We interviewed Rachael Chan of www.HK Speeddate.com, by far the most popular and successful of HK Speeddate promoters in Hong Kong for her take on the very exciting Speeddating scene.

1. When did you start and what inspired you launch HK Speeddate?

About 6 years ago, I read about Speed Dating in a magazine, at the same time, I read a book name rich Dad Poor Dad which talks about working for yourself is the only way to become rich. Also I was studying psychology that that time…it’s all a coincident.

2. How many events have you organized so far?

I have no idea, but basically I have 3-4 events every week and have doing for almost 6 years so far.

3. What is the most unique /creative event you have organized or plan to organize?

I really want to throw free party which has free nice drink, good food, nice people, at nice venue with great music, big crowd and only nice people will be invited.

4. How is your group different from the others?

I try not to comment about this but most people keep saying my event guests are better quality regards the physical appearance, educational and professional backgrounds.

5. How many registered members do you currently have?

I have about 20,000 in the data base.

6. What is the key to your success?

I think it’s because I really like people. I always have strong urge inside that I really want to and need to make people happy. I won’t feel upset if my event did not make good money but will definitely be upset if my events did not have good quality people there.

7. As a promoter, what are your biggest challenges in this line of work?

Most people are still not really understand joining my event is actually giving themselves more chance to meet people. Some of them still think only failure will join…

8. Besides Speeddating Events, what other activities do you organize?

I did many events before: wine tasting, golf as you know, fine dining, hiking, movie, concert, dating workshop, fortune telling, dancing class, networking….

9. What is your advice to someone who is too shy or nervous to go Speeddating?

Put a smile on face and just be there. You will have nothing to lose but gain more new friends, and willl be surprise about how nice of people who join events.

10. What can your guests expect at your events?

Great fun, meeting nice people, being very much welcome by the host.

11. How would you describe the people who join your events?  More expats or locals?

On average, there are about 50% local, 40% overseas educated Asian and 10% expats.

12. Do more men or women sign up for your events and why?

There are more ladies join events unfortunately. But I believe lots of men are still thinking to give it a try…

13. Since you started, have there been any changes in attitudes towards speeddating?

People are more open mind to try it. And also who try speed dating are much younger crowd then before.

14. Are there seasons or special days (ie: Valentines day) that are generally more popular for speeddating?

The most popular on is Christmas Eve, then Valentine’s Day and Halloween.

15. Do your events benefit and social or charitable causes?  If so, which ones?

Actually I am working on some charity event for the schooling facility to help  children in China.

16. With all the events you organize, how do you find a balance with your personal life?

It’s not easy. It’s part of my life already and I do really enjoy it.

Also if I am in relationship, I will do less event as I think as a woman, she shall always put her men as priority, business always comes to second event she makes good money.

17. What is your vision for the future of HKSpeeddate?

I hope it will become a free organization that do event for free to bring people happiness. I can do it for fun not for money.

18. If there is one message you would like to share with our readers, what would it be?

There is no “Finding Mr. Right lists” we always have to practice. The more you practice, the closer you are finding that someone special.

For more information contact HK Speeddate as:
www.hkspeeddate.com