A plenary discussion is a moderated discussion in which, in principle, all persons present at a larger meeting can take part.

A plenary discussion is a mutual exchange of one’s own thoughts, usually moderated by a moderator or discussion leader, taking place in a consecutive sequence of verbal utterances in which, in principle, all persons present at a larger meeting can take part.

The term is used in particular in the context of events such as conferences, congresses and meetings to distinguish an open discussion in which the audience can participate from other forms of presentation, such as speeches or panel discussions, in which the audience is not involved. It is also used to distinguish a discussion in an assembly from discussions in individual parts of that assembly, such as working groups or committees.