Method and system for event-centric user profiling and targeting

#The present invention is directed to a method and system for targeting messages to users. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method and system for targeting messages to users based on event-specific information provided by the users and user profiles.

#The Internet has grown significantly over the past few years. Several types of Internet connections are currently available. For example, a user may dial into a computer at an Internet Service Provider's (ISP's) facility using a modem and a standard telephone line. The ISP's computer, in turn, provides the user with access to the Internet. Through this Internet connection, the user can access information on the web using a computer program referred to as a web browser. The web browser is a software program that allows a user to view the data received from a website.

#Websites are often associated with events, products or services of which users may wish to be informed and/or which companies may wish to advertise. When a user visits a website, he or she may volunteer or may be automatically designated to receive messages associated with the website, e.g., marketing offers for products or services and/or reminders regarding an event from companies associated with the website. Companies attempt to predict which users will be interested in receiving messages, based, e.g., on demographic information or buying histories of the users. Companies may also attempt to deliver messages at a time they believe users are likely to be receptive. Other than “opting in” or “opting out” to receive messages, the user typically does not have direct input as to what messages will be received, when they will be received, or how they will be received.

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for generating event-centric targeted messages according to an exemplary embodiment;

#FIG. 2 illustrates a method for generating event-centric targeted messages according to an exemplary embodiment; and

#FIG. 3 illustrates in more detail how a user profile is created/updated according to an exemplary embodiment.

#According to exemplary embodiments, targeted messages are sent to users or consumers at the time(s) and destination(s) they designate. For this purpose, a user provides information describing a desire to receive a notification message associated with an event at a particular time(s) and destination(s), e.g., by entering such information via a website associated with the event or via an e-mail or wireless message to an address associated with the event.

#The user is contacted at the appropriate time and destination with a message containing information associated with the event. This information may include a reminder about the event and/or information regarding a product, service, or other event(s) associated with the event. Once the user acts on the message or its content, a virtual data exchange commences, and an interactive forum is created.

#As a result, behavioral data specifically related to the user's action regarding the event information, as presented, e.g., at the website or via the event notification message, is captured. The behavioral data is subsequently gathered by monitoring and recording the user's subscriptions to event-related messages and correlating this information with the user's past behavior with regard to when, how, and in what manner the user acted upon those messages. Typical behaviors may include the modification of the notification parameters, the addition of personal notes to be sent in the next notification, cancellation of the notifications, or the addition of other events associated with the original event.