WO2016103136A1

WO2016103136A1 - Systems and methods for event planning and management

Info

Publication number: WO2016103136A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/059805
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arvindra SINGH KANWAL; Amit Bhatia; Rohith M RAVEENDRAM MEETHAL
Original assignee: Singh Kanwal Arvindra
Priority date: 2014-12-23
Filing date: 2015-12-19
Publication date: 2016-06-30

Abstract

An integrated and cost effective system and method for event planning and management is disclosed. The system comprises of a data collection module that collects data relating to one or more even related services from multiple vendors and allows a user to search and compare the services offered by multiple vendors on a single platform, thus helping the user to plan and manage events in an efficient, cost effective and easy manner. The system helps the user to easily coordinate with and manage multiple event related services with multiple vendors simultaneously.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EVENT PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to event planning and management and is more specifically directed to providing a dedicated platform for business-to-business and business-to-customer interactions relating to planning and managing events. BACKGROUND

Event planning is the process of planning a festival, ceremony, competition, party, concert, or convention. Event planning can include budgeting, establishing dates and alternate dates, selecting and reserving the event site, acqu iring permits (alcohol permits, and insurance licenses), coordinating transportation and parking, developing a theme or motif for the event, arranging for speakers and alternate speakers, coordinating location support (such as electricity and other utilities), and arranging decor, event support and security, catering, emergency plans, aid stations, and cleanup. Event management is the application of project management to this process.

Booking events is a very fragmented process that involves weeks of research online and in person, expense of time and effort in coordinating different aspects of data to make it comparable, and calling, negotiating and coordinating with several entities. Thus, many people tend to hire event planners or event managers to plan and/or manage their social or professional events for example, weddings, professional conferences, birthday parties, and organizational get-togethers. Although, an event planner ca n remove some of the hassles of the event creator/host however, hiring an event planner is cost-prohibitive and may lead to extra expenditures beyond the budget allocated for the event. Furthermore, event planners typically work with a few specific vendors and therefore the event host does not get the fu ll range of options (for example options, for catering, food, decoration, and music) for their event. The existing event management software manages customer relationship management (CRM), meeting scheduling, lead management, satisfaction surveys, etc. However, existing solutions do not manage the supplier side offerings. For example, the existing solutions do not assist vendors associated with catering, decorations, and music and other aspects of event management to advertise their services directly to the consumers.

In light of the challenges above, there is a need for an integrated platform for event planning and management that enables customers to plan their events in a hassle- free manner by connecting the customers with various vendors and entities for the various event related activities described above.

The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This section is provided to introduce certain objects and aspects of the present invention in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In view of the shortcomings of existing event management systems, as discussed in the background section, it is apparent that there exists a need for developing an integrated platform for event planning and management that not only overcomes the problems of the prior art but also enables customers to plan their events easily, by connecting them with various vendors and entities for the various event related activities described above. It is, therefore, an object of the invention, to provide an integrated and cost effective event planning and management system that provides a wide variety of options to the organizer to effectively plan his/her event.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an event planning and management system that allows vendors to advertise their services directly to the users/even organizers.

In view of these and other objects, one aspect of the invention relates to a system for event planning and management comprising a data collection module configured to collect data for one or more event related services from one or more vendors and a storage module that collates and stores the collected data. The system further includes a search and comparison module that is configured to receive at least one search requirement from an event organizer, search the stored data and display one or more search results based on said requirement, wherein said search results include one of said one or more event related services, said one or more vendors and a combination thereof. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for event planning and management. Data relating to one or more event related services is collected from one or more vendors and subsequently collated and stored in a storage module. The method includes receiving at least one requirement from an event organizer, based on which searching is performed on the stored data. Subsequently, one or more search results are displayed, wherein said search results include one of said one or more event related services, said one or more vendors and a combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings include disclosure of electrical components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.

Fig. 1 illustrates the system architecture of the event planning and management system in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates the method of event planning and management in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention.

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more detailed description of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

Several features are described hereafter that can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. However, an individual feature might only address one of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Although headings are provided, information related to a particular heading, but not found in the section having that heading, may also be found elsewhere in the specification.

