Remember old-fashioned blind dates, when you agonized all week
about how it would go? And then agonized all weekend about how badly
it went (or whether he would think it went as well as you did)?
Welcome to the world of high speed dating, where you discover in
about the time it takes to pay a bill online whether or not your
"blind date" is worth any more of your time.
On Feb. 11, Portland will become one of the more than 50 cities
across the country that has played host to a new phenomenon called
"8minuteDating." Bull Feeney's in the Old Port will host the event,
which is expected to attract 60 singles between the ages of 25-35
looking for a stress-free way to meet new people.
"It's like eight blind dates in one night," says Pamela Nieroda,
the event organizer for 8minuteDating. "It's a different, really
cool thing."
According to the 8minuteDating Web site (www.8minuteDate.com),
speed dating got its start in Los Angeles in 1998. Since then, the
concept has spread like Tupperware across the country and to Canada
and Europe. 8minuteDating is one of a half-dozen franchises that
organizes speed dating events.
Neiroda, who lives in Portland, was introduced to speed dating
when she participated in three events in New Jersey that were
organized by her sister. Though her goal wasn't finding true love in
New Jersey, she had so much fun that she decided to bring the
concept to Portland.
"It's pretty cool. Like eight blind dates in one night," she
says.
As she explains it, men and women participants are paired off for
eight, eight-minute, one-on-one conversations. After the first eight
minutes, the hostess rings a bell and the participants discreetly
note on their dating card whether or not they are interested in
another date with that person.
After 32 minutes of these close encounters (or four dates), there
is a 20-minute intermission, during which the guests can mingle with
whomever they want. After the next four "dates," participants can
hang out with new friends or go home. After the event, participants
log onto the Web site and enter the names of the people they'd be
interested in meeting again. When matches occur, the Web site
automatically sends e-mails to both parties with contact
information.
Nieroda has already gotten e-mails from people as far away as
Portsmouth who want to come to the event. She's also had requests to
do a date night for 35-to-50 year olds.
"It's hard to meet people if you're not in college or don't work
with people your own age," says Nieroda. "Portland is a town that is
accepting of new, funky things."
The event costs $28.80 if you sign up before Feb. 6, Nieroda
says, which includes free appetizers. A cash bar will be available.
Contact Nieroda at 774-1409 or e-mail her at pamn@8minutedating.com
Staff Writer Joanne Lannin can be contacted at 791-6650 or
at:
jlannin@pressherald.com