Speed dating is (0) a formalized matchmaking process or dating system (31) purpose is to encourage people to meet a large number of new people.
     The first speed-dating event took (32) at Pete’s Café in Beverly Hills in late 1998, and by 2000, speed dating (33) really taken off in the USA, perhaps boosted by (34) portrayal in shows like Sex and the City as something glamorous people did. Supporters argue (35) speed dating saves time, as most people decide if they are romantically compatible very quickly.
     How is it organized? Men and women are rotated to meet each other over (36) series of short "dates", usually lasting from 3 to 8 minutes. At the end of each interval, the organizer signals the participants to move on to the (37) date. Finally, when the whole event is (38) , participants submit a list of who they (39) like to provide their contact information to. Then, if there is a match, contact information (40) forwarded to both parties.
     These events typically require advance registration and often online prepayment (41) credit card. The gender ratio is (42) vital importance. Some services make use of waitlists to achieve exactly the same number of men and women, while (43) have a more "party" atmosphere and only aim for an approximately matching number.
     There are many speed dating events now in the UK, Canada, and the US. Some organizers offer niche events (44) as nights for graduates only, gays and lesbians, book lovers, ethnic events etc.
     There have (45) several scientific studies of speed dating systems, which have also featured widely in TV programmes and films.