Performing electronic conferencing operations using electronic portals at different locations

Abstract

A technique performs electronic conferencing operations. The technique involves electronically conveying video of a local environment from local conferencing equipment (e.g., a local electronic portal) to remote conferencing equipment (e.g., a remote electronic portal) while electronically muting audio of the local environment. The technique further involves, while the video of the local environment is electronically conveyed from the local conferencing equipment to the remote conferencing equipment and while the audio of the local environment is electronically muted, detecting a user gesture within the local environment, the user gesture being detected electronically in a contactless manner. The technique further involves, in response to detection of the user gesture within the local environment, electronically unmuting the audio of the local environment.