Conferencing stations are a cutting-edge way to bring your colleagues together for business meetings and events. The equipment in this field allows your staff to attend important workplace gatherings from anywhere in the world, often with little more than the cost of a phone call or Internet connection.

To find conferencing stations best suited to the demands of your business, first consider the many styles of conferencing equipment and choose the right one for your workplace. Consider the following possibilities:

1. Videoconferencing, done via a television screen;

2. Web conferencing stations, performed through a web-based interface;

3. Conference calls, accessed through either a conference call console, or a single dial-in number and a password unique to your company.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider video-based conferencing stations

The ease of videoconferencing allows two or more locations to interact with simultaneous video and audio transmission. This is by far the most 'personal' of the conferencing options, letting you connect face to face in real time with your associates.

I recommend: IVCI sells the biggest names in the video conference industry, including Polycom and SMART Technologies. IVCI has detailed product descriptions, video demos and is a reliable source of conferencing stations information. Life Size Communications has the latest in videoconferencing technology, offering high definition communication and a simple user interface.

Go virtual with web conferencing stations

With the majority of businesses plugged into the Internet, web conferencing stations are another easy and personable way to conduct your business conferences. This can be achieved through either special software or a common URL attendees use to join the conference.

I recommend: For the most current technology in web conferencing, Wired Red has a good selection of options for any size business. It also offers a free trial to see if its software is a good fit for your company. Webex is a browser-based conferencing stations provider, also offering a free trial, that requires no more than your employees logging on to the Webex website to get connected.

Dial in with phone conferencing stations

It's now easier than ever to get all your colleagues on the phone at the same time. You can do this with sophisticated telephone conferencing stations, or by signing up with a phone conferencing service that provides a common toll-free number and password for your attendees.

I recommend: TWA Comm carries all manner of conference room equipment, including a large selection of speaker phones designed for teleconferences. With Star Conferencing, check out the simple and affordable option of hosting your conference through its system. You also get instant activation and there are no contracts to sign.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Not in the market for permanent conferencing stations in your office? Consider utilizing an executive suite rental with conferencing station equipment.