At Speed Dating Social we always advertises 12 fun dates in 1 night. That’s because it seems to be a decent amount of chats without being too few or too many. That being said there can be a few no shows so we always aim to book 30 to 40 attendees per event.

So even if you hit a couple of empty seats in a night, by the end of 2 hours you should still get around 12 chats. Of course some people will want more and they’re welcome to hang around after an event and keep mingling.

Speed dating can be an effective way to meet someone, offering an organised event to connect with multiple potential partners in a short period. According to a study by the University of Pennsylvania, participants are likely to go on dates with about 1 to 2 people they meet at a speed dating event, showing a reasonable rate of success.

Furthermore, a study in the UK found that about 20% of participants found a match, indicating a significant opportunity for forming connections. The face-to-face interactions can be more telling than online profiles, providing immediate insight into compatibility. While it may not be the perfect fit for everyone, speed dating presents a viable option for those seeking new romantic in person connections.

Before embarking on a speed dating adventure, it’s crucial to enter with the right mindset and preparation. First and foremost, be open-minded and ready to meet a diverse range of people. Dress in a way that makes you feel confident yet comfortable, striking a balance between looking presentable and being true to your style. It’s also wise to prepare some conversation starters or questions in advance, keeping them light, engaging, and reflective of your interests.

Remember, first impressions count, so being punctual, presenting yourself well, and showing genuine interest in your dates is key. Moreover, keep your expectations realistic; not every interaction will lead to a connection, and that’s perfectly okay. Speed dating is a fun experience as much as it’s about meeting potential partners.

Absolutely, you can go speed dating on your own, and many people find this to be a rewarding approach. Going solo allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience, focusing entirely on the individuals you meet without the distraction of friends.

This encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and can be empowering, boosting your confidence as you navigate social interactions in a safe, structured environment. Speed dating events are designed to cater to individual participants, making them a perfect setting for anyone looking to connect with potential partners in a direct and personal way.

What to say? Well it’s just 5 minutes and you’ve literally got two lifetimes to catch up on. After all the goal isn’t to dominate the conversation but to give the other person a chance to contribute to topics like:

1. Interests and Hobbies : Asking about their interests, hobbies, or what they do for fun gives insight into their lifestyle and can reveal common interests. 
2. Career and Education : Inquiring about their job or education can provide a sense of their background and ambitions.
3. Travel Experiences : Discussing travel can be exciting and reveal insights into their adventurous side or cultural interests.
4. Favourite Movies, Books, or TV Shows : This can be a light hearted way to find common ground and can lead to interesting discussions.
5. Food and Cuisine Preferences : Talking about favourite foods or restaurants can be fun and might set the stage for a future date.
6. Funny or Memorable Life Experiences : Sharing amusing stories or experiences can lighten the mood and make the conversation enjoyable.
7. Music Tastes : Music preferences can be a great way to connect and may even lead to attending concerts or events together.
8. Pets and Animals : If they have pets, this can be a great topic as most people love talking about their animals.

At the event you’ll be asked to scan a QR code that will bring up our matching portal. Each event is assigned a different Event Code, this is a word that’s entered at the venue which ensures everyone signs into the same event. After completing your details such as your table number, first name, mobile number and email, you’ll be texted an event link.

Simply click that link and you’ll see a list of everyone at the venue with a toggle yes/no button after their names. Simply click ‘yes’ on as many or as few attendees you’d like to match with. Every time someone also ticks yes on you, that’s a match and you’ll both be emailed each others contact details at 8am the following morning.