How It Works
How much does it cost?
What are the costs associated with this service?
For Participant Paid Conferencing, our Toll-based service, the Company Administrator will manage the billing for calls placed by individuals under that account. The cost is dependant on which plan the Company Administrator chooses. In order for conference participants to reach our centrally located facilities, each one must call a U.S. long distance telephone number that we provide. The only cost to the Participant for this type of conference call is whatever long distance rates that are charged by each individual conference participant's long distance carrier (Sprint, MCI, AT&T, etc.). We do not require the use of any specific carrier, nor do we know what rates you pay on your calling plan. If you can dial a U.S. phone number, you can use our service.
For Hosted Conferencing, our Toll Free service providing a dedicated toll-free dial-in number, the Company Administrator will manage all billing for Toll Free calls placed by individuals under that account on one credit card making the company-wide billing process simple and streamlined. The cost is dependant on which plan the Company Administrator chooses. Since the Participants in the conference will use a toll-free number, they will not pay anything to use our service.
Will anything extra appear on my phone bill?
For Participant Paid conferences nothing extra will appear on your bill other than the call itself, billed at your normal long distance rate. For Reservationless Premium 800 conference calls nothing will appear on your phone bill whatsoever. Instead, we will bill the credit card on file under the Company Administrator’s account for the total amount of time each participant is present in the conference call, at the rate per-minute per caller chosen by the Company Administrator.
Do you place a surcharge on the call?
There may be surcharges for state and federal taxes and Universal Service Fund fees. These surcharges will be based on a calculation of the percentage fees imposed by state and federal regulations multiplied by the amount of direct fees for premium services. This surcharge will appear on the Company Administrator’s statement from Global Conference Partners.
What is the Federal Universal Service Fund Fee?
In the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (1996 Act), Congress directed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and states, to take the steps necessary to establish support mechanisms to ensure the delivery of affordable telecommunications service to all Americans, including low-income consumers, eligible schools and libraries, and rural health care providers. To learn more please visit: www.universalservice.org/about/universal-service
Why would I want to place a Hosted Conference call, if I can use the Participant Paid Conferencing service at no cost to my company?
Many of our users want to host conference calls for their clients or guests and don't want their participants to have to pay long distance charges to access the conference. Also, it may be more convenient to put the cost of the conference call onto a single company-wide credit card bill rather than paying via separate long distance bills for each caller.
Conference Basics
Can you walk me through this?
GlobalConference.com is a reservationless, on-demand audio and web conferencing service that can be used instantly, reliably and securely. The Administrator of the Company Account will create an account for individuals and they will be sent a welcome email detailing their GlobalConference.com information (Dial-in numbers, access codes and pin number). Once received, the Dial-in numbers and access codes may be used instantly and whenever needed. Everyone who calls the assigned GlobalConference.com number and enters the unique access code will be connected instantly.
Service Details
| Maximum conference size: | 250 callers on a Toll conference and 580 on a Toll Free conference |
| Maximum time: | 6 hours |
| Conference Number: | Assigned to employee after added to the Company Account by the Administrator |
| Organizer Code: | Used to join a conference as an Organizer |
| Access Codes: | Assigned to employee after added to the Company Account by the Administrator
Can request additional access codes |
| Subscriber PIN: | Assigned with access codes
Required for Premium 800 conferences |
| Begins: | When first caller enters the conference* |
| Ends: | When last caller exits the conference or the organizer presses the *0 buttons on the touch tone keypad |
*A Toll Free 800 call begins once the Organizer enters the subscriber pin upon entering the conference. Participants who arrive before the Organizer will hear music-on-hold.
Service Features
- 24/7 instant access from any land line or mobile device
- Free moderator controls for an added level of call security
- Free Outlook Add-In on any user account
- Free event-sized conferences
- Crystal clear all-digital connections
- Toll Free customer support and 24/7 rapid response email support
How are the access codes and pin numbers used?
Organizer Code - To join a conference as an organizer, simply call in and enter 
followed by the access code plus .
This action gives the organizer the ability to lock the conference , change the conference mode between conversation, Q&A and presentation mode , choose entry and exit chimes , and hear the number of people on the call . You may have multiple organizers during a conference.
