FASTDATER, INC. BRINGING A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES
TO SINGLES ACROSS THE U.S.
The nation's Original Speed Dating Company has united thousands and thousands of couples and has spread rapidly nationwide.
Chicago, Ill. The nation was enthralled when Miranda, a beloved character from HBO's hit series Sex and the City, spent an evening immersed in a world of singles seeking to meet their match. Loyal fans held their breath as she met one man after another would she find her soul mate, or at least someone suitable for a date or two? The episode drew a great deal of attention to a concept that has long since before been practiced speed-dating. Based in Chicago, Illinois, FastDater, Inc. has been bringing singles together through speed-dating parties since May 2001 and has now expanded to 40 markets nationwide.
"My decision to start FastDater, Inc. was inspired by both the matchmaking traditions I learned of from other cultures and from personal experience," says Lisa Lombardi, Founder and CEO. "At the time, I was a thirty-something, single and professional woman living in a major metropolitan area, I became disillusioned with the dating scene. Despite the size of a city like Chicago, I learned how difficult it could be to meet people. I thought there had to be a better way of meeting others in an environment that wasn't a bar or of the 'see and be seen' variety," she adds.
The first incorporated speed-dating company in the Chicagoland area, FastDater, Inc. partners with popular venues throughout the city, including restaurants, bars and clubs. Parties are privately held at each location, where the atmosphere is inviting and full of anticipation. Events are tailored to specific age groups, and throughout the evening, women and men ranging in age from their 20's to their 50's have the opportunity to meet up to 40 members of the opposite sex through a series of timed,
three-minute dates over the course of three hours. After each date, guests mark YES or NO on their scorecards before moving on. If two people score YES for each other, they are notified via email the following week, and making the next move is up to them.
In November 2002, FastDater, Inc. also launched Fast-Tag, a creative arm of the company's usual speed-dating parties. Fast-Tag is an interactive mingling event designed to tap into the inner child in all of us. Guests bring a photograph of themselves that is taped onto an envelope and placed on a "Wall of Potential" according to ID number. At the party, participants receive a stack of "I Want to Meet You Cards" that they fill out with their ID number, name and email address. As they mingle and scope out the scene, they can place cards in other peoples' envelopes, and check their own envelopes for cards from potential matches throughout the evening.
"We bring singles together in a comfortable atmosphere, allowing them to meet a variety of people who may have similar interests," says Lombardi. "Because a busy schedule doesn't often afford the time to frequent the bar scene, three-minute fast-dating provides an efficient outlet in which people can explore the likelihood of connecting with someone else on a 'real' date when the time is right for them."
She adds, "We encourage people to mark 'YES' even if there isn't an immediate romantic spark. You never know what possibilities lie ahead if you don't give it a chance. If it doesn't work out, no harm done; fast-dating is simply about connecting with a group of people you may not have met otherwise. We have several guests that come to our parties on a regular basis because they enjoy themselves so much."
Those interested in attending FastDater, Inc. parties must register online in advance at www.fastdater.com. FastDater, Inc. events sell out quickly, so guests are encouraged to register at least three to four weeks before each party.
Although Sex and the City's Miranda didn't have much luck with her speed-dating experience, hundreds of engaged couples throughout the country have FastDater, Inc. to thank for bringing them together. Is there a chance that love will find its way to your heart anytime soon? There's only one way to find out...
www.fastdater.com
XOX
Need a DATING COACH? Lisa has an answer for you. Whether you have a question about an upcoming date, a past date, a guy or gal you have been recently dating or how to market yourself in general on the dating scene, call us. Lisa and her team have never been stumped.
Call our office to make a confidential phone appointment session. If you have an urgent question, Lisa or her partner will fit your session in within 24 hours of your call.
FastDater Dating Coach Line: 312-504-2258 or e-mail at lisa@fastdater.com
$160 50 minutes
$80 1/2 an hour
$50 for 15 minutes
