The invention relates to a method for managing a conference involving a plurality of data processing devices (D1, D12, D22) communicating with one another via a communication network (RES). The devices are capable of requesting creation of a conference with a conference management module. Said module memorizes the information related to a conference created during a given duration. A created conference can be suspended and restarted after suspension if the restart request is received during the given duration from a device participating in the conference. Said method is characterized in that it includes a step for providing information related to the duration of a conference created on the devices participating in the conference. Said duration information is taken into account by the participating device when a message related to the conference is sent to the management module.