Formal:
* Conference
* Congress
* Forum
* Seminar
* Workshop
* Convocation
* Colloquium
Informal:
* Meeting
* Gathering
* Discussion
* Debate
* Roundtable
The best synonym will depend on the specific type of symposium you are referring to.
For example, a symposium on scientific research would be best described as a conference, while a gathering of experts to discuss a specific topic could be called a roundtable.