Question: I need a tool that will allow me and 10-12 participants to engage in video conferencing all at the same time before we meet in person at a conference. Now I don’t think there is anything out there in terms of freeware but I thought I would check.

Answer: We use Adobe Connect for our online classes and really like all the options that it provides us.  However it is not free or even cost effective if you would only be using it occasionally.  They do have a 15 day free trial if you would only be using it for a short two week period.

A free option is Vyew.  It has been recently highlighted in PCWorld and would enable you to connect the number of participants you require.  Participants just need to put up with ads. Since I haven’t used it I’m not sure how annoying the ads can be.  It is web-based so there is no need to download any software.  You can give presentations, host webinars, conduct team meetings, and share and collaborate on content.

Another free option is DimDim.  It allows up to 20 attendees as part of the free version.  If you end up having any more than that you need to sign up for the paid version.  It is web-based so there is no need to download any software.  You can share your desktop, show slides, collaborate, chat, talk and broadcast via webcam.

Below are some additional programs that I haven’t tested or reviewed in detail.  I’d suggest trying to find some reviews on them and doing a test pilot prior to using them with a large group.  Also be sure to read the Terms of Service for whatever one you may choose.  It is important to know up front what you are agreeing to, especially with a free service.  Some of these options below only allow up to 5 people on the conference at a time so they may not meet your needs of having 10-12 people on at one time.

WebHuddle – https://www.webhuddle.com/
Yugma – https://www.yugma.com
Palbee – http://www.palbee.com/index.aspx
WengoMeeting – http://www.wengomeeting.com/index.php