I got a heads-up about a free event promotion and calendaring service that allows you to create widgets and pages for free.

It took me just a few minutes to sign up, create an event, and customize the widget by adjusting colors (see it below). I also got a web page [1] for added information about the event, RSVPs, and collecting information from those interested. It even allows people to subscribe to event updates.

SpongeCell [2], the software provider, provides tracking data (widget and page views) and lets you collect your subscribers' contact information. Not bad for a free suite of tools! (The software service also provides email and SMS messaging to your contacts, but fees apply per number of messages sent.)

What's cool is the ease of integration and sharing of the widgets -- think Facebook. I'm not really a techie (I just play one on TV), but I found the back-end management and creative tools very straightforward.

I imagine this kind of tool would be useful for grassroots and community organizing efforts, and a nice way to make your event lists go viral. Small-budget outfits that want to look tech-savvy with custom widgets for their social networking groups could benefit -- and the customizable event page could be a good alternative to the standard group and event web sites out there.

As always, though, it really boils down to your needs, your audience, and your plan to incorporate a tool into your communications strategy.