Abstract: A portable, computing device (100) schedules and monitors tasks and their state of completion during a work period. The device includes a touch-responsive graphical display (102). At the start of and during a work period, an operator (400) enters tasks into the device. Task icons (118, etc.) move across the screen at positions representative of the time. A central “bridge” indicator (124) marks the current time. When a task is due, its icon approaches the bridge. If the icon coincides with the bridge, the task is late and a portion of its icon changes color, indicating that the task is late. The display can be scrolled to left and right to enable “looking ahead” and back. The display can also be pinched and spread to reveal in a smaller or larger time-scale the workday contents. The device communicates data and instructions with a remote server (405) wirelessly.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for managing follow-up appointments in a calendaring system. In one illustrative embodiment, a follow-up appointment is created to an original appointment using a processor and responsive to receiving a user input. Information is set for the follow-up appointment created in response to receiving the user input. The follow-up appointment is associated with the original appointment in a data structure stored in a computer readable storage device to form an associated follow-up appointment. The associated follow-up appointment is then stored in the calendaring system.

Abstract: An internet and/or intranet based system and method for limiting access to confidential records to properly authorized and authenticated parties. The system's central premise is that the person to whom such records pertain should control access rights through specific, informed consent. It reinforces the widely held conception of privacy in general, while also providing an expedited and cost efficient means to find and transfer confidential records. It also gives the repositories where these records are held the right to stipulate the specific terms and conditions that must be fulfilled before they will release documents. And it carries out all of these legitimate interests in a way that is fast, simple to use and easy to audit. The system optionally includes a billing mechanism to pay for any added cost associated with providing this additional protection; and in its preferred embodiment, is applicable to both digital as well as non-digital records.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for detecting and handling missing meeting attendees. The embodiments include mechanisms to detect and notify missing attendees to join a meeting, and inform a meeting organizer of the status of missing attendees. The missing attendees are detected using user equipment (UE) and location determining technology. Additionally, UE sensor technology is used to estimate arrival time of expected attendees. A UE of the organizer detects present attendees in a meeting location using a near range wireless connection with UEs of the present attendees. The organizer's UE then detects a missing attendee from the meeting in accordance with a pre-established list of invitees and the detected present attendees, and sends a notification message including a reminder of the meeting to a UE of the missing attendee. The UE of the missing attendee also receives a message to activate a wireless positioning service capability.

Abstract: A social scheduling system includes member profile information. Each member profile includes information about a member and one or more of the member's associated entities. For example, a member/associated entity pair may be parent/child. In some embodiments, the system may allow a host to create an event invitation that includes a number of spaces, send the invitation to a number of invitees, and retrieve acceptances until the number of spaces has been filled. After the spaces have been filled, the system may notify the host and/or the remaining invitees. In some embodiments, the system may enable users to identify associated entities who have special needs that may conflict with a characteristic of the event. For example, if an invited entity has a food allergy and the event will include food, the system may alert the host and/or the invited entity's associated member of the potential conflict.

Abstract: A method and system for scheduling an event at a computing device is described herein. The method includes the steps of receiving an event request at the computing device and—in response to the reception of the event request—presenting at least one event parameter. The method also includes the steps of receiving input related to the event parameter and automatically comparing the received input to schedule data. The method further includes the step of—based on the comparison of the received input to the schedule data—presenting one or more candidate time periods for the event that are in compliance with the received input.

Abstract: A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to support the operation of a Virtual Media Room or Virtual Meeting Room (VMR), wherein each VMR can accept from a plurality of participants at different geographic locations a variety of video conferencing feeds of audio and video streams from video conference endpoints and enables a multi-party video conferencing session in real time among the plurality of participants. Each of the participants is offered a rich set of conferencing and collaboration interaction hitherto not experienced by video conferencing participants and a moderator of the video conference is further offered with in-meeting management and control over a plurality of security and privacy settings during the video conference. These interactions encompass controlling of a video conferencing session, its configuration, privacy, security, the visual layout of the participants, customization of the VMR and adaptation of the room to different vertical applications.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic integrated appointment scheduling and management where in response to an input a first profile and a second profile are associated and an association heuristic automatically retrieves a plurality of availability instances of the profile. The plurality of availability instances are then presented through an interface for selection.

