convening

Convening refers to the act of bringing people together for a meeting, assembly, or related gathering. It can describe organizing and initiating a formal session as well as the more informal act of gathering colleagues or stakeholders. The term derives from the Latin convenire, meaning “to come together.”

In governmental and legislative contexts, to convene means to call a session or meeting of a body such as a parliament, council, or committee. The entity authorized to call a session is the convening authority. In corporate governance, boards of directors convene regular or special meetings to deliberate and decide on matters affecting the organization. Nonprofit and international organizations also convene conferences, task forces, or working groups.

Typical elements of convening include notice to participants, an agenda, and a stated time and place. Many jurisdictions require a quorum, a minimum number of members present, for valid decisions. Minutes are usually recorded to document proceedings. Convening may lead to deliberation, voting, or other forms of decision-making, with the outcome requiring formal approval by the body or organization.

With the rise of digital communication, convening increasingly includes virtual or hybrid meetings, using video conferencing or collaboration platforms. Effective convening emphasizes accessibility, inclusivity, and facilitation to maximize participation and informed discussion. Challenges include coordinating schedules, ensuring representation, and maintaining procedural fairness.