Access code - To join a conference as a participant, enter the assigned access code, then and follow the voice prompts. Participants can access basic conference controls such as the help menu, self-mute and one-on-one private chat during a conference.
Subscriber Pin - The subscriber pin is assigned to the account holder and activates the recording feature. Any time during the conference the host can enter and then the subscriber pin to begin recording the conference. You will also be prompted to enter your subscriber pin when using our Premium 800 service.
Can I change my access code?
The access code is assigned to you to provide a unique, secure entry into the system. You may add additional access codes to your account at any time. If you no longer need to maintain all your access codes, they can easily be deleted from your 'My Account' page.
Conference Touch-Tone Quick Reference
This touch-tone guide is for use while on a conference call. Note that all touch tone commands can be activated either from the telephone keypad, or from within the web-based moderator controls.
Note: , , , and are only available to the conference organizer.
† Conference Muting Modes: Conversation mode, Q&A mode, Presentation mode
‡ Chimes settings: Entry on/Exit on, Entry on/Exit off, Entry off/Exit on, Entry off/Exit off
Use of the "change conference muting modes"
Conversation Mode – This mode provides an open conference in which all Participants can speak freely and be heard by all in the conference. This mode works best for small groups of conferees. For large conferences, presentation mode may be more effective. At any time during a conference, conference organizers can switch between conversation mode, Q&A mode and presentation mode by toggling .
Presentation Mode – This mode automatically mutes every member of the conference, except those who have entered the organizer code, enabling conference participants to listen without being able to speak to others on the conference. This mode works best with large groups of conferees for reducing background noise, and is accessible to those who use the organizer code when entering a conference. At any time during a conference, conference organizers can switch between presentation mode, conversation mode and Q&A mode by toggling .
Q&A Mode – This mode allows participants to un-mute themselves, permitting a "question and answer" or interactive session to be held during a conference call that was set to presentation mode. This mode is accessible to those who provide the organizer code when joining the conference. At any time during a conference, conference organizers can switch between Q&A mode, presentation mode and conversation mode by toggling .
Use of "one-on-one private chat" and
To have a separate, private two-party chat during your main conference, simply press to access your "caller code". Exchange caller codes with the person whom you wish to consult with, then press plus the caller code. Since only two people can be in a private chat, it is still secure, even if you announce your codes to each other out loud in the conference. When you both enter the other person's code, you will automatically be placed in your secure private room. Press any key on the pad to return to the full conference.
Can I call Customer Service during my conference call?
Yes, simply press during a conference call to quickly and efficiently contact customer support with any questions that may arise while conducting a conference.
Can I choose my own conference number?
We provide you with your Toll and Toll Free conference numbers when the Administrator creates your account.
Can I have separate access codes under my account?
You may request additional access codes under one account. This feature allows organizers to create multiple separate and secure conferencing access codes to use for different clients or groups. This is accomplished under the "My Account" section of the website. You can also label each access code to make it easy to identify how you are using them.
How many people can be on a conference call?
Currently, up to 250 callers can be in the same Toll conference, and 580 callers in the same Toll Free conference, for up to 6 hours for each call.
What if I call in late? Will I be locked out if I don't call in at the beginning?
No. The conference can be joined at any time it is active as long as it has not been locked by the conference organizer If the call is still in progress, you will be connected and should announce yourself. If you receive a message that the conference is closed, please contact the conference organizer.
How many conferences can I set up? Can they happen at the same time?
There is no limit to how many conferences you can conduct or when they can occur. Each conference starts when you call your GlobalConference.com phone number and enter your unique Access Code. You can have two or more conferences take place simultaneously only by using different access codes. See Can I have separate access codes under my account? above.
Conference Functionality
How does it work? Is this an "internet call"?
This is not an internet call (VoIP). You can dial using any phone, including an ordinary telephone or mobile device, to connect to our conference service at the time you have chosen. While performance can be more unpredictable, you can also call in from VoIP phones. The other participants in your conference will also dial the same telephone number, enter your unique access code and meet you there.
What will the First caller hear upon calling the conference number? Do you have music-on-hold?
The first caller to arrive for a conference hears music-on-hold until the second party enters the conference.
Can you record a conference call?
