I got invited to one and I really didn't like the experience.  
This is my opinion, nothing about a meet and greet is discrete.  
I'd like to know other peoples opinions. How do you feel about meet and greets?.

-- Modified on 9/2/2014 6:10:42 PM

I have not been to a meet and greet, but from what I hear most people seem to have a good time. It all depends on your comfort level in that setting I guess. Some people prefer to keep a really low profile while in this hobby, in which case a meet and greet would not provide the level of privacy that they are looking for. Others would love the chance to meet people who they haven't seen yet for whatever reason. It might be a good way to determine whether or not you would enjoy their company in a more private setting.

Personally I'm on the fence about meet and greets. For starters I'm younger than the average hobbyist so I fear that I probably won't fit in with the crowd. Also if I run into someone I know outside the hobby at the meet and greet it would probably make for one awkward moment. But again, not having experienced it I can only speculate as to how awkward it would be.

Just my .02 cents : )

Meet and Greets are discrete up until you set foot in where ever the establishment is hosted.

I find that the ones in Boston are more discrete than the ones at any other location, i.e. CT.

My first experience was pretty boring, and I've also been to one where it was over the top... Some of the activities going on were a bit much.
I think the hosts should be more involved. Perhaps have some normal activities that get guests more involved to better the experience. As for the ones that are too "over the top", they should have a little more authority so that it doesn't get too crazy.

What did you not like about your experience, Kimbella?

Was invited once by a hostess I'd never met and once by a traveling gal planning to be in town for a M&G but I passed.

Nothing to gain and a lot to lose if I attended and ran into a business or social acquaintance . I'm discreet and really cant imagine a party where you pair off then come back etc. too much activity for my taste. Ter make it easy enough to connect with whoever you want to connect with so it's not needed.  

Those that go seem to enjoy themselves according to their post but I'm not planning on ever attending one.

Kimbella btw I am glad to see you back !!! I missed you

END OF MESSAGE

I've never been to one but I am interested

I've been to a couple and I didn't really care for them overall, but there is some positives in M&G.
Being an older hobbyist and valuing a 'connection' with a provider, it gives one a chance to meet and see if there is chemistry, without the commitment of booking an appointment and hoping there is chemistry

For starters, our fall party will be held on Wednesday, October 22. Watch for the announcement and instructions on the meet and greet board.

We have a six person committee that plans and executes the party. Female attendees are screened by the male committee members, and male attendees are screened by female committee members. This assures privacy and discretion for all attendees.
Events are held in a private room at a public bar in order to minimize the chance of running into people you may know, however, we cannot eliminate that risk totally.  
Nothing inappropriate or illegal occurs at the party. This is a strict rule. We socialize as like minded people just getting together for drinks and appetizers and we ask that no business is held at the party or even discussed, especially within earshot of the venues employees. This makes for a non-confrontational, relaxed and enjoyable time for all. A few times we have had minor issues when someone has had too much to drink but we do all we can to avoid that as well as to help them, including getting them a cab ride home.
The BeantownMG events have been going on twice per year for almost 10 years now and we have been very successful, thanks to the attendees, who follow the rules and behave like adults. Many of us have attended numerous events but the great part of it is the fact that at every party there are new faces to meet!

I cannot comment on any of the CT events but I did attend a few in New York City, and they were lots of fun as well

-- Modified on 9/3/2014 7:26:51 AM

The Meet and Greet coincides with the DC Meet and Greet that I'm already attending.  What a sad day.

Yes it is sad that you won't be at the the Boston M&G, quite a loss for us.
Those lucky bastards in DC get the pleasure of you company.  
Bummer

Can I come? I wannah come!…eom

I've attended M&Gs in FL, Boston and Baltimore and all were fun and I enjoyed myself.

xoxo,

Steph

I don't see why anyone would be afraid of seeing someone they knew at a M&G.  First of all, the Beantown M&G are private.  The only people allowed in are verified ladies and gentlemen who are all like-minded folks.  We're all hobbyists and I'm just as concerned with your discretion as you are with mine.

Just like if a couple ran into neighbors or friends at a swingers party.  You are both just as guilty, its a wash.  The other couple can't say they saw you there without bagging themselves.  (I should tell you all about the time two sisters ran into each other at a swingers party and one of the sisters wasn't with her husband! That was interesting.....)

Its called MAD Mutually Assured Destruction.  You aren't about to squeal on someone you saw since you'd be just a guilty.    

I will admit that the men to woman ratio if often a little to weighted towards the men but I've also seen that fluctuate over several M&G.  I agree its a great way to meet the ladies you've been eyeing and with a little conversation its easy enough to determine whether you'd be compatible for a session together.

