How it Works

Speed Dating is for singles looking to meet potential partners. The events take place in a private function room or exclusive venue. The hardest thing about speed dating is making it through the door. Once you’ve had a drink and have met a few of the other Speed Daters, you will feel more relaxed.

During the evening you will have seven minutes to talk to each person. As you meet people, you decide if you would like to meet them again, and if so you put a tick next to their name on your form. If the feeling is mutual, we will email you each other’s contact details. But if you don’t hit it off, it’s only seven minutes out of your life.

You will receive an email the day after the event with the email addresses of any matches. Speed Dating does not have to be stressful or frightening; you will be pleasantly surprised how fun it really is, and what a great way it is to make new friends.

Speed Dating
Tips!

You may be hesitant to try speed dating because you think you can’t learn much about someone in seven minutes, or because you feel uncomfortable trying to express yourself in such a short period of time. But if you go into speed dating with a positive attitude and the right perspective, you can have a great time and potentially find someone special.

1. Smile and Relax

The simplest speed dating tips to remember are sometimes the most important – like putting the person you’re talking to at ease. How do you do this? Smile and relax! An honest, open smile will help the people you meet more comfortable.

2. Be yourself

Don’t try to be who you think people want to meet – be you. The right person will love you for who you are, and most people will see straight through someone who isn’t being themselves.

3. Keep the Conversation Flowing

Ask open-ended questions when starting conversations; it will keep the conversation flowing. Asking, “where do you work?” doesn’t give the other person much to work with. Asking, “What’s your favourite childhood memory?” or “Who would you most like to meet in the world?” will naturally lead to discussions of why and comparing notes for the two of you.

4. Focus on the Other Person

This is probably one of the most important speed dating tips. Focus the conversation on learning more about the person you’re sitting across from rather than on advertising yourself. Everyone enjoys talking about things they’re passionate about. Find out what the person’s passion is, and ask questions that will draw them out.

5. Watch Your Body Language

Slouching is no good; neither is crossing your arms across your chest. These will give the impression of being either bored or defensive. If you lean forward slightly, you’ll convey interest. Be aware of your own nervous habits, too. Try not to tap your fingers or feet constantly – others will read it as either nerves or boredom.

6. Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol

You want to be on your best behaviour and completely focused. Alcohol will dull your wits and your attention, which is fatal in speed dating, when you’re trying to learn as much as you can quickly. There’s also the chance you’ll do or say something stupid – ouch! You don’t want to ruin your chances in seven minutes or less.

7. Follow up Without Pressure

You’ll receive contact information for people you expressed an interest in who felt the same way. Send a short, friendly email to let them know you enjoyed meeting them and thanking them. Don’t send a novel and don’t pester them if they don’t answer within a few hours or even the same day. The person may be genuinely interested, but very busy, so give them a few days to respond.

8. Pay Attention to Your Appearance

The evening is designed to be fun and relaxed, but your first impression will inevitably be how you look. Dress in something you would wear on a great evening out with friends. Most importantly, wear something in which you are comfortable and feel good.

9. Have Fun!

Don’t make each speed date a test or challenge. Simply look at it as an opportunity to meet lots of interesting people and make some new friends. If you do these simple speed dating tips, you’ll find yourself enjoying the evening for its own sake. If a few dates come out of it, they will be a wonderful bonus.

Good luck and happy dating!

FAQs

Q: I’m nervous about speed dating. What if someone dodgy shows up?

A: Don’t be. Rest assured that everyone in that room is in the same situation you are in. The event takes place in a public bar or café, and is facilitated at all times. Think about it like going for a date with a chaperone. We only give out your email addresses to each other if there is a mutual match, so rest assured you will probably never see that person again if you don’t want to!

Q: I don’t really want to attend an event if there isn’t an even men:women ratio.

A: We offer equal numbers of male and female tickets and work hard to ensure there is an even mix on the night.

Q: Isn’t Speed Dating only for desperate people?

Not at all! Speed Dating mainly attracts single professionals, many of whom are fed up with dating apps and would like to meet people face-to-face.

Q: I see you offer a free drink at your event but I don’t drink…..

A: The free drink can be substituted for a non-alcoholic beverage so it will not be a problem

Q: How should I dress for the event? I have absolutely nothing to wear!

A: You’re welcome to wear anything you feel comfortable in as long as it fits in the ‘smart casual’ category. Don’t overdress, but you may end up meeting The One so make sure you dress in such a manner that he/she doesn’t become The-One-Who-Could-Have-Been 😉

Feedback/Success Stories

“I had an absolute blast. Even if no one picks me, that’s okay. It was a great vibe, run very well and the people were great! Thank you so much for putting it on!!”

Vicki

“Just wanted to say—I had an absolute blast at my very first speed dating event last night! It was such a fun and refreshing experience, and I’ll definitely be recommending it to all my single friends (they’re already curious!). Can’t wait to join the next one.”

Zoe

Ewen and Ros continued seeing each other since they met at our Kapiti event. They emailed to let us know that they were very happy together and had fallen in love!

Ewen & Ros

Sara and Dallas came to see us at Pop to thank us for bringing them together at an event in May 2021. They had come along not really expecting to find love. It was Sara’s first tentative step back into the dating scene after having been single for some time. Dallas had come thinking he would be happy if he made a friend. After a few dates it was clear they had found more than either of them had expected.

Sarah & Dallas

“Thank you for a fun night out. I haven’t been going out for years, let alone on a date. It was quite overwhelming to speak to so many people in such a short amount of time. And I ticked on everyone who seems nice because I wasn’t able to make a decision right there whom might be a suitable match. Both my ex-husband and my late partner wouldn’t have been my first choice when meeting them the first time. You never know what happens if you give someone a bit more time. 🙂 “

Anon

Thank you so, so much for all your hard work and for organizing such a lovely get together. I had so much fun and I’m so excited to make new friends and date mates. I’ll try and drag some friends to the next events as well. Also- your camera was amazing and I love how all the photos turned out. Thanks for sending them to me.

Rowan