How It Works

How It Works

Conference Basics

What are the costs associated with this service?

It costs nothing to use our basic conferencing services. 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 for this type of conference call is whatever long distance rates 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.

Can you walk me through this?

ProAlliance Conferencing is a free reservationless, on-demand telephone conferencing service that can be used instantly, reliably and securely. All you have to do is set up a user account by providing us with your name, email address, and company. You do not need to provide us with any information regarding your conference, including the date and time or estimated number of participants. Everyone who calls the assigned ProAlliance Conferencing number and enters the unique access code will be connected instantly.

Service Details

Maximum conference size:150 callers
Maximum time:6 hours
Conference Number:Assigned to you after you register with your email
Organizer Code:Can be used with each access code
Access Codes:Assigned to you after you register with your email
Can request additional access codes
Subscriber PIN:Assigned with access codes
Begins:When first caller enters the conference
Ends:When last caller exits the conference

Service Features

  • Instant access from any land line or mobile device
  • Crystal clear all-digital connections
  • Secure and private
  • Available on demand, 24/7
  • No website visits or computer required for audio conferencing after initial registration
  • Rapid response email customer support
  • Account never expires!

How are the access codes and pin numbers used?

Organizer Code - This code gives the organizer controls such as locking the conference (5 key), changing the conference mode between conversation, Q&A and presentation mode (7 key), entry and exit chimes (8 key), and hearing the number of people on the call (# key). You may have multiple organizers during a conference. To join a conference as an organizer, simply call in and enter the star (*) key followed by the access code plus the pound (#) key.

Access code - To join a conference as a participant, enter the assigned access code, then the pound (#) key 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 the nine (9) key and then the subscriber pin to begin recording the conference.

Can I change my access code?

The access code is assigned to you to provide a unique, secure entry into the system. You may request a new access code if you need one. This is done through the sign up process on the home page.

Conference Touch-Tone Quick Reference

This touch-tone guide is for use while on a conference call.

touch-tone guide

Note: Keys 5,7,8 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
* Used with the subscriber pin

Download a wallet card with the touch tone guide

Use of the "change conference muting modes" (key 7)

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, the 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 the seven (7) key.

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 entering a conference. At any time during a conference, conference organizers can switch between Q&A mode, presentation mode and conversation mode by toggling the seven (7) key.

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 the seven (7) key.

Use of "one-on-one private chat" (1&2 keys)

To have a separate, private two party chat during your main conference, simply press the two (2) key to access your "caller code." Exchange caller codes with the person whom you wish to consult with, then press the one (1) key 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 choose my own conference number?

We provide your dedicated conference number when you register.

Can I have separate access codes under the same email address?

You may request additional access codes under one email account. This feature allows organizers to create multiple separate and secure conferencing access codes on the home page using the sign up process. You must already have an email account established. Once you enter your email address, the system will recognize you and prompt you to choose whether you require a new access code or simply want your current information sent to you. If you select new access code, it will allow you the opportunity to create an additional access code. You will receive an email confirming your new conference number and access code.

How many people can be on a conference call?

Currently, up to 150 callers can be on the same 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. If the call is still in progress, you will be connected and should announce yourself.

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 ProAlliance Conferencing 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 the same email address? above.

Conference Functionality

How does it work? Is this an "internet call"?

This is not an internet call (VoIP). You dial using an ordinary telephone or mobile device into our conference service at the time you have chosen. 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 1st 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, you can have your conference recorded free!

To record anytime during the conference, the host can enter the nine (9) key. 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 the nine (9) key again. Once the recording is complete, it will remain available until you record over it or up to 120 days. You can record an unlimited number of times.

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 150 callers 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 the pound (#) key to hear how many other parties are on the call. Finally, recording and premium features are only available after entering a subscriber pin. See also our Touch Tone Quick Reference Guide.

Customer Support

To reach a customer support contact, click here to use our rapid response email