Dear Diary, I'm at The Global Love Conference

Fun Fact: I've regularly kept journals since age eleven up until I became a solo mom-almost three and a half years ago! I'll get back to that one of these days.
 
May 7th & 8th, 2025
 
​I am at The Manhattan Penthouse with one hundred sixty-something other love industry professionals. Mostly matchmakers plus a few dating coaches and randos sprinkled into the mix. A lot of people are wearing red, and one matchmaker is even wearing a hot pink suit. The room is cold, but the vibes are warm. Also, there are four other matchmakers named Rachel. We are all pictured above. Because, we'll take a photo op when we see it!
 
The Global Love Institute-which seems to be the only real matchmaking school in the world that offers certification- throws this international event. I have been attending these annually for the better part of the last ten years. Last year, I was the emcee! In case you didn't hear about all that jazz, my Uber from NJ was cancelled and I drove to Manhattan in torrential downpours, thunder, and lightening-skipping my overpriced DryBar blowout-to make it on time. 
 
Anyways, it all started with Lisa Clampitt, the founder of the school, and owner of Lisa Clampit Matchmaking--a company I was once the Director of Matchmaking for. Very boutique matchmaking to an upscale NYC clientele--some of my funnest times!
 
Lisa had asked me to co-create the Online Certification Program for Matchmakers a decade ago, and I did just that. I recorded twelve weeks of modules on all the important content and have been hosting weekly Q&A calls on Zoom with aspiring matchmakers from all over the world ever since. In many of my classes, I like to give real-day-in-the-life-of-a-matchmaker examples for my students. That's the stuff that resonates most.
 
Even after twenty years in the matchmaking industry, I’m a big believer in the power of networking and staying on top of trends and best practices. And, so I attend. A mindset of lifelong learning is essential to delivering real results for clients--no matter what your profession. It feels nostalgic to keep doing it all in the same room with the same people and that same, incredible view of the city.
 
This year, I gave back by running a workshop on multiple revenue streams for matchmakers—a topic that feels especially timely here in the US. With so many singles seeking support and high-end matchmaking often out of reach, it’s crucial for boutique matchmakers to get creative: from digital products and events to partnerships and more. That’s what I’m focused on at Rachel Russo Relationships, and I’m sharing it with others too!
 
If you’re a matchmaker looking to diversify your income—or a single who wants personalized support without spending a fortune—feel free to reach out at [email protected]. I’m here to help. That’s why I got into this business to begin with! 
 
Hanging out with a bunch of colleagues who also like to take photos with their fingers shaped into hearts---that's just a bonus!