Techniques are described for implementing an integrated platform for event management. The following computer-implemented steps are performed in accordance with one embodiment. The event management platform collects data from different vendors offering various event-related services. The event management platform then stores the data. An event host/organizer uses the event management platform to plan/manage an event by selecting different event-related services. The event host/organizer then uses the event management platform to book/purchase various event-related services offered by the different vendors.

As described herein, "event" refers to a social gathering of people for a professional or personal purpose. For example, events include weddings, birthday parties, anniversary parties, organizational meetings, conferences, seminars, lectures, home parties, and office parties. As described herein, "event host/organizer" refers to the person/entity that is planning or organizing the event. For example, event host can be an individual, a business, a group of individuals, or an organization.

As described herein, "vendors" refers to businesses that provide various services associated with organizing an event. For example, these services may include acquiring permits (alcohol permits, and insurance licenses), coordinating transportation and parking, developing a theme or motif for the event, arranging for speakers and alternate speakers, coordinating location support (such as electricity and other utilities), and arranging decor, event support and security, catering, emergency plans, aid stations, and cleanup. In an embodiment, the event management platform/system is implemented on a computer system. In an embodiment, the computer system comprises a computing device configured as a management station, and such may be structured as the example computing device described herein in the "Hardware Overview" section. In another embodiment, the computer system may be a specialized computing device. For example, the computer system may be video infrastructure or audio infrastructure device that is optimized for services such as video conferencing, digital telephony, and/or telepresence. In still other embodiments, the computer system represents network end stations such as laptop computers, server computers, mobile computers, tablet computers, or smartphones, etc. or may represent software components executing on one or more computing systems. In another embodiment, the computer system may represent several different interconnected computers or computer systems operating as cloud-based computing system. In an embodiment, the event management platform may be implemented as an application with a GUI executing on the computer system. In an embodiment, the event management platform may be implemented as an application with a graphical user interface executing across separate interconnected computer systems as described herein. In an embodiment, the computer system is network enabled. In an embodiment, the network represents any combination of one or more local networks, wide area networks, or internetworks coupled using wired or wireless links deployed using terrestrial or satellite connections. Data exchanged over the network, may be transferred using any number of network layer protocols, such as Internet Protocol (IP), Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Frame Relay, etc. Furthermore, in embodiments where the network represents a combination of multiple sub-networks, different network layer protocols may be used at each of the underlying sub-networks. In some embodiments, the network may represent one or more interconnected internetworks, such as the public Internet. As shown in Figure 1, the event management platform/systemlOO comprises various modules such as an interface unit 102 connected to a data collection module 110, a storage module 112, a search and comparison module 108, a registration module 104, and a booking engine module 106. In an embodiment, the various modules of the event management platform may be implemented as applications with GUI, executing on the computer system. In another embodiment, the various modules are specialized software or hardware components executing on the event management platform.

In an embodiment, the interface unit 102allows an event organizer/vendor to login to the event management platform. In an embodiment, the data collection module 110 collects data from various vendors about their services. In another embodiment, the data collection module 110 collects data from the administrator/owner/manager of the event management system 100, wherein the collected data includes data corresponding to the vendors/ event related services offered by the vendors. In an embodiment, the data is determined by the services offered by the vendor. For example, if the vendor is a restaurant then the data collected comprises address, seating arrangements and capacity, menu, pricing, available discounts, pre-fixed menus, serving options, buffet options, pre-fixed menus, no-reservation days, holidays, operating hours, happy hours, and business policies. If the vendor is a caterer, then the data collected may further include catering policies, staff available, and service charges. If a vendor is a decorator, then the data collected may include types of flowers available, types of lighting options, themes, arrangement options, and pricing. In an embodiment, vendors access the data collection module 110 via the interface unit 102.

