One of the things about having a flexible workspace is that it is well…flexible. Which means that fixed systems aren’t always ideal. 

When we began setting up our existing video conferencing system in the new building, we decided it would work better in the space if it were mobile. While there are some 'off the shelf' units, we didn't want to spend a fortune. So, Steve Reed—one of our senior consultants (and our own local MacGyver)—assembled a portable video conferencing system using items we had around the office.

The parts were an IKEA cabinet, 1”x2” 80/20 aluminum modular framing from Grainger, casters from Harbor Freight (no job is complete without a least one trip) and miscellaneous screws and hardware. He mounted our 40” flat screen monitor to the IKEA cabinet using the modular framing and enclosing the Polycom system within.  The camera is mounted on top of the video screen and the Polycom microphone and speakers sit on top of the cabinet.  Total cost for the parts that we didn’t have were about $50. ($200 if we had started from scratch and of course the cost of a monitor and Polycom system.)

The result is a simple, elegant solution that can be rolled into any conference room and quickly connected to power and the network.