'A chance to push themselves out of their comfort zone': Speed dating event hosted in Regina

As the world of online dating continues to grow, those looking for an alternative option have had some luck with speed dating.

Folks in their 40's had the opportunity to connect with one another at The Flats on Sunday thanks to Queen City Connect.

"I think, online dating is not ideal for a lot of people. And I feel that at these types of events you can really feel it if you have genuine chemistry with somebody," Veronica Slade, event organizer and creator of Queen City Connect explained.

"So, I feel like it also opens people's minds to people that may not be their 'type,' but they can feel out if there's actually a spark there ... [it] just gives people a chance to push themselves out of their comfort zone."

Queen City Connect has hosted several speed dating events in Regina and Saskatoon.

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Slade explained that they rotate between different age groupings, LGBTQ+ events, and events targeted towards people looking to make new friends.

The past few events have been hosted at the Flats, and staff there have enjoyed the opportunities it brings.

"It's nice for people to connect in your age group or in your preferred gender, that sort of thing. They've even done like speed friending, which is really fun, too,” Anna Eichhorst, shift leader at The Flats explained.

"I made a couple friends myself. They had one that was just for moms, so that was cool too. I'm a mother myself, so I made a friend there too."

The event works by giving participants eight minutes to chat with one another before the sound of a bell signifies switching partners.

Conversation starter cards are also provided to help people get the most of those eight minutes.

"Most people are very nervous at the start of the event, so it's really nice to watch as the event ends, how people [are] kind of proud that they've put themselves out there and everybody usually says that they've had a good time," Slade said.

Matt Thompson was one of the participants on Sunday, and he shared that the experience was a unique and fun one.

"I've never done anything like this before. I've tried the apps and wasn't really doing well, so I thought I'd give it a go," Thompson said.

The 41-year-old added that he didn't quite know what to expect going in, but the experience has been a positive one.

"It's a lot more fun ... I was surprised how organized and planned everything is as well ... I definitely recommend it, it's fun too ... You get to actually be in front of the person. You get to actually have conversations ... you get to actually get a better feel for them and it seems to be it's pretty cool so far,” Thompson explained.

"We're only halfway through, but it's an interesting concept."

Slade shared that the project has been growing since she first began, and it is personally a very rewarding experience for her.

"I have had some success stories now because I've been doing this for just about three years, so I've had some success stories trickle in of people that have found relationships or in relationships now from these events," she added.

"So that's always really good to hear."