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: 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: 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 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-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 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.

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 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.