KO
Nearly $3,000 to Meet the Same Disappointing People
I joined Events & Adventures in Chicago expecting an active, adventurous singles community. What I got was an expensive disappointment. I gave it a fair chance, attending one or two events most weeks for three months, deliberately trying different nights and activities. Unfortunately, it was largely the same small group of people every time. Despite the impression of a thriving singles community, I encountered fewer than 50 regular participants. The gender ratio was balanced, but the dating prospects were dismal. Many of the men seemed passive and socially disengaged. At trivia nights, getting a conversation going often felt like pulling teeth. One member described the group as “busy, Type A women and passive men.” That summed up my experience. The events weren’t particularly special, either. Many were ordinary public bar trivia nights anyone could attend without a membership. The New Year’s Eve celebration consisted of two tables at a much larger family-oriented community event, complete with young children. It wasn’t remotely the singles celebration I’d expected. And all activities cost extra on top of the nearly $3,000 membership fee. My biggest regret was falling for the high-pressure sales pitch. There’s an incentive to sign immediately, but only a three-day cancellation window—nowhere near enough time to evaluate what you’re buying. By the time I realized the experience didn’t match the advertising, I was locked into an expensive contract. My advice: Don’t sign without experiencing the events firsthand. Ask how many members actually attend, what activities cost extra, and whether you’ll be seeing the same people repeatedly. I gave E&A three months of genuine effort. I wish I’d spent the money on actual adventures instead.