What to say to the room

The app explains itself, but people relax when a host tells them what’s about to happen. Thirty seconds is enough. Here’s what we’d say, and why each line is there.

The thirty-second welcome

Tonight we’re trying something. If you’ve scanned in, go ahead and light your flare. At some point your phone will light up in a color, and someone else’s in this room will light up the same. Find them. The closer you get, the faster it pulses. Say hello, and then put your phone away. If it isn’t a fit, tap Clear and nobody gets told why. Enjoy tonight.

Each line answers a question people are too shy to ask: what do I do, how will I know, what if it’s awkward?

For a dating event, add

Everyone here has said who they’d like to meet, and a match only happens if it works both ways. It doesn’t show photos, and it doesn’t share your name. If someone makes you uncomfortable, tap Block or report, and come find me.

For a professional event, add

The light’s looking for someone who needs what you’ve got, or has what you need. Give it fifteen minutes with each person, and you’ll be able to get another introduction after that.

Set expectations about matches

Some guests won’t light up straight away. Say so, so they don’t think it’s broken:

It only lights up when it finds someone who fits, so it might take a while. Meanwhile, there’s a bar and a whole room of people. Keep your flare on, and if you set it to Good or Strong and it’s quiet, try Okay.

A sign for the door

Meet someone tonight.
1. Get Flare on the App Store. It’s free.
2. Open it, tap Light my flare, and scan the code on the screen.
3. Answer a few questions. Your answers stay private.
4. Follow the light.

If someone asks “Is this tracking me?”

A short true answer works best:

No. There’s no GPS and no account. The two phones work out how close they are between themselves. I can see how many people met, but not who.

What not to say

  • “You’ll definitely meet someone.” You can’t promise that, and a person who doesn’t will remember you said it.
  • “Everyone here has been checked.” Flare doesn’t verify identities or run background checks. Don’t describe it as making anyone safe.
  • “It knows who you’ll fall for.” Match strength estimates fit from answers. That’s all it does.

Keep reading

Set up the doorWhere the code goes, and how to get guests through it.Run the room liveLive counts, pausing, safety reports and ending the night.Follow the lightWhat your light is telling you at each stage.