And if you're lucky enough to be invited to an after party!!!  Well that's where the fun begins

 

So how does a hobbyist get invited?

August and company host a fine event. If good people show you will walk out feeling all the better for going. With the exception of some outliers, and you'll get them eveywhere, you'll have a good time.

I have been to meet and greets.  Have had GREAT experiences, fun times, and met repeat providers that are at the top of my list!  Done smartly they can be discreet.  It's just a fun gathering of like minded people..

Not so much with a staff person working an event recognizing you, but for me I wouldn't want to run into another guy I knew. Certainly mutually assured destruction, but I know a rather loud, obnoxious guy, he's a client of mine for work, who goes on and on about his "conquests" and his visits to Amsterdam and Thailand, etc, and is not a bit bashful of saying such things, loudly, at lunch meetings.

If. God Forbid. I ran into him at an event, he would not at ALL keep it quiet afterwards. Granted, he's in NY capital district so it's unlikely. But.....that's the concern, right? The other guy might not operate at that level of discretion on the outside and might say something to someone after the fact, especially if they are in a position where admitting they were there is no big deal to them.  

Sounds like perhaps the Boston ones are controlled/hosted well such as not to let jerks like that attend in the first place so maybe I shouldn't be so concerned.

The Boston Meet and Greet Board,  would like to invite you to join us in the next get together in downtown Boston.   This Fall's outing will be on the evening on October 22nd    
   
Our objective is to be as Inclusive as possible while maintaining safety standards for all to attend comfortably.  If you are interested in joining the Boston Meet and Greet community please email:    
     
[email protected]    
     
     
Please include the following:    
     
LADIES:    
Your stage name    
Your TER handle (if different)    
TER ID #    
Email address (that is best to reach you)    
A phone number (if applicable)    
Your website URL.    
     
GENTS:    
TER handle    
First and Last name    
Email address (that is best to reach you)    
Phone Number    
2 Provider References, with their email addresses    
     
We screen everyone to ensure safety.  If you have screened previously for a past meet and greet then you do not need to screen again.  If your not sure you can email me and I will check.    
     
We look forward to having you join us!    Please allow 2 days for screening as it takes time and I dont sit online all day long.
     
Crystalforfun, mltnbob, codpeace, August West, unidextrous  and Hukilau

Let me start off by telling you what I did like I like that everyone was welcoming and for the most part well mannered as far as introducing themselves and offering me finger foods, champagnes and wines..... Now  What I didn't like was that mostly everyone was under dressed private areas pretty much exposed and no one there my age.... don't get me wrong there was a few woman there that were well dressed and very classy I meant this one African American girl that was really nice.

Sounds like a classy setting with civilized adults who know how to handle themselves around attractive people.

Plainly/simply, M&G’s are not for everyone (gents or ladies).
All M&G’s are for adults regarding our version of ‘adult behavior’ which can sometimes be exaggerated by the alcohol served (as with any other party happening anywhere).
If you are a private/modest person, have issue with attendees preference of clothing (or lack there of), the ages of those who may attend or have fears of anyone finding out about your participation in ’our thing’, I would recommend you not attend M&G’s.
I would also recommend you do some research as to what type of party will be happening BEFORE you agree to attend; i.e. a public location or a private venue (no civilians) typically will tell you a great deal.
(including the 'after' parties which are inevitable)
Guests need simply ask the hosts…………after screening, of course.

As a host, I would very much appreciate it if you would actually use some of the discretion you repeatedly mention in your posts.
What happens at any M&G is absolutely not for public board posting/consumption.
I have been to 4 different hosted parties in the NE area and the one thing I know to be a complete truth is local hosts operate their M&G’s with complete discretion.  
Local hosts do not allow their party location to be known (except to those who are screened/accept their invitation) or handle/stage name guest lists to be available to anyone prior to screening.

You may not care for/prefer what happens or does not happen at a M&G, but that is a modesty/personal issue pertaining only to you and not a matter of the hosts/guests not being ‘discrete’.
(simply walk out the door if you are uncomfortable)  
As our guest, we hosts would appreciate your discretion in not posting even the smallest party detail on any public boards.
(including this one)
Thank you’s, other post-party posts even criticisms are always very general/vague offering no details.

My advice: If you have issue with what you’ve experienced at a M&G, simply send a message to the host(s) at their party emails stating so.
Most likely your host(s) will offer their apologies for whatever your issue(s) were and will gladly remove your name from the guest list if you so choose.