In another embodiment, a vendor registers with the event management platform via a registration module 104, before being granted access to the data collection module 110. In yet another embodiment, the vendors have to accept a "lowest price guarantee" term during the registration process. As used herein, "lowest price guarantee" is an assurance by the vendors that the prices that their prices as collected by the data collection module 110 are the lowest prices that they can offer. In an embodiment, the vendors have to accept a "minimum revenue guarantee" term during the registration process. As used herein, "minimum revenue guarantee" means that the vendor provides the minimum amount of money the vendor expects to make in order to return profit revenue for providing a service for a particular event. For example, a venue owner may specify the minimum number of guests that the event host would have to guarantee before the event host books the venue. In another example, vendor may provide "minimum amount", which the vendor expects regardless of number of guests.

In an embodiment, the event host/organizer also registers with the event management platform/system 100, via the registration module 104, wherein registration includes creating a user profile. In an embodiment, a user profile contains personal information, event related information, etc. The registration module 104 allows the event organizer to update the user profile at any instance of time.

In an embodiment, the vendors are allowed to price their services as a part of a packaged deal with services from other vendors. In another embodiment, the pricing of packages varies according to the different occasions. For example, the same package deal i.e. the same services provided by the same vendors can be priced differently for a wedding as compared to a conference. In still another embodiment, the package deal pricing varies according to the date and/or time of the event. For example, on a weekend, a price for the same package may be little higher as compared to weekdays. In still another embodiment, the vendors can access the data collection module 110 remotely via a network. In an embodiment, the data collection module 110 sends periodic reminders to the vendors to update their data on the event management platform 100. In an embodiment, the reminders are at least one of voice calls, text messages, e-mails, and web-based chat messages for example, tweets, WhatsApp messages, and Snapchat messages. In an embodiment, the notifications are sent and received via a mobile app that provides access to at least one feature of the event management platform 100. In an embodiment, the data collection module 110 has a payment portal to enable registering vendors to pay for registration, advertisements (for example banner or pop-up ads), and placement of advertisement for their services in a sponsored results section.

In an embodiment, the data collection module 110 stores the data collected from the vendors in a storage module 112. In an embodiment, the data storage module 112 may be one or more storage devices attached to the central server of a client institution. In another embodiment, the data storage module 112 may be an off-site storage or backup device. In still another embodiment, the data storage module 112 may be the storage device of another computer system similar to the one described above or one described in the "Hardware Section" herein. In another embodiment, the data storage module 112 may be one or more separate storage devices on the computer system that are configured as a centralized storage. In an embodiment, the data storage module 112 stores the collected data in a specialized database. In an embodiment, the data storage module collates the data by storing it in standardized fields. For example, the data storage module 112 recognizes that the some vendors offer similar services for example restaurants and caterers and therefore there is an overlap between the fields (such as food menu, pricing, options for pre-fixed menu, discounts offered, and service charges.) Therefore, to enable better search and comparison across different vendors, the data storage module stores similar data under similar fields. For example, food is further classified as vegetarian and non-vegetarian and seating arrangement may be classified as sitting or standing. In an embodiment, the data storage module 112 stores different data across different fields. For example, the seating arrangement data field stores different data from the data fields storing details about the food menu.

In an embodiment, the data storage module 112 verifies, validates, and cross-checks the stored data. In an embodiment, the data is verified, validated, and crosschecked automatically after pre-determined periods of time. In another embodiment, the data is verified, validated, and cross-checked after a request for such verification, validation and cross check is received from an administrator/owner/manager/event organizer/vendor. In an embodiment, the data verification, validation, and crosschecks are performed by third parties. For example, a platform administrator may perform the crosschecks. In an embodiment, at least one data field comprises at least one sub-field. In another embodiment, the sub- field entries ensure that the storage module 112 stores granular details for each service offered by each vendor. In an embodiment, the data storage module 112 is configured so that certain data fields are mandatory. As referenced herein, a "mandatory" data field indicates a data field that must be filled in by the vendor at the time of registration or while adding details about their various services. In an embodiment, the data storage module 112 stores reviews of the various event-related services offered by the different vendors. In another embodiment, the reviews may be in the form of ratings on a pre-determined scale. For example, a one star rating means the vendor or the service was very poor, a two star rating would signify that the vendor or the service was poor, a three star rating would signify that the vendor or the service was average, a four star rating would mean that the vendor or the service was good, and a five star rating signifies that the vendor or the service was excellent. In still another embodiment, the reviews are descriptive reviews. In an embodiment, the descriptive reviews are limited to a pre-determined word count.