Abstract: An adaptive time log system that includes computer based systems and methods for monitoring, recording categorizing and reporting user activity on a timeline basis is provided.

Abstract: A networked system of computers, connected dynamically, often very temporarily (e.g. phone call, text, web search), based on individual criteria unique to and controlling each, as they temporarily opt in to the system to evaluate information. All may process data obtained from a database mashed together by combining highly persistent (years) with highly transitory (minutes to weeks) data, temporarily bound thereto. Distributed processing by individual, independent processors is controlled by their own individual criteria, facilitating population, storing, indexing, searching, navigation, querying, and serving of heretofore unwieldy content. Applications execute heretofore impossible procedures as dynamic as situational awareness and personal decisions by their operators. In one example, transitory events can be incorporated by combining persistent data records with temporary ones on a customized site serving an event calendar from a media site, and commercial entities can tap into predictions based thereon.

Abstract: System of matching algorithms for pairing parties wherein one party seeks and consumes knowledge and the other party provides knowledge by means of real-time knowledge transfer sessions conducted via video communications and multiple media. Knowledge can be transferred through collaborative problem solving, questions-and-answers, tutorials, structured sessions, and unstructured sessions. The transfer of knowledge can take place on a pay-for-service basis or by means of knowledge-gifting. The system can accommodate one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one, and many-to-many assemblages of knowledge sharing participates. The system includes post-session ratings of each party by and of the other party, building cumulative ratings scores, supplemented with video and voice and text reviews with the resultant data woven into an algorithmic solution for matching participants in future sessions with optimally favorable outcomes, based on the quantifiably expressed feedback of all session participants.

Abstract: An information processing device includes: a first communication means for receiving request information sent from a user terminal device operated by a user to request for the user to use a service provided by a provider, and a second communication means for sending, to a provider-side terminal device operated by the provider, order information generated based on the request information to place an order with the provider for providing the service to the user, and receiving, from the provider-side terminal device, work information indicating a schedule for the provider to provide the service to the user, wherein the first communication means sends the work information to the user terminal device to receive answer information to the work information from the user terminal device and, according to the situation of receiving the answer information, sends warning information to the user terminal device to urge the sending of the answer information.

Abstract: A system for monitoring class attendance includes a database, an attendance detection mobile application, and a processor. The database stores a profile for a student including a mobile device identifier for a mobile device, and a class schedule including a class identifier, a scheduled date, a scheduled time, and a class location. The attendance detection mobile application is installed on the mobile device, and obtains and transmits a mobile device location in response to a device location request. The processor is in electronic communication with the database and the mobile device and is configured to monitor the class schedule, and, at the scheduled date and time, request a mobile device location from the mobile device using the mobile device identifier. The processor compares the mobile device location to the class location, and, as a result, stores an attendance status corresponding to the class identifier and the student in the database.

Abstract: A social networking system allows a user to create an event in the social networking system while viewing a web page from a third-party website from a domain different than the social networking system. A widget or other social plug-in is included in the web page, and user interaction with the widget communicates information from the web page to the social networking system. An event object is created in the social networking system from the information from the web page. The social networking system may perform various actions to increase user interaction with the created event object, such as identifying additional users to invite the event or identifying users attending the event to other users.

Abstract: Introduced herein is a method and system that enhances the number of real world meetings between online friends of social networking sites (SNS). The method and system is configured to work in perfect alignment with one or more SNS. The method and system provides an incentive for users who are connected on the SNS to meet in the real world. The incentive is provided through a dynamic meeting platform system that allows third party sponsors to work with SNS to reward users for real-world meetings. By increasing the frequency of meeting between the users, the method and system creates greater alignment between the online social life and conduct and the real-world social life and conduct, increasing the quality of life for the users. Further, such greater alignment helps expand the growth of SNS.

