The Scoop: Lightning Speed Dating has adapted to the ever-changing dating scene by offering three tiers of services — traditional speed dating, virtual dating, and matchmaking. The dating company’s in-person events spark connections between like-minded individuals in Washington, D.C., and the virtual dating software can generate matches and facilitate video dates for singles across the country. Additionally, Founder Dr. Dan Amzallag can offer clients his insights as an experienced dating coach and matchmaker with a deep understanding of human psychology.
Dr. Dan Amzallag started hosting singles events in Montreal in 1995. He was hired by a Jewish community center to help singles find partners who shared their faith and values. This was his first foray into the dating industry, and he found he had a knack for it.
After earning his master’s degree in business in Texas, Dr. Dan moved to Washington, D.C., in 2000, and he got back into the events game, but this time with the intention of reaching a broader audience. He expanded to host speed dating events for people of all creeds, and singles came in droves hoping to find romance and love.
Lightning Speed Dating promises to provide fast matches for singles who are in the D.C. area.
After many successful events, Dr. Dan saw an opportunity to streamline his matchmaking process by writing software that could deliver instant matches based on user feedback, and he used that technology to spark Lightning Speed Dating — which has been going strong ever since.
Today, the Lightning Speed Dating brand has further evolved and embraced the online world with its virtual dating services. This allows singles from across the country to mix and mingle via brief video chats.
Virtual dating can bridge the distance between people in different areas and uphold proper social distancing while still connecting compatible couples. This tool is a useful alternative to Lightning Speed Dating, and Dr. Dan predicts it will become the go-to method for daters looking to vet someone before meeting in person.
Dr. Dan has been working with singles for nearly 20 years now, and he offers his advice as a life coach and matchmaker to people who are serious about making changes and meeting the right person.
“You create your opportunities — they don’t come to you,” Dr. Dan said. “Don’t let life pass you by, or you’ll miss out on something great. I want to see singles be more aggressive and more assertive.”
Unique Games & Themes Help Attendees Break the Ice
Lightning Speed Dating events bring about 20-30 people together in a local lounge, coffee shop, or restaurant. The vibe is casual and care-free, and the event leaders get everyone’s attention by playing icebreaker games before breaking into pairs.
Whether they’re playing a round of 20 questions or participating in a trivia competition, singles loosen up while playing games together, and it gives them something to talk about once the speed dating officially starts. In this way, Lightning Speed Dating eases participants into the process.
“Other speed dating companies throw you in the ocean and say ‘Go ahead and swim,'” Dr. Dan said. “That doesn’t bring any comfort to people, and they could freeze up when meeting face to face.”
By sponsoring a fun group activity before speed dating, Lightning Speed Dating gives singles a life raft to hold onto as they search for romance. They can get their bearings, and the event doesn’t put them on the spot right away, so they feel more comfortable from start to finish.
Dr. Dan has used his background in psychology to inform his speed dating process. His goal is to ensure that speed dating participants are in the right mindset to make a good impression and have a fruitful conversation. “People need to be comfortable to give the best version of themselves when they meet someone new,” he explained.
Another unique aspect of Lightning Speed Dating is its themes. The events are just about demographics or age — its themes touch on important lifestyle traits and values. Dr. Dan has offered speed dating events for Christian singles, vegan singles, and polyamorous singles and couples. He continually comes up with new themes to see which ones strike a chord with people and attract signups. Check the calendar to see what’s new with Lightning Speed Dating.
Dr. Dan has perfected his speed dating system to offer quality matches and real romantic opportunities for singles in the D.C. area. Over the years, a good number of couples have reached out to say they got into a relationship or got married because of his events.
The Online Network Can Reach More People in More Places
Dr. Dan has spent decades studying dating habits, and he has promoted virtual speed dating as the solution for men and women who are ready to skip the small talk and pursue matches more directly online.
Virtual speed dating has come about because some singles need a middle ground between intimidating face-to-face events and flaky, superficial swiping. Singles who are serious about meeting someone know that online dating isn’t always the most efficient way to build relationships, and it can take a lot of time and energy to find someone worth meeting in person.
That’s where Lightning Speed Dating comes in. This company has the ability to match singles based on who they are and what they want — and it works fast. The site can offer a flirtatious outlet for people who don’t have access to in-person speed dating events. It’s also great for those practicing social distancing.
The virtual speed dating system allows individuals to connect online through six-minute video chats, which simulate the speed dating experience, and it has become popular among singles in New York City, Baltimore, Miami, and other major U.S. cities now under stay-at-home mandates.
“We decided to do virtual speed dating to expand our reach,” Dr. Dan explained. “Now, suddenly, the word ‘virtual’ is the trending word on the internet, and we’re positioned to succeed in this new culture.”
Virtual speed dating takes the fun of in-person events to the online world.
Even after the 2020 pandemic is over, Dr. Dan expects that virtual speed dating will continue to appeal to singles across the country. He sees it as a new and efficient way to meet people, and such a hassle-free system certainly appeals to daters burnt out on traditional swiping and impersonal matching.
After daters vet someone through a video chat, they often feel more confident and secure about the match, so they can arrange first dates without worrying about being catfished or stood up. That’s good news for the dating ecosystem, and it helps create real romances based on shared interest.
“I think the introductory part of dating is going to change,” Dr. Dan predicted. “Eventually virtual dating is going to overtake our face-to-face events.”
A Concierge Matchmaker Provides Insights & Guidance
In addition to his speed dating business, Dr. Dan offers his services as a personal matchmaker and dating coach. His mission is to set singles up for success and support them throughout the dating journey.
Dr. Dan takes the time to sit down with his clients one on one and delve into their romantic history, dating attitudes, dealbreakers, and relationship goals. He learns about who they are so he can lead them to their ideal partner.
Dr. Dan and his wife provide matchmaking services for all interested parties.
The Lightning Speed Dating database has many active profiles, and Dr. Dan searches it to identify potential dates who align with his clients in terms of age, career, religion, and lifestyle. He does the legwork of reaching out and arranging the first date, so his client just has to show up and see what happens.
Dr. Dan has a doctorate in psychology, so he can help his clients overcome fears, insecurities, and mental blocks on their way to love.
During coaching sessions, Dr. Dan evaluates his client’s dating history and habits to meet them where they’re at and offer feedback where he sees room for improvement and growth.
“I dig deeper when it comes to what someone needs and what someone wants,” Dr. Dan said. “My approach is more of a psychological approach. It’s a matter of understanding human nature, and that’s what a matchmaker should really be focused on.”
Through cognitive behavior therapy, Dr. Dan can help singles change their mindsets and change their lives. His matchmaking services encourage singles to figure out what they want and take action to get it.
Lightning Speed Dating Ushers in a New Era of Meet Cutes
Dr. Dan has made a career out of bringing people together and inspiring healthy relationships. He started with traditional speed dating events, and then put a high-tech spin on it through Lightning Speed Dating in D.C. Now he offers virtual dating opportunities and matchmaking to singles across the U.S.
As the dating scene has changed, Dr. Dan has endeavored to keep up with the latest trends and provide solutions to new challenges faced by singles. Lightning Speed Dating has adapted to serve modern daters
“We always come up with new services, new themes, and new ideas to add,” Dan said. “And we test things out. We’re not afraid of testing and failing. A lot of companies are conservative and play it safe. We don’t do that.”
