This disclosure describes a method of controlling a multi-pod conferencing system for local conference participants to communicate with remote conference participants. This method includes providing a plurality of pods to local conference participants wherein an individual pod connects to one or more of the plurality of pods through a data communication means. The individual pods further include pod processor means. The pod processor means couples to an input device and a display. The method further includes providing a base unit that couples to the plurality of pods through the data communication means. The base unit further couples to a carrier medium, where the base unit further includes base controller means. The base controller means couples to the converting means. Additionally, the method further includes receiving command input at an individual pod from the local conference participant, updating the display at the individual pod in response to the command input, and distributing the command input through said data communication means to other plurality of pods and the base controller, where the plurality of pods and the base controller interpret the command input and change their operational state if necessary in response to the command input.