Yes, to record anytime during the conference, the host can enter . The host will then be prompted to enter the subscriber pin. Each participant will then be required to acknowledge acceptance to continue participating. To stop the recording, press again. Once the recording is complete, it will remain available for 30 days.
Your recordings are automatically converted to MP3 format and are playable on any computer or MP3 digital audio player. Within two hours of the conference's end time, you'll receive an e-mail containing instructions and a link to the computer download, along with a telephone number and access code for telephone playback of your recording. At that point, your conference call recording is available for immediate telephone playback for up to 250 callers on a Toll call, and 580 on a Toll Free call, at the same time. Alternatively, simply download the MP3 file and forward to others or play back at your leisure. Once you have downloaded your recording, it is yours to use, edit, or share without any limitations.
Can I conduct a one-person recording?
No; conference recording requires the presence of at least two callers on the line.
One of my callers got a "busy signal" or "all circuits busy" recording when trying to call in to my conference. What's wrong with your system?
If only one or a few callers can't get through, it's likely a long distance carrier problem. Have callers who can’t get through use an alternate phone (e.g., their cell phone) or 10-10 service number and try again.
I need a larger conference size than you support. Can I schedule two conference calls and join them together? How about connecting a conference I set up on my company's conference bridge?
Due to numerous technical problems that can result from connecting two conference calls together, such as loss of volume, confusion of conference controls, poor sound quality, echo and uncertain disconnect supervision, we do not support this and strongly recommend against it. Please call 1-866-519-3166 for assistance with a larger conference call.
Does the number of Participants affect the quality of a conference?
In any conference call, no matter what conference bridge or provider you use, the clarity will decrease somewhat as you add more Participants. The more conference Participants, the more likely the use of cell phones, cordless phones, speakerphones, headsets, background noise, and other low-quality transmission problems. Also, there is more chance of someone putting the call "on hold" without remembering to mute their phone and broadcasting their "hold music" or radio station to the other participants.
Basically, it is human error that causes problems as a conference grows larger, and generally not our conference bridge. Since all lines are bridged together, a conference call can never be better than its worst connection.
Can I get toll-free (800 number) access to the conference?
Yes, Hosted Conferencing provides users with a toll-free 800 dial-in number. We do not support the use of customer-supplied toll-free numbers.
Do you provide local numbers in my area code to reach your service?
We do not provide customized local numbers for any one person's area code. Our conference facilities are centrally located to balance long distance services across our full customer base.
SharePlus Web Conferencing
How do I know if my SharePlus session is private and secure?
As Participants enter, you will see their screen names appear in the “Participants” section on the left.
What are the system requirements?
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista, Max OS X, Linux
Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6x/7x/8x, Mozilla FireFox 2x/3x, Safari
Miscellaneous: Javascript, Adobe Flash Player 9 or higher (download now)
Please Note: Google Chrome BETA is not currently supported.
Do I need to download anything to share my desktop?
Yes. The Presenter must install the Screencaster software the first time they share their desktop (administrator privileges required). Participants do not need to install the software.
How can I invite participants to join my SharePlus session?
While entering your conference you can elect to invite Participants via the invitation tool in the "SharePlus" tab prior to entering your SharePlus session. Your Participants will then receive an email with a link to the SharePlus session. If you do not have an email client set up, you can simple provide Participants with the link, located in the "SharePlus" tab, and access code to enter. You can also invite Participants on-the-fly once in your SharePlus session using the SharePlus invitation tool (both the Presenter and Participants can send invitations).
How do I start my SharePlus Session?
For a Participant, follow the link provided by the organizer, or in your invitation email.
For the Presenter, log into your GlobalConference.com account and go to the "SharePlus" tab. Enter your Screen Name and choose the access code of the account you wish to connect to and invite Participants. Then click on the "Submit" button to enter your SharePlus session.
Can I give Presenter Controls to another user?
Yes. Once in your SharePlus session you may change the role of any of the Participants under the "Participants" section. Select the drop-down menu associated with the person you wish to give Presenter controls to and select "Make Presenter". They will be notified that they are now the Presenter. You may regain control at anytime by selecting "Take Control Back" under the same drop-down menu.
My SharePlus session is live. How do I start to share my desktop?
To share your desktop select "Share Desktop" under the "Show Items" section on the left side of the screen. Then minimize this window to reveal the application(s) or document(s) that you wish to share.
