Embodiments of the present invention are directed to compact portable video conferencing systems, which eliminate the need for other meeting room appliances for a video conference. The systems provide the freedom to hold video conferences with a few participants in any setting, e.g., a manager's office, a conference room, multiple locations, etc. Embodiments provide portable video conferencing systems, which allow all the meeting participants, including local and remote users, to maintain constant eye contact throughout the meeting. An embodiment of the invention provides a portable video conferencing system including a base, a dual-sided display and a camera unit.