Ok we will bite, and tell you honestly that this site came about due to pure frustration.

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

We are hard-wired to learn, don’t know if it is from our U of M roots, or just fostered by our parents who taught us to be resourceful and seek out information. So when we wanted to learn things, many times we would search for information, which would then lead us to search for a meeting or event of like-minded individuals. The internet is a great source to learn about almost anything, and webinars abound, which are great tools in many instances. There are also times we have wanted to connect with local "experts" or groups to explore an interest first hand. Finding either webinars or those smaller and local groups can be a daunting task if you are not familiar with a particular location, profession or hobby.

On the other side of the coin, we have also been members of various boards of directors for non-profit associations. A key goal of those organizations is to grow their membership by attracting more attendees to their events. While putting events on one’s own website or a couple local news sites might achieve a bit of success, if people know your organization exists and can find their way through the clutter to see your meeting calendar, there is really not a space on the internet dedicated to meetings or events, let alone being able to search by topic and proximity.

So the concept of EveryMeeting.com was born, a place for people to post a meeting or event and a place for people to find a meeting on a topic that may interest them. Both for-profit organizations and non-profit alike can post side by side at the same cost –leveling the playing field a bit. Our attorneys advised us to charge something in order to ensure the legitimacy of the meetings, so we made the prices for posting low enough that an annual membership is less expensive than a lunch tab with you and two colleagues.

The site also had to be revenue producing in order to support itself. What a better way than to provide companies who make their revenue in the meeting and event space to convey their products and service offerings in a non-intrusive way. They can showcase their offerings and you might get a brainstorm of an idea or find someone that can take some stress off your plate.

The key will always be to keep the site simple and easy to use for those who post a meeting, and those who need to find a meeting.

To this end we would invite your input. Help us make the site a better place for you, tell us what frustrations you have and how you would propose we change it. We will listen – and even give you credit for an idea, as we don’t claim to have a hold on all great ideas. A lot of people gave us great ideas on the site so far. Email us at feedback@EveryMeeting.com.

One additional point: We always ask that you conduct do diligence before attending a meeting and check out the organization, let others know your intended destination and be sure to confirm all details before attending as the information is only as good as those who post it.

Thank you for being part of our community, and we hope you are able to get out of this site what you came for, and more.