I've often thought about what a new meetup-like startup would look like.

A few ideas from frequent pain points:

-A point system that gives you points when you actually check-in to a meetup you RSVP to. Points can be used to gain priority access to the most in-demand meetups or special events that otherwise fill up fast. On the other hand, a penalty system for people who RSVP but fail to check-in, which can help curb the current problem with people RSVP'ing to events with limited capacity with no intention of actually showing up.

-A real chat UI for those who RSVP that "lives" +/- a few days before and after the event date.

-For organizers, the ability to search for venues that are open to hosting meetups (either paid or sponsored)

-Better recommendations and search UI. Better filters. Upranking high quality meetups and downranking all the low quality ones I have to normally scroll through to find something worth attending.

-Ability to rate public meetups and/or provide feedback back to organizers.

-Ability to host "instant meetups" i.e. organizing a spontaneous happy hour same day at bar X for people who are learning Y.