eHarmony is taking its algorithm offline for the first time with a new speed dating event in Australia.
Dubbed eHarmony LIVE, the one-off night in Sydney is described as “speed dating with a twist”.
The event will put eHarmony’s matching algorithm to the test in a live setting, matching up attendees for short five minute dates.
eHarmony’s matching scientist Jonathan Beber is flying in from LA to lead the experiment – the results of which will be published in a white paper in early 2017.
Speaking about the event, Beber said: “People often confuse strong physical attraction with compatibility, and when building a new relationship may not take into account what would be best for the long term.
“These superficial and incompatible matches are reflected in the high rate of relationship break-downs and divorces.
“We know that eHarmony’s algorithm is better at predicting long-term compatibility, and through eHarmony LIVE we want to validate that our matching system also leads to a higher instance of true chemistry when two people first meet.”
The free one-night only event will be held at Riley Street Garage in Woolloomooloo, Sydney, and will include drinks and canapés.
The singles night is part of a new brand initiative from eHarmony in Australia, having recently released a new TV campaign about helping singles “find your spark”.
It comes after the dating brand, which is now headquartered in Los Angeles, hired a new marketing director from Pandora, Nicole McInnes.
Speaking about the eHarmony LIVE idea, McInnes said: “Ask any single person about today’s dating landscape and they’ll tell you it’s a minefield. The swipe-happy, convenience-centric culture may be creating more choice, but our latest research shows that it has actually diluted opportunities for true connections.
“We’re the only company that can hand on heart say we exist to enhance people’s lives. eHarmony LIVE isn’t just another event, it’s us as a company putting our money where our mouth is to show that our algorithm does lead to better connections and more sparks.”
Read more about the event here.