Abstract: Systems and methods for connecting users in a social environment are disclosed herein. An example system comprises a database storing user profiles each including identity information related to a respective user; public profiles including information viewable by other users of each user, and unique identifiers for social environments. The system also comprises a server configured to receive a message from a first user device, the message including a unique identifier of the social environment obtained from within the social environment; determine the first user device is located within the social environment based on the unique identifier; identify public profiles associated others users located within the social environment; and match a second user of the one or more users with the first user and transmitting information related to the public profile of the second user to the first user device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for connecting users in a social environment are disclosed herein. An example system comprises a database storing user profiles each including identity information related to a respective user; public profiles including information viewable by other users of each user, and unique identifiers for social environments. The system also comprises a server configured to receive a message from a first user device, the message including a unique identifier of the social environment obtained from within the social environment; determine the first user device is located within the social environment based on the unique identifier; identify public profiles associated others users located within the social environment; and match a second user of the one or more users with the first user and transmitting information related to the public profile of the second user to the first user device.

Abstract: A computer-based method for performing an online auction of an item in which loyalty rewards points can be used as currency is presented. The method includes the following steps: Information about a large component of the auction item is displayed on a website, which allows customers to view the information over the Internet using a web browser. A bid is received from each interested customer. Each interested customer's bid can include an indication of the number of loyalty rewards points to be redeemed for the large component. A winner of the auction is selected based on the bids. For example, the interested customer bidding the greatest number of loyalty rewards points can be selected as the winner of the auction. The winner is solicited to select from a number of additional components, thereby allowing the winner of the auction to customize the auction item that is won.