Conferencing

Conferencing is a method of real-time communication that connects participants in different locations for discussion and collaboration. It uses telecommunication networks, computers, and software to share audio, video, and data.

Historically, conferencing began with telephone conference calls in the mid-20th century, evolving to video and integrated solutions as bandwidth and compression improved. The rise of the internet and cloud-based platforms in the 2000s expanded access and features such as screen sharing, recording, and chat.

Types include teleconferencing (audio only), videoconferencing (live video and audio), and web or unified conferencing (audio, video, data collaboration via the web). Hybrid conferencing combines in-person and remote participants. Formats include one-to-one meetings, one-to-many lectures, panel discussions, and breakout sessions.

Key technologies include conference endpoints (room systems, desktops, mobile devices), networking protocols such as H.323 and SIP for traditional video, and WebRTC for browser-based solutions. Features may include scheduling, access control, screen sharing, recording, chat, polls, and translation services.

Applications span business meetings, education, government, and events. Planning considerations cover agenda design, accessibility, inclusivity, security and privacy, bandwidth requirements, and decisions about recording or live-streaming sessions.

Benefits include reduced travel, faster decision making, and wider participation. Challenges include technical reliability, interoperability between platforms, security and privacy risks, and attendee fatigue from extended virtual meetings.