The world’s getting faster, bigger, tougher, more chaotic, more intimidating, more challenging – so is it any wonder we have less and less time for ourselves? Dating events are hardly new real estate but there has been a recognizable increase in their popularity; as our lives get ever more stressful that trend looks set to continue.

So what will be the next evolution in an industry that hasn’t seen a tide of fresh blood and ideas since someone decided to add a stopwatch to the experience? Well if you listen to Gina Lednyak of The Big Blind, the secret will be in the presentation and the structure of such events. Forget name tags and twenty questions over a glasses of low end beer and wine, we’re talking obscure, curious and titillating events that will both excite and motivate punters.

It’s these left of center activities that really push singles out for their comfort zone into a common ground, upon which they can meet new and interesting people and relate through a shared experience.

RHP caught up with Gina Lednyak recently to chat with about her unique take on dating.

(RHP) Gina you seem to have this dating event thing down – what are the key ingredients to a successful function for singles?

(Gina Lednyak) My view is keep it exciting, in order to have a great dating event you need to start with a great event. The goal of The Big Blind is to create amazing events, where people have an incredible time no matter what! Now take that and add a sexy and fun group of people to it and you have a perfect dating function!

The Big Blind was created with the idea that adventure and adrenaline greatly increase the chances of people hitting it off- the chemical that your mind releases when you are scared or feeling anxious is actually the same chemical released when you are falling in love or attracted to someone (PEA).

So how do you come up with these new crazy event ideas?

I think of things that would make a great date, I believe you always need some sort of interaction (preferably some action!!) to really get on with somebody, as explained above, the chemical released when you are really attracted to someone and falling for them is the same chemical released when you are terrified or anxious (PEA). So I aim to make people step out of their comfort zone with events like Trapeze Flying, Cocktail making class, Poker, Kickboxing – things you wouldn’t normally do at a dating event.

And what’s your background, how does one get into the organized dating game?

My background, funnily enough, is in psychology and personal relationships- I have always been fascinated by what makes people attract. I also absolutely love dating – The Big Blind was born out of the idea to create a huge Big Blind Date! The other thing that inspired the Big Blind is the fact that I am a total adventure bug and it took me forever to find somebody that could keep up with me – that’s when I realized you couldn’t count on meeting somebody who could ‘keep up with you’ just at a pub- the people you want to meet aren’t often found there! I wanted to create a place where the truly amazing and fun people could connect with no pressure, all while having a ball!

What sort of people are you getting to your events?

Most of the people that come to events are ages 25-40, I find that the age doesn’t so much matter as people match up by personality based on which activity they choose (Trapeze vs. Cocktail Making – big difference!), we get a lot of professionals, everyone from investment bankers and doctors to graphic designers and entrepreneurs, everyone that comes is single. It is hard to describe the vibe, but the people that come are always incredibly interesting, they have wide interests and hobbies, they have travelled the world, they know themselves and are ready to meet people with an equal sense of adventure.

So what kind of people get the most out of your functions?

Everyone! I have had one very quiet girl come to trapeze night, she started the night off very meek and unsocial- at first I was a bit nervous as she was scared of heights and did not seem to be bonding with anyone, however after a few go’s on the trapeze she finally got caught by the pro and swung through the air. She came off a different woman! She looked beautiful and confident and instantly opened up to the room- it was an incredible transformation! Needless to say she met tons of men that night and left feeling fabulous. It just goes to show that whether someone is shy or outgoing they will have a blast, the events are designed to help people open up by taking the pressure off ‘meeting each other.’ After you have bonded over spilling vodka all over yourself or swinging 20 meters above ground, there are no awkward silences!!

What kind of successes have you seen from your work?

I get a lot of thank you emails from people, and a lot of people have matched up and stayed together! I also get a lot of repeat offenders- people love the events and want to keep trying different ones. I also see a lot of people open up and really make some amazing friends- everyone always leaves with not only some new love interests but a whole group of new friends!

Why do you think there has been such a resurgence in the popularity of arranged socializing?

Honestly, people are so busy that it is hard to make time to meet new people. All of the free time available goes towards relaxing, hanging out with friends and catching up on everything left undone. People are time poor and going to singles events is a great way to meet only the type of people you would like to meet. Also, I think people are starting to see how much events have evolved and just how fun they have become.

Do you have any plans to expand your events outside Sydney?

Yes, definitely! Melbourne is next on the list, followed by Perth and Brisbane. I would also eventually like to end up in NYC to get back to my roots!