In a multimedia communications system (100), a conference establishment server coordinates the scheduling of a conference call. The server receives request for conference calls (202). The request includes a list of participants and may include an indication of the resources necessary and any rules for the conference call. The request may indicate critical resourc es or participants that are required for the call. Based on the request, the server determines a conference time and notifies participants of the time (204, 206 , 210). Prior to conference time, participants are reminded of the time and automatically connected to the call. The server may check the status of user s on the telecommunications network to determine availability. If a critical participant or resource is unavailable at conference time, the conference ma y be cancelled with notification to the participants.
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