The invention provides an apparatus and method that allows the operator of
each user device participating in a multimedia conference to selectively
receive information services during the multimedia conference. The
apparatus includes a controller for receiving start-up signals from a user
device, sending start-up requests to destination user devices, and
receiving start-up signals from the destination user devices. The start-up
signals may include information as to whether each user device requests
information services to be provided during the multimedia conference. The
controller establishes the multimedia conference and selectively provides
the information services to the respective user devices. The information
services are provided continuously or non-continuously at the preference
of the user devices. The information services may also be provided in
various formats at the preference of the user devices.