Abstract: Methods having corresponding systems and computer-readable media comprise: accessing calendaring information associated with a smart teleconference meeting, the calendaring information including a time of the meeting, a meeting location, identities of meeting invitees, and contact information for the meeting invitees; transmitting the calendaring information from a meeting coordinator to a conferencing system configured to contact meeting participants and join them to the meeting; contacting the meeting invitees with the conferencing system conferencing system and joining them to the meeting; generating a roster of the meeting participants based on the calendaring information; tracking a participation status of the meeting participants; and updating the roster to reflect the participation status of the meeting participants.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sender can compose an actionable message in an integrated communication and collaboration platform. The actionable message includes an action to be performed by a recipient. The action can be a task or a meeting event that requires the recipient to do something. The sender can specify in an actionable message a due date by which the action to be performed, a reply-by date by which the recipient has to acknowledge (e.g., accept, decline), and an optional duration that estimate amount of time to perform such an action. If the action is an event, the sender can also specify recipient(s) who must attend, recipient(s) who should attend, and optional FYI recipient(s) who only receive the message as an FYI message. When the actionable message is received by the recipient, the message is displayed in a dedicated folder separated from the regular messages without an action.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for creating an electronic meeting event is provided. The method includes receiving event information for a meeting event from a user, determining external signals related to the received event information and providing for transmitting to the user, a first electronic suggestion to add meeting participants to the meeting event, wherein the first electronic suggestion is based at least on one of received event information for the meeting event or the determined external signals related to the received event information. The method also includes receiving a user response to the first electronic suggestion to add meeting participants to the meeting event and providing for transmitting to the user, a second electronic suggestion to add additional meeting participants to the meeting event, wherein the second electronic suggestion is based on at least the received user response to the first generated electronic suggestion.

Abstract: According to aspects of the present disclosure, a system for managing authorization of one or more event participants to access a facility includes one or more controllers and one or more memory devices storing instructions. When executed by the one or more processors, the instructions cause the system to receive a first e-mail including a plurality of parameters associated with an event. The plurality of parameters includes an e-mail address associated with each of one or more participants for attending the event. The first e-mail is generated by a calendar application associated with an event organizer. The instructions further cause the system to process the received first e-mail to determine the plurality of parameters, store the determined plurality of parameters in a database, and authorize at least one of the one or more participants to access the facility based on the plurality of parameters.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for generating an electronic calendar invitation for an event is disclosed. The system includes memory for storing instructions and data associated with a calendar invite tool. A processor is configured to execute the stored instructions. The instructions may cause the processor to perform the steps including: allowing a user to create an electronic message associated with an event reservation application of a first platform, wherein the electronic message includes electronic address information associated with one or more invitees; based on the electronic address information, generating the electronic calendar invitation of a second platform different from the first platform; and sending the electronic calendar invitation to the one or more invitees in accordance with the electronic address information.

Abstract: A method for managing business introductions includes retrieving unfiltered data generated by a professional networking service and filtering a plurality of business connections to generate a filtered list of business connections. The filtered list of connections to send to an end user device, and a selected connection is subsequently received. The method further includes generating a draft message to a business contact requesting an introduction to the selected connection and sending the draft message to the end user device. Once a revised message is received from the end user device, a server sends the revised message to the business contact.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for processing transactions and associated dated. In one exemplary implementation, there is provided a method for processing information associated with transactions involving a product, wherein the product may comprise an experience, a physical product, and/or a digital product. Moreover, illustrative methods may include performing processing associated with a plurality of subroutines, such as a first subroutine for handling an experience, a second subroutine for handling a physical and/or a digital product, and/or one more additional subroutines associated with fulfillment.

Abstract: A method of determining availability of a plurality of loading points for an appointment to be scheduled, wherein the availability of each loading point is variably constrained based upon attributes of the appointment and availability of other resources. The preferred method comprises determining a plurality of constraints related to the loading point and to the attributes of the appointment to be scheduled, deriving, from the plurality of constraints related to the loading point and to the attributes of the appointment to be scheduled, a plurality of binary temporal constraint masks, and combining the masks of the plurality of binary temporal constraint masks to create a binary temporal availability mask. The method may present availability of at least one loading point of the plurality of loading points, wherein the presented availability of the loading point is derived from the binary temporal availability mask for the loading point.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide for a system and recordable type medium for representing actions in a data processing system. A table is generated. The table comprises a plurality of rows and columns. Ones of the columns represent corresponding ones of computer applications that can start or stop in parallel with each other in a data processing system. Ones of the rows represent corresponding ones of sequences of actions within a corresponding column. Additionally, the table represents a definition of relationships among memory address spaces, wherein the table represents when each particular address space is started or stopped during one of a start-up process, a recovery process, and a shut-down process. The resulting table is stored.

