How A Conference Functions In General Terms
The conference is like a fast-paced study group that is moving toward an incredible finalé. There are debates. There is an attempt to move resolutions this way or that. The sum of all the interactions builds toward the solution of one or more major problems.

Participants spend most of their time in committee, which promotes a beneficial division of labor, and which maximizes their speaking time. Plenary sessions occur but are kept brief. There is opportunity to transfer from one committee to another. Caucuses convene from time to time. Suspense builds. The final resolution often takes everyone by surprise!

The conference takes place in three phases, namely, (i) pre-conference, (ii) morning committees and (iii) big bill and amendments. 

The pre-conference phase divides among two voluntary activities – attending briefings and preparing opening speeches. The briefings are discussed above. The opening speeches are discussed at the very end of this introduction.  

The second phase consists of the work of the committees. Opening speeches are made. Questions are posed. Caucusing may take place. At certain times, an “external agent” – another participant who has accepted a role outside of Congress, e.g., representing a foreign power or a domestic lobby – will “visit” the committee. Votes are taken on proposals or findings or both at the committee level. Ultimately, the committee will report its deliberation in plenary session. 

The third phase – the big bill, including amendments – is when the central issue of the conference is solved or attempted to be solved. The third phase begins with the Speaker of the House fashioning the first draft of the big bill. This draft draws upon the sundry committees’ initial, formal recommendations.  Next, each committee designates a speaker who champions their respective recommendations. Eventually, the House as a whole votes up or down on the recommendations. Thereafter, the first round of caucusing takes place. There is much to and fro among committee members and external agents. Formal remarks are heard in the caucuses, too. 

The caucuses yield more amendments. Plenary session convenes again. The aforementioned plenary process and follow-up caucusing takes place again. 

The plenary process takes place a third and final time. 

The problem or problems of the conference is solved!