Abstract: A system and method for facilitating supervisory control of localized meeting groups is provided. A method includes the steps of generating a master meeting group based on input received from a master organizer, generating a plurality of authentication tickets based on input received from the master organizer of the master meeting group identifying a local organizer for each authentication ticket of the plurality of authentication tickets, transmitting the plurality of authentication tickets to each of the local organizers, authenticating a plurality of local organizers based at least partially on an authentication ticket for each local organizer, and generating a plurality of meeting subgroups associated with the master meeting group based at least partially on the at least one meeting parameter. Each meeting subgroup is associated with at least one local organizer and is generated based at least partially on input received from the at least one local organizer.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a computer system for organizing in-person gatherings of users of topic-related interest, comprising a web-based meeting management facility having a user interface accessible to multiple users, wherein each of the multiple users may use the user interface to join at least one of multiple meeting groups based on at least one of topic-related interest and geographic locale, where a user becomes a member when they join the meeting group; and a server-based progressive announcement facility for enabling an organizer to control a time-staged meeting announcement release related to a meeting group based on an announcement delivery parameter, wherein the time-staged meeting announcement release includes multiple time-staged meeting announcements each including at least one user within the multiple users.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating supervisory control of localized meeting groups is provided. A method includes the steps of generating a master meeting group based on input received from a master organizer, generating a plurality of authentication tickets based on input received from the master organizer of the master meeting group identifying a local organizer for each authentication ticket of the plurality of authentication tickets, transmitting the plurality of authentication tickets to each of the local organizers, authenticating a plurality of local organizers based at least partially on an authentication ticket for each local organizer, and generating a plurality of meeting subgroups associated with the master meeting group based at least partially on the at least one meeting parameter. Each meeting subgroup is associated with at least one local organizer and is generated based at least partially on input received from the at least one local organizer.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a computer system for organizing in-person gatherings of users of topic-related interest, comprising a web-based meeting management facility having a user interface accessible to a plurality of users, wherein each of the plurality of users may use the user interface to join at least one of a plurality of meeting groups based on at least one of topic-related interest and geographic locale, where a user becomes a member when they join the meeting group; and a server-based progressive announcement facility for enabling an organizer to control a time-staged meeting announcement release related to a meeting group based on an announcement delivery parameter, wherein the time-staged meeting announcement release includes a plurality of time-staged meeting announcements each including at least one user within the plurality of users.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method, computer system, and program product provide the functionality of a portal for persons to find, based on a topic of interest, the nearest relevant in-person gathering of other persons interested in the topic as well. The system provides for the automated creation of groups and for their automatic sustainment through automatic scheduling of periodic gatherings. Strangers in geographic proximity are automatically brought together into chapters formed around the topic of interest. Chapters may be led by organizers, and gatherings may have hosts. Automatic functions for venue selection, venue voting, cancellation, and feedback are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating supervisory control of localized meeting groups is provided. A method includes the steps of generating a master meeting group based on input received from a master organizer, generating a plurality of authentication tickets based on input received from the master organizer of the master meeting group identifying a local organizer for each authentication ticket of the plurality of authentication tickets, transmitting the plurality of authentication tickets to each of the local organizers, authenticating a plurality of local organizers based at least partially on an authentication ticket for each local organizer, and generating a plurality of meeting subgroups associated with the master meeting group based at least partially on the at least one meeting parameter. Each meeting subgroup is associated with at least one local organizer and is generated based at least partially on input received from the at least one local organizer.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating fee-based group membership is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving, from at least one designated organizer for at least one group of a plurality of groups, data representing a monetary value of a membership fee; receiving, from a first plurality of user terminals associated with a first plurality of users, a first plurality of requests to join the at least one group; registering the first plurality of users with the at least one group; receiving, from a second plurality of user terminals associated with a second plurality of users, a second plurality of requests to join the at least one group; transmitting, to the second plurality of user terminals, data configured to display payment options; and registering at least a portion of the second plurality of users with the at least one group upon payment of the fee.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating at least one message between users is provided. The method includes the steps of transmitting, to a plurality of users, data configured to display at least one graphical user interface configured to facilitate users to organize and join a plurality of meeting groups associated with a plurality of in-person meetings or events; transmitting, to at least one user of the plurality of users, information identifying at least one predetermined communication; and in response to only a single action performed by the at least one user, transmitting the at least one predetermined communication to at least one other user of the plurality of users.