In an embodiment, the storage module 112 manages and maintains food items information, food categories information, vendors information, spaces information, caterer information, restaurant information, packages information, organizers information, featured restaurants and caterers and any other information to be stored and managed by the event management platform 100, or may be obvious to a person skilled in the art. In an embodiment, an event host uses the search and comparison module 108to plan/manage an event by selecting different event-related services. In an embodiment, the search and comparison module 108allows an event host to search and compare the various event-related services/package deals offered by different vendors whose details are stored in the storage module 112. In an embodiment, the search and comparison module 108 allows an event host to specify the various requirements for their event. For example, the search and comparison module 108 allows an event host to specify the type of event (for example, personal , professional, house party, or office party), location desired (city, state, country, or locality), delivery charges, delivery radius, number of expected guests, minimum guarantee, type of food, whether alcohol will be served, date, time, and occasion. In an embodiment, the event host has to specify at least one requirement for their event. In an embodiment, the search and comparison module 108 collects the event host's entered requirements and searches the data stored by the storage module for various event-related services offered by different vendors.

In an embodiment, the search and comparison module 108 employs keyword searching. In an embodiment, the search and comparison module 108 automatically appends search strings according to the requirements entered by the event host. For example, if the event host enters non-vegetarian food as a requirement, then the search and comparison module 108 automatically appends n-veg, non-veg, and n-vegetarian to the search strings to account for different vendors adding the same information in different formats. In another embodiment, the search and comparison module 108 employs data-field searching. For example, if one of the requirements of the event host is for a venue to have a seating capacity for between fifty and a hundred guests then the search and comparison module 108 checks the data stored in the data storage module for a field specifying seating arrangements, seating capacity, capacity, seating, or persons accommodated. Once a relevant field is found the search and comparison module 108 then searches within the field for vendors that have specified seating capacity between 50 and 100. In an embodiment, the search and comparison module 108 then selects all vendors that meet the event host's specified requirements. In the example above the search and comparison module 108 selects all vendors offering a venue with a seating capacity of 50 to 100 people. In still another embodiment, the search and comparison module 108 employs Boolean search techniques. For example, if the event host user the Boolean operator OR' to specify requirements for a venue as 50 - 100 people OR' Serves Alcohol. Then the search and comparison module 108 selects all vendors that have a seating capacity of 50-100 people, all venues that serve alcohol, and all venues that have a capacity of 50-100 people and serve alcohol. In an embodiment, the search and comparison module 108 displays the result of the search based on the event host's requirements. In an embodiment, the event host can filter the search result. In an embodiment, such filters comprise price, price range distance (distance of the venue/vendor from a pre-determined location specified by the user), rating, review, location, and availability. In an embodiment, the filters further comprise event specific filters. In an embodiment, the event specific filters are determined by the specific requirements of the search initiated by the vent host. For example, if the search includes a requirement that a venue for a birthday party is required then there may be an extra search filter on the results page to filter the search results based on whether the vendors provide cake, birthday party-themed decorations, or entertainers. In an embodiment, the search and comparison module 108 allows the event host to compare two vendors/services in a side-by-side comparison. In an embodiment, the display results contain a "recommended" section. In an embodiment, the recommended section is populated with search results based on previous searches by other event hosts containing similar specific requirements. In another embodiment, the results in the results in the recommended section are automatically generated based on previous selections by event hosts searching with similar specific requirements.

If the event organizer is not able to find suitable results as per his/her requirements, the organizer sends a message or request to the administrator/owner/manager of the event management platform/system 100. In response to such a message/request, personalized/customized results may be provided to the organizer via the interface unit 102.

In an embodiment, the event management platform/system 100 is configured to display a list of all the vendors that have registered with the system. For example, the event organizer can retrieve a list of all the restaurants that are registered with the system. In an embodiment, an event organizer retrieves a detailed description/information about a vendor by selecting/clicking on a vendor name displayed in a list/ as a search result.

