Abstract: A user connected to a data network controls a parallel teleconference network by sending requests through the data network. The requests are validated against permissions granted to the user and an action associated with a request is performed at the teleconferencing network if the request is validated. A status for a teleconference hosted by the teleconferencing network may be sent when the action is performed or when other changes occur during the teleconference. A voice message also may be sent to a user that is affected by the action. In one aspect, the allowed actions are presented to the user through the data network. In another aspect, a graphical user interface for controlling the teleconferencing network is presented to the user through the data network.