Can I share a specific document instead of my whole desktop?
Yes. You can share a specific PowerPoint and/or PDF document by clicking "Share Documents" in the "Show Items" section. Then locate the document on your computer that you wish to share. You can upload as many documents as you wish.
Do I have to upload my documents before my session begins?
No. The Presenter can only upload files during your SharePlus session.
What are "Participant’s Moods"?
Both the Presenter and the Participants can change their Moods to describe their status. This can be very useful, for example, when tallying a vote.
Mood Options: Normal, Agree, Disagree, Be Right Back, Busy, and Problem
What is the WhiteBoard?
The WhiteBoard is a useful tool for visually mocking up documents during a conference. The tools palette contains the following features: selection, type, stamp, pencil, line segment, rectangle, ellipse, polygon and clear. The Presenter has control of the WhiteBoard but may pass off control by assigning another Participant to be the Presenter.
Can I chat with just one Participant at a time?
Yes, you can select "Chat Privately" in the drop down menu for the Participant you wish to speak with and an instant message window will pop up. You can also chat with the whole session using the "Public Chat" section on the right side of your screen.
How do I end my SharePlus session?
When your session is over, select "End Meeting" in the "Participants" section’s drop-down menu, or just close the SharePlus window. The Participants will be notified when the Presenter leaves the SharePlus session.
Cisco WebEx Web Conferencing
What is WebEx?
WebEx is an easy way to exchange ideas and information with anyone, anywhere. It combines real-time desktop sharing with phone conferencing, so everyone sees the same thing as you talk.
Some people call this web conferencing because of the web + phone sharing. Others call it online meeting because they take care of business online like they do in in-person meetings. No matter what you call it, WebEx is a great way to work with people in other locations.
Get more detail in this 3-minute tour
How does it work?
WebEx is software delivered as a service (SaaS), so you simply subscribe to the service—and you can use it from any computer with an Internet connection, and even from most smartphones.
You can schedule a WebEx session ahead or start it instantly in your choice of ways:
- From your own personal WebEx site
- From webex.com
- From Microsoft Outlook—like you do other meetings
- Right from the Microsoft Office document you are working in
You invite others to participate over email, IM, or text. They do not have to subscribe to WebEx. They simply click a link in your invitation to join you online, where they'll get visual prompts to join the phone conference.
Once you've started your session, simply choose "share" from the menu to share documents, presentations, and applications. Or open a blank document and start creating together.
See how it works in an online demo
Can someone else present?
Yes. You can pass control to anyone else in the session by simply clicking their name in the attendee list and choosing "Make presenter." They can then show anything on their screen.
Can a meeting attendee pass control of their desktop to me?
Yes. WebEx offers three ways to pass control during a meeting:
- You may pass the presenter ball to an attendee. The new presenter will share their own computer screen, application, or document.
- You can let an attendee control your computer screen, application, or document.
- You can control another attendee's computer screen, application, or document.
You can access this functionality from within your WebEx session.
How does the phone conferencing work?
WebEx integrated phone conferencing makes it easy. A single meeting invitation covers both the web and phone portions of your meeting. Plus, you have audio meeting controls within the web meeting, so you can see who's speaking and mute any attendee.
When you buy WebEx services you choose the type of phone conferencing service you want to include.
- VoIP or Internet calling lets participants join from their computer, using a computer headset with a microphone and speaker.
- Conference call-in number provides a single number for participants to call to join the conference.
- Call-Me service makes it even easier for participants to join, by having the session call them at the number they specify once they've joined on the web. (Requires an optional toll-free package.)
- Toll-free calling provides your participants with a toll-free number to call in (and also supports the Call-Me service mentioned above)
- International calling and toll-free service are also available, on a per-minute/per-attendee basis.
WebEx services support mixed conferencing capabilities, so different people can join by computer or phone within the same session.
You may also use WebEx with any third-party phone conferencing solution. However, third-party phone conferencing will require that you schedule the phone and web portions of your meeting separately. And, you won't have the ability to see who's talking or mute attendees from within your WebEx session.
Can I record my WebEx session?
Not at this time.
How many people can I have in a WebEx session?
