noun
friendly discussion gathering; informal talk meeting
A meeting or gathering where participants have a friendly, informal discussion, often on a specific topic.
来月、地域の懇話会に参加する予定です。
I plan to attend the local community discussion gathering next month.
懇親会 is a social gathering for building friendships, often with food and drink, while 懇話会 focuses on discussion.
Compound of 懇 (こん, 'friendly, cordial'), 話 (わ, 'talk, conversation'), and 会 (かい, 'meeting, gathering').