BDD: Where did the idea come from?
Over ten years ago, my business partner and I decided we wanted to create a dating event that didn’t take itself so seriously, where everyone would be single and you’d get the chance to meet each and every person – rather than having to work up the courage to speak to that one cute guy or girl you spotted “across a crowded room.” So HurryDate was born! It was the perfect addition to the Manhattan dating scene at the time.
BDD: Tell us more about your events? What should our members expect?
At HurryDate speed dating parties you’ll go on a series of quick, fun dates. After meeting each person, you’ll mark on your scorecard if you’d like to see each person again. You’ll enter your scores on a virtual scorecard back at www.HurryDate.com, and we match you up! If you said yes, and they said yes – you are a match. You’ll be able to see the profiles, including photos, of everyone you matched with and then will be able to communicate with them through our secure email system so you don’t have to reveal your real contact info until you are ready. The rest is up to you if you’d like to meet up for more than a few minutes!
BDD: How do your events differ from other events?
We truly believe we have the most fun events around. That’s been the case for over ten years now! We think dating should be fun and enjoyable, and our party venues, hosts and overall atmosphere really reflect that. It shouldn’t feel like a chore to date – it’s an adventure!
BDD: How would you convince a skeptic to try your events?
You can talk to anyone for just five minutes, right? Even if you don’t meet the love of your life, you are bound to have a great night out with some entertaining stories to tell your friends.
BDD: What kind of locations do your events usually take place?
Relaxed, upscale bars and lounges. Somewhere you might go on a first date yourself.
BDD: How many people usually come? What’s the age range?
You’ll meet between eight and 25 people in one night – depending on the city, age, etc. We guarantee you’ll meet eight people or your next event is on us.
BDD: How much do you charge? Do you offer discounts or free entry?
$35 per party. We do periodically send out discounts and chances to try our events free. Customers on our email list receive these offers.
BDD: What would be your number one tip for our members who want to try your events?
Don’t treat your dates like they are job interviews – rattling off your resume and/or grilling your dates with questions. Just relax, smile and try to have a “normal” conversation. You are just trying to gauge chemistry and decide if you like to go on a “real” first date where you will learn much more about them.
BDD: What do you think is the number one mistake people make when dating?
Sticking too much to a long list of requirements in a potential mate. You may think you have a “type,” but you never know who will be a good fit for your life in the long run. Keep an open mind, date like crazy, and see where it takes you.
BDD: What’s your best idea for the first date?
It sounds boring, but just meet for a drink. You need a place you can talk and an activity where you can easily cut it short if it’s not going as planned.
BDD: What’s your take on online dating?
I love online dating. HurryDate has HurryDate Online and our parent company, Spark Networks, has over two dozen different online dating sites to choose from. It gives singles the opportunity to search for just what they are looking for in a potential match. However, I do think it’s important to get offline quickly and meet face-to-face. That’s where the chemistry is, and that’s what makes a HurryDate party so fun and effective. We’ve helped to avert many a disastrous date by helping people “Cut to the Chase,” as our tagline says.