Abstract: A system and method for confirming attendance for in-person meetings or events is provided. The method includes the steps of transmitting, to a plurality of user terminals, data configured to display at least one graphical user interface configured to facilitate users to organize and join a plurality of meeting groups associated with a plurality of in-person meetings or events; receiving, from at least one user terminal of the plurality of user terminals, a conditional confirmation of attendance for at least one in-person meeting or event, the conditional confirmation based on an indicated condition; monitoring the indicated condition for the at least one in-person meeting or event; and when the condition is met, modifying the conditional confirmation of attendance to a non-conditional confirmation of attendance.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method, computer system, and program product provide the functionality of a portal for persons to find, based on a topic of interest, the nearest relevant in-person gathering of other persons interested in the topic as well. The system provides for the automated creation of groups and for their automatic sustainment through automatic scheduling of periodic gatherings. Strangers in geographic proximity are automatically brought together into chapters formed around the topic of interest. Chapters may be led by organizers, and gatherings may have hosts. Automatic functions for venue selection, venue voting, cancellation, and feedback are provided.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method to help organize in-person gatherings of users of topic-related interest includes the steps of: providing a web-based meeting facility to a plurality of users, wherein each of the plurality of users choose to join at least one of a plurality of meeting groups based on at least one of topic-related interest and geographic locale; enabling at least one organizer to maintain control of organizing meetings with the at least one of the plurality of meeting groups, wherein the one of the plurality of meeting groups is made up of a subset of the plurality of users; and providing the organizer with a revenue generation facility where the organizer generates revenue through commercial sponsorship of at least one of the meeting group and specific meetings.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for providing recommendations for an in-person meeting group, the method comprising: collecting user information, wherein the user information provides information related to topical interests and location information for at least one of a plurality of users; comparing the user information with a topical listing of in-person meeting groups in the same geographical region as the at least one user, wherein the in-person meeting group is formed and maintained through a web-based meeting facility; and providing an in-person meeting group recommendation to the at least one user based on the comparison.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for providing recommendations for an in-person meeting group, the method comprising: collecting user information, wherein the user information provides information related to topical interests and location information for at least one of a plurality of users; comparing the user information with a topical listing of in-person meeting groups in the same geographical region as the at least one user, wherein the in-person meeting group is formed and maintained through a web-based meeting facility; and providing an in-person meeting group recommendation to the at least one user based on the comparison.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating at least one message between users is provided. The method includes the steps of transmitting, to a plurality of users, data configured to display at least one graphical user interface configured to facilitate users to organize and join a plurality of meeting groups associated with a plurality of in-person meetings or events; transmitting, to at least one user of the plurality of users, information identifying at least one predetermined communication; and in response to only a single action performed by the at least one user, transmitting the at least one predetermined communication to at least one other user of the plurality of users.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating fee-based group membership is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving, from at least one designated organizer for at least one group of a plurality of groups, data representing a monetary value of a membership fee; receiving, from a first plurality of user terminals associated with a first plurality of users, a first plurality of requests to join the at least one group; registering the first plurality of users with the at least one group; receiving, from a second plurality of user terminals associated with a second plurality of users, a second plurality of requests to join the at least one group; transmitting, to the second plurality of user terminals, data configured to display payment options; and registering at least a portion of the second plurality of users with the at least one group upon payment of the fee.

Abstract: A computer program product helps organize an in-person gathering of users of topic-related interest to help maintain ongoing local interest groups by providing meeting management resources through a web-based meeting facility, where the meeting management resources may enable a meeting group organizer to manage a meeting group. The meeting facility may receive meeting group criteria from a user, and may provide to the user an indication of at least one meeting group of a plurality of meeting groups based on the user's received meeting group criteria, wherein the meeting groups may have respective members. The meeting facility may receive from the user a selection of a meeting group to join, and the organizer may be enabled to accept the user as a new member to the meeting group and to manage meeting group user resources available to the user through a web-based graphical interface provided by the meeting facility.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a computer system for organizing in-person gatherings of users of topic-related interest, comprising a web-based meeting management facility having a user interface accessible to a plurality of users, wherein each of the plurality of users may use the user interface to join at least one of a plurality of meeting groups managed by an organizer and based on at least one of topic-related interest and geographic locale, where a user becomes a member when they join the meeting group, and where the meeting management facility includes collaborative meeting management resources to allow the organizer to set the meeting group into a collaborative mode where the collaboration mode allows for members of the meeting group to at least one of create and collaboratively edit meetings associated with the meeting group.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a computer system for organizing in-person gatherings of users of topic-related interest, comprising a web-based meeting management facility having a user interface accessible to a plurality of users, wherein each of the plurality of users may use the user interface to join at least one of a plurality of meeting groups based on at least one of topic-related interest and geographic locale, where a user becomes a member when they join the meeting group; and a server-based progressive announcement facility for enabling an organizer to control a time-staged meeting announcement release related to a meeting group based on an announcement delivery parameter, wherein the time-staged meeting announcement release includes a plurality of time-staged meeting announcements each including at least one user within the plurality of users.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for providing recommendations for an in-person meeting group, the method comprising: collecting user information, wherein the user information provides information related to topical interests and location information for at least one of a plurality of users; comparing the user information with a topical listing of in-person meeting groups in the same geographical region as the at least one user, wherein the in-person meeting group is formed and maintained through a web-based meeting facility; and providing an in-person meeting group recommendation to the at least one user based on the comparison.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for organizing a network of affiliated live events, the method comprising: providing an event management resource to a promoter through a web-based meeting event facility, wherein the event management resource enables the promoter to initiate and manage a grouping of a plurality of affiliated in-person gatherings as live events in an event container controlled by the promoter, and where at least one such live event is allowed to be controlled at least in part by a leader associated with such live event in the event container subject to event criteria set by the promoter.