To make a conference call, you need no special equipment other than your telephone.

1. Search the internet to locate a company that provides conference calls.

• Ensure that the selected provider offers the features, as well as the reliability, you desire.
• Consider whether you desire a toll free (e.g., an 800 number), or whether you prefer that those participating incur a fee for calling long distance. The cost of the call will vary.

2. Plan a time for the teleconference.
You will receive a telephone number to call in order to begin the teleconference. This number may or may not be toll free. In addition, you will receive two PINs, or Personal Identification Numbers. The first is the code for the call leader, and the second is the code used by the participants to access the conference call. These are the only necessary items to begin the conference.

For example, a company wishes to use an 800 number to set up a teleconference. The leader, Sam Smith, will locate a conference company and sign up with it. He will then receive the conference number and PIN numbers from the conference company. These numbers will be used for all conference calls he chooses to make using this company.

The calling number: 1-888-987-6543
His PIN number (used by the leader): 12121#
A PIN number for all participants in the call: 34345#

3. Invite participants to the conference.

• Send them notice that the teleconference is being held on a certain date at a certain time. Include the time zone if this is relevant or necessary.
• Advise those participating to call the conferencing number and enter the participant PIN.

Sam desires his call to take place at 11:00 A.M. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday. He emails all those involved in the call, and ensures that they receive the number, 1-888-987-6543. He also relates to them the PIN # for participants. He explains why the call is being held and emphasizes the importance of punctuality.

4. The leader dials the number and enters the leader’s PIN.
He should call shortly prior to the scheduled start time and initiate the conference by entering the leader PIN code. Each participant then dials the conference number and enters the participant PIN code. The conference has begun.

5. All participants should dial the conference number at the time the call is scheduled to begin.

6. Each participant enters the provided PIN number at the prompt.

7. When everyone has joined, the call can begin.

Note: Because the call does not require reservations, the assistance of an operator is not needed. This type of call costs approximately 50 percent less than a call that requires an operator’s assistance. Leaders can begin making conference calls immediately after receiving the conference number and PIN. The leader uses the same access number and PIN for every conference. This conference calling system is referred to as a self service system and it helps to connect people rapidly at a lower cost.

The flat rate conference operates in the same manner with one exception; the number is not toll free and all participants must pay any applicable long distance toll charges.