convention

noun

1. A meeting or gathering.

   The convention was held in Geneva.

2. A formal deliberative assembly of mandated delegates.

   The EU installed an inter-institutional Convention to draft a European constitution.

3. The convening of a formal meeting.

4. A formal agreement, contract or pact.

5. A treaty or supplement to such.

   The Vienna convention at the Vienna Congress (1814-15) standardized most of diplomatic conduct for generations.

6. A practice or procedure widely observed in a group, especially to facilitate social interaction; a custom.

   Table seatings are generally determined by tacit convention, not binding formal protocol.