Abstract: This specification describes methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage device, for providing a content item. The subject matter of the specification is embodied in a method that includes providing, from a processing device, data that causes a display of a sponsored content item on a client device. The display of the sponsored content item includes a control for scheduling an appointment, and the control, responsive to an input, causes a display of a form within the content item for receiving user-input related to scheduling the appointment. The method also includes receiving, at the one or more processing devices, information representing the user-input related to scheduling the appointment, and providing the information representing the user-input to a computing device associated with scheduling appointments related to the sponsored content item. The information is used by the computing device to schedule the appointment.

Abstract: Integration of a virtual collaborative environment with an electronic meeting calendar. The virtual collaborative environment functions in a shared pool of resources to provide a virtual medium for multiple entities to work together. The electronic meeting calendar and scheduling integrates with the collaboration. Three separate and distinct factors are accounted for with the scheduling, including establishing a meeting, the duration of the meeting, and the attendees. Each of these factors is considered based upon content uploaded to the collaborative environment.

Abstract: A method for scheduling appointments allows a consumer to schedule a location-based appointment in real time. A consumer request to schedule an appointment is sent from a first processing device. The consumer request may include a service provider parameter, a location parameter, and a time parameter. The request to schedule an appointment is received at a server and a database is searched for a service provider able to meet the consumer request. A list of service providers that are able to meet the consumer request is displayed on the first processing device. A push-notification is sent from the first processing device to a second processing device to book the appointment with a selected service provider. A push-notification is sent from the second processing device to the first processing device to confirm or cancel the appointment.

Abstract: Automatically generating people reminders for a user of a mobile device includes obtaining information for each of the people reminders, the information indicating a specific event with at least one other person, detecting proximity of the at least one other person, and, in response to the other person being proximal to the user, providing the user with a notification. In response to the at least one other person being proximal to the user, the user may also be provided with an action item. The action item may be transferring a thing, providing a financial transaction, discussing certain subjects, and/or sharing a document. The reminder may be provided independent of any date and time. The at least one other condition includes proximity to a specific location and/or a particular time of day. The at least one other individual may be a member of a target group of individuals.

Abstract: Provenance techniques are disclosed for managing a history of a meeting. For example, a method for managing a history associated with a meeting comprises the following steps. Data associated with the meeting is collected. Provenance data is generated based on at least a portion of the collected data, wherein the provenance data is indicative of a lineage of one or more data items. A provenance graph is generated that defines a visual representation of the generated provenance data, wherein graph elements comprise one or more nodes and one or more edges between nodes, wherein nodes of the graph represent records associated with the collected data and edges of the graph represent relations between the records. One or more applications are associated with at least one graph element and are selectable to invoke functionality. The generated provenance graph is stored in a repository for use in analyzing the meeting.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method, a system and a server using text messages for scheduling of business appointments. A server receives an initial text message having been transmitted over a wireless network by a mobile terminal. The initial text message includes a function keyword. Based on the function keyword, the server determines a type of requested service and creates a unique page identification for a scheduler page. The server transmits toward the mobile terminal over the wireless network, a reply text message including the unique page identification. The server detects an access of the scheduler page by the mobile terminal, the access including an entry of appointment data.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for a dynamic computer-based appointment slot booking comprises a plurality of steps wherein appointment slots (and their attributes) in a locked database are entangled via one or more virtual umbilical cords in a manner analogous to the formation of quantum systems, in such a way, the entangled appointment slots comprise a system carrying a character of “wholeness” and wherein the database so formed is unlocked (made available for new appointment selection and entry), said act of booking a new appointment i) creates consequences to the entangled appointment slots (and their attributes) ii) reflects the “wholeness” of the quantum system.

Abstract: A system and method of enhancing a profile of a portable device. The system and method includes defining an event type in a scheduling tool and scheduling a time to initiate the event type. The system and method further includes associating a notification profile of a device with the defined event type and changing a setting of the device to the notification profile in response to the scheduling time and the defined event type.

