What does it take to set up and run an informational/educational conference done via telephone?

Question

I have participated in audio-teleconferences as a speaker and as a listener, but never organized them. I'm amazed at what the organizers can charge (and get) as registration fees. You run the raw numbers, and it's pretty amazing income. What kind of overhead is involved? Cost of telephone lines? How did you market and what did that cost? Etc. Any other experiences/costs? Where can I learn more? I'm considering including such conferences as part of a business plan for a family business and trying to get some ideas as to where to start.

Thanks for any help.

Answer 1

Microsoft Office Live meeting generally comes on every computer and is easy to used you can file share and telephone conf. www.communiqueconferencing.com/livemeeting.asp - 90k
GoToMeeting is one I like to use however, price wise both are reasonable and you can conf up to ten people at one time
www.citrix.com/English/ps2/products/product.asp?contentID=13976

Answer 2

Can you just set up a conference call through the operator?