WO2019213083A1

WO2019213083A1 - Event social media platform system and method of use

Info

Publication number: WO2019213083A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/029920
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan J. CHARLES
Original assignee: Charles Jonathan J
Priority date: 2018-04-30
Filing date: 2019-04-30
Publication date: 2019-11-07

Abstract

A method for facilitating networking of a plurality of users attending an event, the method includes creating an event page for the event, the event page having details of the event; providing a chatroom associated with the event page, the chatroom being accessible for the plurality of users attending the event, the chatroom to allow the plurality of users to communicate; and offering ticket sales for the event and collecting payment for tickets through a payment portal; the event is an annual event.

Description

EVENT SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to annual events, and more specifically, to a system, method, and apparatus for social networking around annual events.

2. Description of Related Art

[0002] Annual events are common and happen internationally. These events range from festivals, to Caribbean Carnivals, to the NBA All-Star Weekend, and are effective sources of entertainment. As shown in FIG. 1 , flowchart 101 depicts a conventional event attending process, wherein the user purchases a ticket to an event, such as through a third party and researches the best means of transportation and lodging for the event, as shown with boxes 103, 105. The user will travel to the event and typically only engage with previously made friends and acquaintances, as shown with boxes 107, 109.

[0003] People enjoy networking and meeting like-minded individuals, and therefore it would be desirable to provide a system that connects individuals attending the same event in a convenient manner.

[0004] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide for an improved system and method to make connections around an annual event, thereby allowing for like-minded individuals to connect and engage. Further, the system and method of the present invention provides means for users to leave reviews of events, receive details of the event, purchase tickets, and have access to a repository of information around the event. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. Flowever, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a common method of attending an event;

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic of an event social media system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic of the features of a social media apparatus of FIG.

2; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of social networking associated with the system of FIG. 2 and the apparatus of FIG. 3.

[0006] While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0007] Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer’s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0008] The system and method of use in accordance with the present application provides one or more improvements over conventional event attending methods as discussed above. Specifically, the system of the present invention provides for a system, apparatus, and method to connect individuals attending the same event in a social networking setting and further provides for easy access to event information and details. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0009] The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise. [0010] The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings.

[0011] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIG. 2 depicts a simplified schematic of an event social networking system 201 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that system 201 overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional event attending methods. It should be noted that the features discussed herein could be utilized with music, video and live-streaming capabilities related to the event. Further, with respect to an e-commerce marketplace, there is a marketplace tab where vendors associated with an event can sell to event attendees. For example, the attendees of a business conference are able to book a one-on-one session time slot with a panel guest. Another example would be a food festival attendee being able to have a pie they tasted delievered to their home. These and other examples are contemplated in the preferred and alternative embodiments.

[0012] In the contemplated embodiment, system 201 includes a plurality of users 203, 205 attending the same annual event 207. It should be appreciated that in the preferred embodiment, the annual event 207 can be any event, whether day, weekend, week long, or the like, for which users purchase tickets for. Some examples of annual events, include festivals, Caribbean carnivals, sport weekends, and the like. It should further be appreciated that the system is configured for all events, including international events.

[0013] The system 201 further includes one or more networking apparatuses 207, 209 that provide the users 203, 205 with the ability to create profiles 21 1 , 213 and connect in a social networking setting 215. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 207, 209 are any devices capable of facilitating the connecting of the users, such as mobile phones, tablets, computers, or the like. The apparatus 207, 209 are configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more of a network/server/database 217 to facilitate interaction between the users.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of users 203, 205 that are attending the same event 205 can connect through the social networking setting 215 to chat 221 and/or leave reviews 223, as well as other functions, as will be discussed later. The ability of the users to chat 221 allows for the individuals that are attending the same event to connect, communicate, and build relationships with one another.

[0015] It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is the ability to connect individuals attending the same event in a social networking setting, thereby allowing for the users to build relationships and communicate about annual events. This feature encourages individuals to attend events even when they do not have any friends or acquaintances attending the same event.

[0016] In FIG. 3, a simplified schematic further depicts features of the social networking apparatuses 301 . The apparatus 301 can include an event information module 303 wherein details of the event are presented on an event page for the viewing by users. The details included can include, among others, important times, locations, dates, and the like associated with the event. An event repository module 305 can further be associated with each event, wherein the event repository 305 includes important information to make attending the event simple, including information such as best lodging nearby, and best transportation of the event. A profile creation module 307 allows for users to input their personal information, such as photos, age, gender, and the like.

[0017] In the preferred embodiment, a chat room module 309 is used to facilitate a chat room experience for the annual event. In some embodiments, the chat room module 309 will only allow access to those attending the corresponding event. This feature allows for users to engage with one another. [0018] A ticket sales module 31 1 is provided for the sales of tickets to users, wherein the module 31 1 can receive payment for the ticket. In the preferred embodiment, the payment processing can receive most currencies from around the world and ticketing includes NFC technology for efficiency. Similarly, a ticket resale module 313 can be utilized by users to sell previously purchased tickets.

[0019] The apparatus further includes a review module 315, wherein users leave reviews for the event. In one embodiment, the reviews will remain active for a year, or until the event takes place again, wherein the reviews from the previous year will then be removed. In other embodiments, the reviews will remain active. In the preferred embodiment, users can leave detailed reviews, including photos, videos, stars, etc.

[0020] In FIG. 4, a flowchart 401 depicts the method of use of the present invention. During use, event pages for annual events around the world are created, wherein the event page can include details of the event, as shown with box 403. A repository of information is created for each event page, thereby providing users with needed information for attending the event, as shown with box 405. Tickets can be offered and purchased by a plurality of users and users can create profiles, as shown with boxes 407, 409. The users attending the same annual event can be connected in chat rooms and can have the opportunity to leave reviews for the event, as shown with boxes 41 1 , 413.

[0021] The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An event social media apparatus, comprising:

an event information module having one or more event pages contained thereon, each of the one or more event pages having details relating to an associated event; a profile creation module configured to provide a profile creation interface to a user; and

a chatroom module configured to provide a chat interface associated with each of the one or more event pages, the chatroom module configured to facilitate interaction between a plurality of users attending the associated event;

wherein the associated event of each of the one or more event pages is an annual event.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

a ticket module with a payment platform, the ticket module configured to facilitate a purchase of one or more tickets for the associated event.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

a repository module having information coordinating to the associated event, the information including lodging recommendations and transportation options.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

a review module to allow the plurality of users to leave reviews for an associated event.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

a ticket resale platform to allow the plurality of users to sell previously purchased tickets for an associated event.

6. A method for facilitating networking of a plurality of users attending an event, the method comprising:

creating an event page for the event, the event page having details of the event; providing a chatroom associated with the event page, the chat room being accessible for the plurality of users attending the event, the chatroom configured to allow the plurality of users to communicate; and

offering ticket sales for the event and collecting payment for tickets through a payment portal;

wherein the event is an annual event.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:

providing a ticket resale interface to the plurality of users, wherein the plurality of users can offer for sale and purchase previously purchased tickets.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising:

receiving one or more reviews from the plurality of users, the one or more reviews being for the event; and

storing the one or more reviews for a year until the event takes place again.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising:

creating a repository of information relating to the event, the information including lodging recommendations and transportation options.