Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about using Midway@ for smart, fair meetup planning.
Getting Started
How do I start planning a meetup with Midway@?
Simply visit our homepage and choose between 'Create & Share' (for creating a link others can join) or 'Quick Start' (to add everyone immediately). Enter locations, describe your ideal venue, and we'll find perfect spots with fair travel times for everyone.
Do I need to create an account to use Midway@?
No! Midway@ works without any registration. Just enter your details, get recommendations, and share the link with your group. Everyone can participate without creating accounts or downloading apps.
Is Midway@ free to use?
Yes, Midway@ is completely free. We believe everyone deserves access to fair meetup planning without any cost barriers.
What information do I need to provide?
Just each person's starting location (address or landmark), their preferred transportation method (driving, walking, transit, cycling), and a description of what kind of venue you're looking for.
How It Works
How does Midway@ calculate fair travel times?
We use real-time traffic data, public transit schedules, and route optimization to calculate actual travel times for each person. Our algorithm then minimizes travel time variance, ensuring no one gets an unfairly long commute.
What makes Midway@ different from simple midpoint calculators?
Unlike basic midpoint tools that just find geographic centers, we optimize for actual travel time equity across different transportation modes. We also use AI to curate venue recommendations that match your specific needs and preferences.
Can I mix different transportation methods in one group?
Absolutely! Some people can drive while others walk, take transit, or bike. Our algorithm accounts for all transportation modes to find truly fair meeting spots for everyone.
How accurate are the travel time calculations?
We use Google Maps' real-time data for the most accurate travel time predictions, including current traffic conditions, transit schedules, and walking/cycling route optimization.
AI & Venue Selection
How does the AI choose venue recommendations?
Our AI analyzes your venue description, group size, transportation needs, and thousands of venue characteristics including reviews, amenities, atmosphere, and suitability. It then ranks options by both travel time fairness and how well they match your requirements.
What should I include in my venue description?
Be specific about what you're looking for: 'coffee shop with WiFi and quiet atmosphere for work meeting' or 'restaurant with parking and good cocktails for celebration.' The more detail, the better our recommendations.
Can I specify budget requirements?
Yes! Include budget preferences in your venue description like 'affordable coffee shop' or 'upscale restaurant' and our AI will factor this into recommendations.
How many venue options will I get?
We typically provide 5-10 carefully curated recommendations ranked by travel time fairness and suitability, so you're not overwhelmed with choices but have good options to consider.
Group Collaboration
How do I share my meetup plan with others?
After creating your session, you'll get a unique link to share via text, email, or any messaging app. Everyone can click the link to see recommendations and vote - no registration required.
Can group members see everyone's travel times?
Yes, transparency is key to fairness. Everyone can see the calculated travel times for all participants, helping the group make informed decisions about which venue works best for everyone.
How does the voting system work?
Each person can vote thumbs up or down on venue recommendations. The results are shown in real-time, making it easy to see which options have group consensus.
What if someone joins the group after I've created the session?
You can easily add new participants to existing sessions. The travel times and recommendations will automatically update to include the new person's location.
Technical Questions
Does Midway@ work on mobile devices?
Yes! Midway@ is fully optimized for mobile devices. The interface adapts perfectly to phones and tablets, making it easy to plan and vote on meetups from anywhere.
What browsers are supported?
Midway@ works on all modern browsers including Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge. No special software or browser extensions needed.
Do you store my location data?
We only use location data to calculate travel times and find venues. We don't permanently store personal location information, and all session data expires after 48 hours for privacy protection.
What if Google Maps isn't available in my area?
Midway@ relies on Google Maps for location services and travel time calculations. If Google Maps coverage is limited in your area, our recommendations may be less accurate.
Troubleshooting
What if no venues are found for my group?
Try expanding your venue description to be less specific, or check that all addresses are correctly entered. If you're in a remote area, consider describing venues in the nearest city or town.
The travel times seem incorrect. What should I do?
Double-check that addresses are entered correctly and transportation modes are set appropriately. Travel times are based on real-time data, so they may vary throughout the day due to traffic and transit schedules.
Can I edit my session after creating it?
Yes, you can modify participant details, transportation modes, and venue preferences even after creating the session. Changes will automatically update the recommendations.
The link I shared isn't working. What happened?
Session links expire after 48 hours for privacy. If your link has expired, you'll need to create a new session. Make sure to finalize your meetup plans within the 48-hour window.
Privacy & Security
Is my data secure with Midway@?
Yes, we take privacy seriously. We use secure connections (HTTPS), don't store personal data permanently, and all session information automatically expires after 48 hours.
Can other people find my meetup sessions?
No, each session has a unique, private link. Only people you share the link with can access your meetup details. Sessions are not publicly searchable or discoverable.
Do you sell or share user data?
Never. We don't sell, rent, or share any user data with third parties. Your privacy is paramount, and we operate with full transparency about our data practices.
How long do you keep session data?
All session data including locations, preferences, and voting results is automatically deleted after 48 hours. This ensures your privacy while giving you enough time to finalize your meetup plans.
Tips for Amazing Meetups
🎯 Be Specific About What You Want
The more you tell us about the vibe you're going for, the better places we'll find. Include atmosphere, amenities, and what you need the space for.
⏰ Set It Up Early
Create your plan early and share the link so everyone has time to check out the options and vote on their favorites.
🚗 Ask How People Want to Travel
Don't assume everyone drives! Ask about transportation preferences to get truly fair recommendations for your group.
👥 Get Everyone Involved
Make sure all your friends can access the voting link and weigh in on the final decision. Group input makes for better meetups!
Still Have Questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? We're here to help make your meetup planning experience perfect.