In an embodiment, the event host accesses the booking engine module 106 to pay for event-related services offered by the different vendors. In an embodiment, the booking engine module 106 tracks and stores the current selection of the one or more search results made by the event hosts. In an embodiment, the current selections are accessible only after the event hosts makes the appropriate selections from the displayed results. In an embodiment, the event host can access the current selection at any time by interacting with the interface unit. In an embodiment, the booking engine 106 enables the event host to pay for the selected vendors/services via a variety of payment methods for example credit cards, debit cards, net-banking, bank transfers, PayPal, electronic payment methods, and through traditional payment methods for example cash or cheque. In an embodiment, the booking engine 106 is configured to maintain payment information, order information, order history, etc.

In an embodiment, the booking engine module 106 also displays available discounts offered by the different vendors for the various selected services. In an embodiment, the booking engine module 106 automatically checks the event host's selection to determine if the event host is eligible for additional discounts. In an embodiment, the booking engine module 106 automatically determines if the event host's current selection is the most cost-efficient by comparing historic pricing data stored in the data storage module 112. In an embodiment, the booking engine 106 allows the event organizer to apply coupons while making payment. In an embodiment, the booking engine module 106 generates printable electronic receipts for completed transactions by the event hosts. In an embodiment, the booking engine module 106 provides the final breakdown prior to finalizing payment for each service selected by the event host. For example, an event host may select a venue for a birthday party, with catered food for a 100 people for a certain caterer, with decorations from a second vendor, cake from a third vendor and a group of clowns as entertainers. Then the booking engine module 106 will display the cost of renting out the venue, per person cost of food, cost of cake, and per hour rate for hiring the group of clowns. In an embodiment, the booking engine module 106 also includes additional fees and charges in the final cost. For example, these additional fees and charges may include service charges, taxes, and other assorted fees. In an embodiment, the booking engine prompts the event host to submit a partial payment. As used herein, 'partial payment' is part of the total amount to be paid that acts as collateral or security for the various vendors. In an embodiment, the booking engine only accepts the partial payment with the remainder payable directly to the vendor. In still another embodiment, the booking engine 106 specifies the different vendors' payment policies on the payment page. In still another embodiment, the booking engine initiates 106 refunds upon cancellation by the event host provided the cancellation conforms to the cancellation policies specified by the various vendors.

In an embodiment, the even management system/platform 100 is capable of handling multiple users simultaneously i.e. multiple users can use the system simultaneously for adding, modifying, deleting, retrieving data to/from the system. In one embodiment, the event management system 100 comprises of an online help module, wherein step by step instructions for using the system are provided. In an embodiment, online help includes definitions for terms and acronyms used in the system, a list of contents, etc. HARDWARE OVERVIEW

Those skilled in the art should further appreciate that programs defining the functions of the disclosed system and method can be implemented in software and delivered to a system for execution in many forms. According to one embodiment, the techniques described herein are implemented by one or more special-purpose computing devices. The special-purpose computing devices may be hard-wired to perform the techniques, or may include digital electronic devices such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) that are persistently programmed to perform the techniques, or may include one or more general purpose hardware processors programmed to perform the techniques pursuant to program instructions in firmware, memory, other storage, or a combination. Such special-purpose computing devices may also combine custom hard-wired logic, ASICs, or FPGAs with custom programming to accomplish the techniques. The special-purpose computing devices may be desktop computer systems, portable computer systems, handheld devices, networking devices or any other device that incorporates hard-wired and/or program logic to implement the techniques.

For example, a computer system may include a bus or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a hardware processor coupled with bus for processing information. Hardware processor may be, for example, a general purpose microprocessor.

Computer system also may include a main memory such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor. Main memory also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor Such instructions, when stored in non-transitory storage media accessible to processor render computer system into a special-purpose machine that is customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions.

Computer system further may include a read only memory (ROM) or other static storage device coupled to bus for storing static information and instructions for processor. A storage device such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or solid-state drive is provided and coupled to bus for storing information and instructions.

