Belgium breaks the world record in Speed Business Dating
On Monday evening in the Ethias Arena in Hasselt, no less than 1,068 Belgian businessmen and women broke the Guinness World Record for Speed Business Dating. The massive number of entrepreneurs who participated each had a three-minute long 'date' with twenty other unknown colleague-entrepreneurs, thus expanding their network in a fun and informal way.
The last world record was less than a month ago and was made by Entrevo Ltd from London with 487 participants.
The initiative to try to break the world record came from the JCI (Junior Chamber International) in Limburg and was supported by Luminus, the Limburg organisation for employers, educational establishments and companies.
"With this world record JCI Limburg wanted to contribute to the initiatives launched in Limburg ", says JCI-Chairman Andres Lesire. With this speed dating JCI Limburg also wants to send a clear message way beyond the boundaries of Limburg. "With this record we will appear in the Guinness Book of Records, which is read all over the world. We want to give a positive signal to all people from Limburg to take action. Even more so to people from outside Limburg. Who knows, maybe the announcement will encourage a Chinese investor to invest in our region."
The economy in Limburg has had some big setbacks in recent years. When Ford Genk finally closed down at the end of this year more than 10,000 jobs were lost. "Limburg is facing difficulties but is not done for. There's a lot going on here. The spirit is positive and Limburg has what it takes to be a top economic region", according to Provincial Governor Herman Reynders.