Busy professionals say hello speed dating, good-bye Internet

By: SHANNON JAINDL, News-Leader

OCTOBER 1, 2003 - The days of Internet dating and pick-up lines could be a thing of the past.

Since 1999, many people have taken to "speed dating," a dating concept in which an equal number of men and women meet in a monitored location, get to know each other for a few minutes and then move to the next person.

   
  A pair of speed daters gets acquainted during a recent "Pre-dating" event in Jacksonville. The concept is catching on as a relaxed way to meet people.


 
At the end of the session participants fill out evaluation cards indicating who they would - and would not - like to set up a date with. Their results are e-mailed to them within 24 hours. After that, it's up to them to set up a meeting time.

"People love coming to the events because it's a relaxed way to meet people," said Chris Platel, an event coordinator for a speed dating company called Pre-dating.

Platel said most participants are busy professionals who don't have time to go to bars or meet people in other ways. She said this gives them a chance to meet many people in one night.

"It's not a match-making service. We provide an opportunity to meet members of the opposite sex in a comfortable environment," she said. "It's more like a little party."

Since March there have been four Pre-dating events in Jacksonville, with participants from as far away as St. Augustine and Georgia.

Speed dating was developed by a rabbi and his wife who live in Los Angeles. Their goal was to give like-minded people a chance to get to know each other in a relaxed setting. Throughout the years, the concept has expanded and reached people all over.

The next Jacksonville Pre-dating event is Tuesday in Avondale. Participants must register in advance. For more information contact Platel at (904) 583-0231 or visit www.pre-dating.com.

sjaindl@fbnewsleader.com