership skills, assess goals for their companies and glean "best practice" ideas from their peers. According to LeadFirst, these meetings generally result in greater performance or outcomes for businesses.