Computer system may be coupled via bus to a display such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), for displaying information to a computer user. An input device including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to bus for communicating information and command selections to processor. Another type of user input device is cursor control such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to processor and for controlling cursor movement on display. This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in a plane.

Computer system may implement the techniques described herein using customized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware and/or program logic which in combination with the computer system causes or programs computer system to be a special-purpose machine. According to one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed by computer system in response to processor executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory. Such instructions may be read into main memory from another storage medium, such as storage device. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory causes processor to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.

The term "storage module" as used herein refers to any non-transitory media that store data and/or instructions that cause a machine to operate in a specific fashion. Such storage media may comprise non-volatile media and/or volatile media. Nonvolatile media may include, for example, optical disks, magnetic disks, or solid-state drives, such as storage device Volatile media may include dynamic memory, such as main memory Common forms of storage media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, solid-state drive, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic data storage medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical data storage medium, any physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH- EPROM, NVRAM, any other memory chip or cartridge.

Storage media is distinct from but may be used in conjunction with transmission media. Transmission media participates in transferring information between storage media. For example, transmission media may include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio- wave and infra-red data communications.

Various forms of media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to processor for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk or solid-state drive of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to computer system can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infra-red transmitter to convert the data to an infra-red signal. An infra-red detector can receive the data carried in the infra-red signal and appropriate circuitry can place the data on bus. The bus carries the data to main memory from which processor retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by main memory may optionally be stored on storage device either before or after execution by processor system also may include a communication interface coupled to bus. Communication interface provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link that is connected to a local network For example, communication interface may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, communication interface may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, communication interface sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

Network link typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, network link may provide a connection through local network to a host computer or to data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) ISP in turn provides data communication services through the world wide packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the "Internet" Local network and Internet both use electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and the signals on network link and through communication interface which carry the digital data to and from computer system are example forms of transmission media.

Computer system can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), network link and communication interface. In the Internet example, a server might transmit a requested code for an application program through Internet ISP local network and communication interface The received code may be executed by processor as it is received, and/or stored in storage device or other non-volatile storage for later execution.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments and examples thereof, other embodiments and equivalents are possible. Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with functional and procedural details, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in terms of the procedural steps within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms. Thus various modifications are possible of the presently disclosed system and process without deviating from the intended scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, in one embodiment, such modifications of the presently disclosed system and method are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. A system for event planning and management, comprising: a data collection module configured to collect a data for one or more event related services from one or more vendors; a storage module associated with said data collection module and configured to collate and store the collected data; and a search and comparison module associated with said storage module and configured to receive at least one search requirement from an event organizer, search the stored data and display one or more search results based on said requirement, wherein said search results include one of said one or more event related services, said one or more vendors and a combination thereof;

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data collection module further comprises a payment portal configured to receive a payment from said vendors.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage module is further configured to store one or more reviews of said event related services, wherein said review may be a descriptive review or a rating review.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a booking engine configured to receive a selection of the one or more search results and a full payment or partial payment for said selection from the organizer.

5. A method for event planning and management comprising: collecting a data for one or more event related services from one or more vendors; collating and storing the collected data; receiving at least one requirement from an event organizer, searching the stored data based on said at least one requirement; and displaying one or more search results based on said requirement, wherein said search results include one of said one or more event related services, said one or more vendors and a combination thereof.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5 further comprising registering said vendors prior to collecting data for the event related services from the vendors.

7. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein storing the collected data further comprises verifying and validating said collected data after a predefined time interval or after a request is received from said vendors.

8. The method as claimed in claim 5 wherein searching the stored data may include one of keyword searching, data field searching, Boolean searching and a combination thereof.

9. The method as claimed in claim 5 wherein said search result may be a comparison result that provides a comparison between at least a plurality of said vendors.

10. The method as claimed in claim 5 further comprising displaying at least one recommendation based on said requirements and a historic data.

11. The method as claimed in claim 5 further comprising: receiving a selection of said one or more search results; and receiving a full payment or a partial payment for the selected search results.