If you have never been to a matchmaking event, the not-knowing is the worst part. Here is the evening from arrival to the end, in order.
Thirty minutes before the start #
Doors open half an hour early for check-in. Bring valid photo identification - it is checked against the name on your application, and it is the only thing you need to bring. Everything else is provided.
If you are attending with a guardian, this is when they are shown to the separate lounge. Arrive inside that half hour rather than at the advertised start time; walking in during the welcome is the one thing that makes people feel conspicuous.
A short welcome #
Everything is explained before anything begins: how the introductions are structured, how long each one runs, how you signal that you would like to speak to someone again, and who to find if you need anything during the evening. Nobody is expected to work it out as they go.
Structured introductions #
You meet the people you were matched to, one at a time, for a set period each. The structure exists to remove the two worst parts of the alternative: deciding who to approach, and working out how to end a conversation. Nobody is meeting everybody. Your list is yours, and it was built from your application and theirs.
Open conversation #
After the structured part there is time to speak again to anyone you would like more time with. Refreshments are served throughout, and guardians are welcome to join at this stage.
What the evening is not
It is not a party, and it is not a room of strangers with name badges. Everyone present applied, was read individually, and was matched before an invitation went out. That is the whole reason the format works.
Afterwards #
Nothing is decided on the night. You tell us who you would like to hear more from, the other person does the same, and contact details are exchanged only where both people have said yes. Nobody is given your number because you were polite to them.
Online events #
The same shape, over video: the same application, the same review, the same matching, introductions at a scheduled time, and a supervisor from our side present throughout. The joining link is personal to you and should not be passed on. Upcoming dates are on the browse events page, and the questions page covers the rest.
