A telepresence system which includes at least one display device and a beacon coupled to the display device. The beacon emits a signal so as to be discoverable by electronic devices nearby such as in a meeting location. The system also includes a receiver-controller coupled to the beacon, the receiver-controller configured to enable such electronic devices to be recognized and to join a collaborative session in which content from one electronic device can be shared with other electronic devices. The receiver-controller can and will share some or all of its functions with one or more of the joined devices simultaneously, if security and identity protocols are satisfied.