Conference Calls - How do they work?

[spillers]

Greetings all!

Environment:

• FlowRoute is SIP trunk with normal per 3CX defined preference
• 3CX is self hosted in Azure, running 18.0 Update 6 (Build 908)
• "Professional Annual" license and 16 SIM calls
• all users in environment are utilizing Windows 10 PCs and the latest version of the 3CX Soft phone, version 18.10.461

I recall once upon a time being able to call one external DID, click "add line", get second caller on separate line, then there being a "join" button to merge the two calls and have a 3-way call. That is not the case currently though, after digging through the forums, I THINK the best way to do conference calls in this environment is now:

1. call conference call line 700**EXT where EXT is the end user making the call's extension.
   1. I recognize we could opt for a different "conference room" but same extension means standardized workflow and avoids collisions.
2. call first intended caller in "new line"
3. transfer first intended caller to 700**EXT
4. call second caller in "new line" -- assuming second caller has an IVR you need to type input for, do so until you have a live agent
5. transfer second intended caller to 700**EXT
6. transfer self to 700**EXT, toggle "hold" if active

Is that really the only way to conference call? Is there a better way?

Also, if there is an alternate workflow, let's define "needing to be able to drive an external IVR at start of call" as a requirement as well, since often we're conference calling in to a company line where DTMF input is required, "for support, press 1" kind of thing.

If there's an alternate guide I'm just missing after pouring through the forums, feel free to shame me, I'd love to resolve this for my team however is needed, and I'm also happy to offer any additional environment information needed to establish context.

 

[SteveITS]

The app or web client is easier...in a call click Conference in the dialer then add another person.

After the conference is created, go to Meet > (Scheduled Conferences button in toolbar) > Active Conference, and add additional, disconnect, or mute callers.

 

[Doberman_techAJ]

The app or web client is easier...in a call click Conference in the dialer then add another person.

After the conference is created, go to Meet > (Scheduled Conferences button in toolbar) > Active Conference, and add additional, disconnect, or mute callers.

While this sounds easier I have clients who conference call on a whim and have issues just doing day to day stuff on a machine so this is actually more complicated. I dont understand why the way it was working before couldn't be duplicated in the new app