If you buy WebEx Meeting Center online you'll get unlimited meetings with a top capacity of 100 people in any meeting.
WebEx offers plans to support sessions with up to 3,000 people. Contact us about your specific needs.
How do I learn how to use WebEx?
Get a quick view of how easy it is to use WebEx by joining us for an online demo.
As a customer, you’ll have free access to a full catalog of training options, including quick 2-minute "How-do-I…?" videos, as well as self-paced and instructor-led courses that cover everything from the basics, to best practices, to advanced-level skills.
What about technical support?
Get 24 x 7 technical support included with your subscription. Contact support by email or phone for quick resolution of any issues.
How can I change or cancel an account?
Change or cancel an existing account, or add a new one by calling a Cisco WebEx customer service representative at +1-866-863-3903.
Your account will automatically renew at the end of your current term agreement. To cancel an account, you must call at least 30 (thirty) days before the end of the term agreement to avoid being billed for the following month. Your current term is based on the date you originally subscribed.
How is WebEx different from other services like this?
Offered by Cisco, WebEx is the only web conferencing service delivered over a proprietary network, optimized for security, performance, and reliability. That's important as you share rich multimedia content in real time, representing yourself and your business. You want a service that makes you look good.
WebEx is fully scalable, so it can serve your needs whether you're buying for yourself, for everyone in your big multinational corporation—or somewhere in between.
And, if you have broader needs, you can contact a solutions specialist for other packages as well as customized solutions specific to your needs.
WebEx works for meetings with anyone, anywhere—whether they're inside or outside your firewall. Anyone with an Internet connection can join your WebEx meetings. They don’t need to subscribe to WebEx to participate. Only the host (or meeting organizer) needs to have an account.
Can I use WebEx from my mobile phone?
Yes! You can attend a scheduled meeting with integrated phone and web conferencing on 3G or WIFI from your iPhone. View presentations, see who's participating, and much more. Learn more.
What about video conferencing?
Cisco WebEx Meeting Center offers support for up to 6 webcams as part of your subscription—so you can get a face-to-face view from up to 6 people in a meeting.
Cisco WebEx Event Center also includes video capability, with support for multiple webcams by request.
What are the system requirements? (Is it Mac compatible?)
You can host a WebEx meeting, and people can join from PC, Mac, Linux, Unix, and Solaris systems. You can also join from an iPhone.
Worldwide Usage
Can I call in to the service from out of the country when traveling, for instance, in France, Canada, Japan or Mexico?
Yes. You should be able to reach our conference systems from anywhere in the world. Of course, you will incur international long distance charges if you are not within the United States when you call. Anyone who is able to access a standard long distance call to the United States from their own country can participate in a call. We will be providing local international calling numbers to all account holders shortly. Alternate dial-in numbers for our Hosted Conferencing service are located in the “My Account” section of the website (for callers outside the US and Canada).
Does GlobalConference.com provide “in country” dial-in numbers for different counties?
Yes, if the Organizer has both a conferencing plan and our International Dial-In Numbers service, they can provide their international participants with an “in country” dial-in number. These dial in numbers are city or national Toll numbers. Depending on the caller’s location in the country, they may be charged an additional long distance rate by their phone company to dial the number. Some countries have national dial-in numbers, which are a flat rate for the entire country. The Organizer is charged same low per-minute rate as the conferencing plan they have chosen for the conference.
Privacy & Security
Are the conference calls private and secure?
Yes. There are several different privacy features. Each call has a unique access code for entry. Also, there is a short tone heard on the conference call whenever anyone exits or enters the conference. Additionally, organizers on a conference can press to hear how many other parties are on the call. Finally, Moderator Controls provide an added level of call security and are accessible through the "My Account" section of each user's account. Organizers can control and manage the call in real-time. See also our Moderator Controls FAQs and User Guide.
Customer Support
I can't log in to the website. Can you please verify or send me my correct password and user name?
Please use the "forgot password" link on the home page or click here. The system will prompt you through the process to reset your password. For security purposes, if a credit card is on file you will be asked a challenge question to access any account information.
Can I get a telephone number for customer support?
We offer a toll-free 800 number and rapid response email support to all GlobalConference.com users. The toll-free customer service number is available under the "Support" tab in your “My Account” section. Contact Us