Abstract: A method of mapping a location of an event that is scheduled in a calendar application includes steps of identifying a contact associated with the event, determining address information associated with the contact, obtaining map data for the address information, and generating a map of the location associated with the contact based on the map data. Meeting or event locations can thus be mapped even if there is no event location or address information specified directly in the meeting request or appointment.

Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable medium for enforcing user telecommunication privileges on a per-schedule basis are provided. Enterprise members may have a schedule associated therewith that defines scheduled locations of the users. Telecommunication service privileges may be coordinated with the users' schedules such that communication services are disabled at particular times based on the users' schedules. In other implementations, particular users may have telecommunication services disabled by an administrator in the event of a catastrophe or emergency. By this mechanism, users that are not proximate to a particular catastrophe or emergency area according to the users' schedule may have services disabled while other users that are located more proximate to the emergency may have their telecommunication services enabled.

Abstract: Providing a requisite level of service for an electronic meeting. An embodiment can include receiving a request to schedule a first electronic meeting in a time slot, identifying an electronic meeting system to host the first electronic meeting, identifying a second electronic meeting scheduled to be hosted by the electronic meeting system in the time slot, determining an estimate of resource usage within the electronic meeting system during the time slot at least based on the second electronic meeting being scheduled to be hosted by the electronic meeting system in the time slot, comparing the estimate of resource usage with a threshold value, responsive to determining that the estimate of resource usage exceeds the threshold value, providing the requisite level of service to the first electronic meeting in the time slot by reducing anticipated resource usage of the electronic meeting system by the second electronic meeting.

Abstract: A scheduling apparatus, system, and article including a machine-accessible medium, along with a method of dynamically processing events, are disclosed. The apparatus may include a receiving module capable of receiving information associated with an event. The information may include an event name and event time. The apparatus may also include a memory capable of storing the information associated with the event, and being communicatively coupled with the receiving module. The memory may be used to store a plurality of schedule items, at least one of which may be associated with an item time. The method may include selecting an event associated with a transaction and event time, determining whether a conflict exists, and adjusting the set of events stored in the memory to include the information associated with the event if no conflict is found.

Abstract: Systems, computer implemented methods, and computer readable media select potential meeting times and meeting locations. Meeting parameters are generated for a meeting request. Scores for each of a plurality of meeting times are generated based on the meeting parameters. Scores for each of a plurality of meeting locations are generated based on the meeting parameters. One or more potential meeting time and meeting location pairs are selected based on the scores for each of the plurality of meeting times and the scores for each of the plurality of meeting locations.

Abstract: A method, device, client and system for implementing reminders. The method includes: receiving from a first client affair reminder information and information of a second client; sending the affair reminder information to the second client according to the information of the second client, so that the second client can perform affair reminding according to the affaire reminder information. The device includes an information receiving module and an affair reminding module. The client includes a receiving module and an affair reminding module. The system includes a first client, a device of affair reminder and a second client. The affair reminder information can be sent by the first client to the second client so as to enable the second client to perform affair reminding according to the affair reminder information.

Abstract: A date posting search is conducted and a first plurality of users are identified to a second user. The posting of a first user is provided to the second user in association with an invitation control. If the invitation control is activated, an invitation is presented to the first user. If the first user accepts the invitation, the second user is notified. A first calendar entry is generated for a calendar of the first user, providing the first user with access to a time and calendar day for the date, at least one image of the second user, and an identifier associated with the second user. A second calendar entry is generated for a calendar of the second user, wherein the second calendar entry provides the second user with access to the time and calendar day for the date, at least one image of the first user, and an identifier associated with the first user.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein for establishing a network connection between a client device and a server over a network, and determining a network condition associated with engaging in an online activity by the client device over the network. In response to the network condition meeting an indicator criterion, a notification is provided to the client device prior to facilitating engagement of the client device in the online activity.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems and methods for scheduling at least one time slot of a plurality of time slots is provided. The system includes a scheduling component configured to receive a first request to generate a suggested calendar entry, the first request including an identifier of a first profile associated with scheduling preference information, identify, based on the first profile, a plurality of characteristics of the suggested calendar entry, the plurality of characteristics including at least one characteristic specified by the scheduling preference information, determine, based on the plurality of characteristics, that a plurality of resources are available during the at least one time slot, and generate the suggested calendar entry for the at least one time slot, the suggested calendar entry having the plurality of characteristics and requesting the plurality of resources during the at least one time slot.

