New York Conference 2025

As the dating industry gears up for one of the most anticipated events of the year, the final agenda for the Social Discovery & Dating Conference in New York has just been released.

Set to take place this Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Etc. Venues, 601 Lexington Avenue, this year’s conference promises to bring together the brightest minds in online dating, social discovery, and relationship technology.

With industry giants, startup founders, and tech innovators sharing their insights, attendees can expect an action-packed day filled with panel debates, keynotes, and strategic discussions on the future of love and connection in a digital world.

Pre–Event Schedule: Tuesday March 18th, 2025

• Leaders Lunch: 12pm – 3pm
  • What: An exclusive lunch which brings together the Founders, CEOs, and Board Members from leading online dating businesses.
• Where: Gramercy Tavern, 42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003.
• Tickets: We have one ticket left, available here.

• Pre-Conference Networking Drinks: 6pm – 8pm
  • What: Informal networking drinks with conference attendees and members of the Women In Dating network.
• Where: The Monarch Rooftop Lounge, 71 W 35th Street, New York, NY 10001
• Tickets: No ticket required.

A Sneak Peek at the Conference Agenda (Wednesday March 19th, 2025)

Industry Growth Forecast (10:00 – 10:30 AM)
The event kicks off with a data-driven analysis by Mark Brooks, CEO of Courtland Brooks, exploring key monetization opportunities and emerging trends shaping the online dating space.

 Funding Love: Raising Capital for Dating & Social Discovery Apps (10:30 – 11:15 AM)
A powerhouse panel featuring Mitch Alterman (Hatched), Hari Gopal (Hearts Dating), and Ethan Martin (Slide App) will dive into how startups can secure funding and scale their platforms in a competitive market.

 The Business of Love – Learning from the Giants (12:00 – 12:45 PM)
A must-attend session featuring leaders from Inner Circle, Once, and Down App, moderated by Sydney Bradley of Business Insider. This panel will unpack strategies used by the biggest names in online dating to dominate the market.

 Is Your Brand Ready for an AI-Powered World? (1:45 – 2:00 PM)
As artificial intelligence reshapes digital interactions, former Meta executive Sean Evins will discuss how AI is transforming dating platforms and what brands must do to stay ahead.

 The Power of Precision: How Niche Apps Build Deeper Connections (2:00 – 2:45 PM)
With dating platforms catering to specific communities, this session explores how hyper-focused apps like Chapter 2 Dating, Gaydar, and Fox Hunters Club are redefining matchmaking.

 Unlocking App Revenue Growth on Web (3:15 – 3:30 PM)
David Maul from FunnelFox will present a practical session on how platforms can maximize revenue and user engagement through web-to-app funnels.

 Tech’s Role in Preventing Online Gender-Based Violence (3:30 – 4:00 PM)
Online safety remains a critical concern, and this panel—featuring experts from Checkr, Tawkify, and Hornet—will explore the latest technologies protecting users from online harm.

Why You Can’t Miss It

Whether you’re an industry leader, a startup founder, or an investor, the Social Discovery & Dating Conference is the ultimate hub for networking, learning, and shaping the future of digital relationships. With cutting-edge insights, funding opportunities, and AI-driven innovation, this event is set to be a game-changer for the dating industry in 2025.

There are only two tickets left to the event and you can buy them by clicking here.