What is your idea of a perfect meet and greet? Do you like lots of people, or something more intimate? Do you prefer a public venue, such as a restaurant or club, or something more private like a hotel suite or a vacation rental? And food? Drink?

It may sound lame, but it's really the attendees that "make" the M&G.  The Gents want to meet friendly, attractive ladies.  The Ladies want to meet true hobbyists who are respectful.  No "time-wasters"...i.e. guys that just want to window shop.  That being said, some folks are just there to have fun and socialize; for others it's strictly "business-related".  But just because some one chooses the "fun and socialize", doesn't mean they aren't serious players as well.  And everyone needs to feel safe and secure.  Screening of all attendees is paramount.  

The best M&Gs I have been to have accommodated both the "fun and socialize" and the "strictly business/networking" crowds.  Most importantly, those events had a light, pleasant "buzz" about them of people enjoying themselves and yet have been at venues large enough to allow for mingling and decent conversation without the frat party mosh pit type environment.

Around 100 guests or a bit more, enough to fill a hotel suite and patio.  A more "intimate" gathering would defeat the purpose of meeting as many gals as possible, and also limit the benefit for the ladies.
It also should be private (a suite or private house) so things are kept discreet.  There have been bar "take-overs," but they are rare and I've never attended one.
As O_D said, finger food and an open bar area, with or without a bartender, are the way to go.  Guys are generally asked to pay $100 for entry so they have a right to expect the booze to be free.  People tend not to get drunk at these affairs, so it would be unusual for anyone to get too tipsy and misbehave.
As for "misbehavior," I've been to M&Gs where sexual contact (in bathrooms, closets, dressing rooms of suites) was frowned upon and others where it was expected.  If it happens, it's important that it not occur in the main gathering place of the party because some are uncomfortable with it.
I haven't been to one since January but it was the best I've seen, run by Ol_Desperado, RomeoGolf, BoneBoyBob and others, with a little back-up help from yours truly.

-- Modified on 10/29/2014 3:21:49 PM

Sarah

Not leaving the party alone.  Two M&G's I attended recently resulted in overnight's, one planned, the other spontaneous and serendipitous.    As for the parties, the more people I know already in attendance, the better.  Private venues are preferable, though there's nothing wrong with holding these in public places.  Food and drink are a must regardless of venue.

experience, do the gents pay up front? Or do they pay at the door?

does it matter who hosts? In my very limited experience, there seems to have been both a gent and a lady hosting. In your best ever, looks like all gents hosted. I understand that the gents listed in your post have been doing this a long time. What made the last one you attended (and helped with) so wonderful?

things do you take into consideration when you're deciding what M&G to attend?

plan ahead to engage a lady's time or doesn't it matter? You mentioned the guest list being important. You like them to be familiar faces. Nick mentioned that he likes a lot of people so (presumably) he has the opportunity to meet lots of new faces. Would you avoid parties that have people you've never met? I'm guessing familiar names (even if you hadn't met them) might be better than complete unknowns...

At least three or four.  It was a big group.  It does help to have a female co-host who has credibility with the ladies.
What made the last one special requires a long list.
1) It was in Las Vegas on AVN weekend, so we have a few porn stars.
2) It was in a gorgeous, huge suite at one of the top hotels on the strip.
3) The roster of truly gorgeous babes was the best I've ever seen.
4) The hosts and many of the guests were personal friends of mine whom I enjoyed seeing and sharing drinks with.
5) I met several wonderful gals whose company I enjoyed during the ensuing days.
6) The food and booze were top drawer because one of the hosts is from the food and beverage biz.

But sometimes it's fun to leave with someone unplanned.  As for scope of the party, I've been to big ones, and smaller ones.  It's always fun to meet new people, and see old friends as well.  In fact, I'm heading for one tonight, and I do have plans for afterward.

I love a mix of familiar and new faces at these things.  Always fun to renew acquaintances with a lady you have seen in the past and even better to meet someone new and think ahead to pleasant times in the future!  And, on a few occasions at M&G's, that future was very soon as in right after the party.

a prearranged engagement after the party vs having an open slate. I tend towards your way of thinking. I don't want to be beholden to anyone at he party- I want to flirt with anyone and everyone without worrying that someone might be watching me. What's the point of taking sand to the beach? Lol!  

I do agree with Ol_ Desperado.