Symposia have been around forever. Every culture has had meetings of the minds to talk ideas, plan and make decisions, however, the word symposium, specifically comes from ancient Greece and is defined as a lively party with discussion, free flow of ideas and drink. Today the word symposium seems to be misused, usually referring to colloquia, conferences or presentations with question and answer sessions. When I think of a symposium I think of revolution and movements in art and literature but, it can be as simple as a few people drinking and hashing out ideas with or without a purpose. To me, what makes a symposium a symposium, is the free exchange of ideas without a stage or mediator. It's people talking as equals, constructively toward a common goal of exploration and clarity.
