Google Groups

Google Groups is a tool created by Googly in order to create personal social networking sites. As defined by Wikipedia Good Groups is "a free service from Google where groups of people have discussions about common interests." The service can be used to bring together a social network and have the ability to stay in constant contact with them via e-mail and discussion forums. Each group has the opportunity to create a customized page and to (59) privatly invite or accept users.

Groups can be used for a number of different organizations however I think that they have the opportunity to be very effective in the meetings and events industry. Already MeCo, also known as the Meeting Community has already created a group. They describe themselves as "an online home where vibrant and dedicated meeting professionals converge to learn, job search, network and exchange ideas about our industry." Such a forum allows for like individuals to discuss what is happening in the industry, seek advice, network and job search. Currently my membership to the group is pending but I am interested to see exactly what content is offered.

I think that this type of social networking where marketing and spam is highley discoureged is significant to the industry and allows for professionals to be in constant contact with one another discussing trends, issues and other events related material.