Forget the Apps: ‘Pitch-A-Friend’ brings slide-deck dating to The Mill in Fountain Inn

Tired of swipe fatigue and the impersonal algorithms of online dating apps, Upstate singles are turning to a decidedly more hands-on matchmaking strategy: having their best friends sell them like a startup venture pitch.

The Mill at Fountain Inn is set to host “Pitch-A-Friend” on Wednesday, October 28, bringing the viral social phenomenon to the historic venue’s outdoor stage and lawn. The concept trades curated dating app bios for classic presentation software, giving attendees three to five minutes to showcase their single friends using custom slideshows.

The event aims to shake up the modern dating scene by letting wingmen and wingwomen do the bragging. Presenters take the stage with laptops and PowerPoint decks to outline their candidate’s best traits, hobbies, eccentric quirks, and dating potential before an audience of prospective suitors.

Key details for attendees and participants include:

• Event Schedule: Presentations kick off at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, at The Mill in Fountain Inn.

• Format: Presenters have a strict 3-to-5-minute window to run through their slide decks and make their friend’s case to the crowd.

• Accessibility: The event is free to attend, open to all adults aged 21 and older, and explicitly designated as LGBTQ+ friendly.

• Registration: Prospective presenters and curious singles can register decks and find submission guidelines at pitch-a-friend.com/gvl(opens in new tab).

By mixing comedy open mics with real-world matchmaking, “Pitch-A-Friend” reflects a growing desire among young singles for community-driven, in-person connection—offering a low-pressure setting where a solid slide deck and a loyal best friend might just spark the next local romance.