The days of swiping right might be coming to a close. More and more single people feel frustrated with the online dating phenomenon that took the mid-2000s by storm. The lack of connection and the obvious swiping out of pure boredom without any intention of following up has lost its luster.
So, what is the next big thing to assist those who are looking for love? Enter Pitch-A-Friend Austin, a novel and absolutely hilarious event that the Love Doctor has prescribed. This unique concept allows friends of single people to share 3-5 minute slide presentations detailing their best friend’s best qualities. The goal? Landing them a date.
This new “speed” dating concept was the first annual event held in Austin, Texas, and it did not disappoint. Although I’m no longer single and dating, I have several friends who are, so I had to check it out and report back.
Dating in Austin
Jon Cooper, the event organizer, told me that he was overwhelmed by the number of RSVPs. “Philadelphia has hosted three Pitch-a-Friends so far, and we’ve had more RSVPs for this one than they did for all three events in Philly.”
The crowd was truly impressive! I arrived about 45 minutes before the start to get a feel for the space and the participants. To my surprise, there were already at least 100 people at Central Machine Works Brewery. By the start of the event, the crowd size had easily doubled, if not closer to tripled. The overwhelming turnout was a clear indication of the urgency felt by Austin singles toward the dating scene.
The massive turnout alone is a testament to how dismal Austin singles must think of the dating scene, especially the women. I would venture that the ratio of women to men was about 10:1.
I spoke with several of the single women who were there to check out the scene, and there was one resounding response to the question, “What made you decide to come tonight?”
All of their responses expressed a deep-seated desire for genuine connections, a sentiment echoed by many. They were tired of the superficiality of the online dating scene and eager to participate in a more organic and fun way to connect with a potential new love interest.
Pitch-A-Friend Presentations
Many spectators and I thought the 3-5 minute presentations were a little long, especially when so many people wanted to go to bat for their friends. The organizers could have shortened the time to 1-2 minutes and showcased more singles.
However, the pitches were clever, received several laughs, and were heartfelt. Kicking off the night was the friend pitching her 4’11” Long Island native comedienne friend, and it was a hard act to follow. There were countless laughs and a lot of “Hell yeah!”
Nonetheless, another eleven pitches followed, causing much laughter, claps, and shouts of drawn-out “HELLOS” for the single friend.
Cooper also shared that there was a mile-long waiting list for friends to pitch. Only 12 presentations were slotted in the time frame: six for women and six for men. The event also represented members of the LGBTQ community. When I spoke with several spectators, many lamented being on the waiting list but not getting the opportunity.
Austin Singles Got Creative
Some participants took matters into their own hands when they were placed on the waiting list. Friends of single gal and fellow journalist Catherine Woodiwiss got super creative and had T-shirts with a QR code directing to a website detailing all of her best attributes.
A trio of friends, all men, were standing nearby when I spoke with a friend of Woodiwiss. As we were chatting, they interrupted and asked if they could scan the QR code. They were impressed with what the website outlined, and it was apparent they were excited about an opportunity to meet her. When she arrived, there was a buzz from both men and women in the immediate vicinity.
The men wanted to catch a glimpse of the infamous QR code gal and possibly shoot their shot. Perhaps the women wanted to size up the competition or get a chance to chat with someone who was so ingenious with marketing herself. But this approach definitely garnered curiosity and attraction alike.
When I followed up with Catherine the next day, she shared this about the experience: “I got five Instagram followers and one phone number with a date included. My pitch deck page from the website has gotten 169 hits!”
Pitch-A-Friend Was a Success
It’s apparent that many single people in Austin are dating with intention, and they’re earnest about meeting “the one.” Gone are the days of swiping. Genuine connections made organically are something people are desperate to obtain.
“Social validation is one of the most important aspects of dating. Romance is relational and contextual– you really can’t get an accurate picture of someone until you see how they behave with, think about, care for, and choose their friends,” according to Woodiwiss. I couldn’t agree more.
Pitch-A-Friend is precisely what the doctor ordered, and with any luck, most of those singles who attended and participated in this event will be cuddled up with their person this coming holiday season. And if not, there’s always the next one.