Abstract: A method for providing a calendar service to a first user is provided. A user interface is provided to a computing device of the first user. The user interface includes a calendar of the first user. The first user is associated with a calendar of a second user. The first user can view, on the calendar associated with the first user, one or more activities offered by the second user. The one or more activities are capable of being individually joined by the first user. A user input to join an activity offered by the second user is received. In response to receiving the user input, an entry for the joined activity is added in the calendar of the first user, and information for the accepted activity is modified in the calendar of the second user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filling one or more available appointment windows. The methods can include communicating, by a computer, one or more available appointment windows to one or more existing and/or potential customers wherein at least one appointment window specific discount is associated with at least one of the one or more available appointment windows; receiving, by the computer, an acceptance by one or more of the existing and/or potential customers of one or more of the available appointment windows associated with the at least one appointment window specific discount. The systems can include a processor; a non-transitory memory in electronic communication with the processor; and one or more code sets stored in the non-transitory memory, the code sets being executable by the processor to at least associate each of at least one appointment window specific discounts with a customer account.

Abstract: Many types of earpiece include a memory to which media items stored on a second device, such as music, audiobooks, and podcasts, may be transferred as requested by a user. However, it may be advantageous to configure the earpiece and/or the to fill the memory automatically with media items of predicted interest to the user in the manner of a cache. In such earpieces, interruption of the connection between the earpiece and the second device does not interrupt a currently streaming media item, and the earpiece is capable of playing additional media items of predicted interest to the user even if the user has not requested transfer to the earpiece. Other uses of the cache include adding appointments from a calendar of the second device for presentation by the earpiece as reminders during disconnection, and storing notes on the earpiece that are automatically transferred back to the second device.

Abstract: A method or system for communicating scheduling data to a user is disclosed herein. The scheduling system may have an automatic “switch.” The switch changes a default, or adds a supplementary, appointment communication method during periods of high demand on the user's attention. For example, a restaurant reservation system may normally communicate reservations via e-mail until a shift occurs. Then the system switches to communicating new reservation information relevant to that shift additionally or alternatively by telephone. Telephone messages may be more preferred and easily handled by the restaurant staff while working the busy shift. Non-relevant reservation information (e.g., reservations falling outside the shift time block) may continue to be communicated by the default e-mail method. The switch may also be triggered by an event, such as by issuance of a consolidated shift report including all the reservations in a shift.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a proactive scheduler having a controller element to determine a scheduling conflict between a called party and a calling party according to calendar information of the called party and presence information of the called party. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An online event scheduler system for allowing users to find events of interest in which the users can participate and to allow users to set up impromptu meeting with nearby users.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing a schedule in a portable terminal are provided. The method includes displaying a user interface including a whiteboard on a standby screen, receiving schedule data from a user through coordinates at which the standby screen is touched, and displaying the received schedule data on the whiteboard.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for assisting an operator to schedule events, comprising a first centralized computing system configured to operate an event management webservice, the first centralized computing system operatively coupled to a second centralized computing system containing social networking data; wherein the event management webservice is configured such that the operator may utilize contact information comprising the social networking data to complete one or more portions of an invitation interface before dispatching to a designated group of invitees, the invitation interface comprising payment amount and payment closing date configuration options such that the operator may select a payment amount for each invitee to pay to attend the event, as well as a closing date for processing such payment amount which may be before, during, or after occurrence of the event.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a method for assisting an operator to schedule events, comprising: providing a configuration wherein a first centralized computing system operates an event management webservice, the first centralized computing system operatively coupled to a second centralized computing system containing social networking data; and presenting the operator with a user interface such that the operator may utilize contact information comprising the social networking data to complete one or more portions of an invitation interface before dispatching to a designated group of invitees, the invitation interface comprising payment amount and payment closing date configuration options such that the operator may select a payment amount for each invitee to pay to attend the event, as well as a closing date for processing such payment amount which may be before, during, or after occurrence of the event.