from outside the hobby? Although I had been tempted to attend, I couldn't get over the fear of running into someone I know. It may not be a problem for them, but it sure is going to be a big problem for me.

In fact, ran into this hobbyist at several events, both in NYC and on the road.  Although I'm sure he's aware of true my identity as well, we've not mentioned anything when we've interacted at these events.  Each of us has the power of MAD if either of us were to act uncool, so it's not a big deal.  Interestingly, each of us has seen the others' ATF on more than one occasion, so...  

I've also seen this occur with a provider I've seen a few times, and her reaction was to run for the hills.  She wasn't caught, and after skipping the next NYC Mixer, has since come back into the fold...the person she knew was not involved with the hobby, but was apparently employed with the establishment where the event was held.

So while this can happen, I wouldn't be so paranoid that it prevents me from interacting with the community as a whole.  But that's me...

I'm not married or running for office so it's not an issue seeing somebody I know outside of the whole scene at a party with like minded people that don't see Meet and Greets as something evil.

Recently went to a "Providers" private party and came across somebody in my same profession that I sort of know and they sort of know me due to the business we are in... We were obviously both there because of knowing people in the biz that invited us.

Had a complete blast.

Great party and met great people...

someone you know at a mixer, then he or she is running into someone they know as well-you! If they weren't involved with the hobby, then they wouldn't be there, so seems you are then both aware of your involvement- I would think all parties would keep things under their hats. Just a thought....

Stay safe everyone,

Hugs
Bobbi

I work in construction, and I know these guys are all a bunch of horn dogs, so I'd rather not be compromised by a chance meeting with a customer.

It's not generally a concern for most since while the venue is usually public only screened people are allowed into the party room. So even if you are seen entering or exiting the public venue then it is easily explained as you are visiting a client for dinner or something along those lines. Once in my party room there are no civvies at all - only hobbyists so nothing to worry about.

as Bobbi notes, if you run into someone at the party then what is the concern since you are both there for the same purpose - you'd probably both get a good laugh out of it.

Very Well Stated Bobbi...

It's not as if the M & G's or a "Provider's" private party that I attend is going to be like going to some low class Massage Joint and risk being seen ISO being serviced by whoever...

Hell... the last private party I just went to was hosted by (and her friends that attended) every guys wet dream.

The guy I met in my business at that party.... I can't wait to do business with him in the future.

We obviously have a lot in common....

An interesting tangential story: Many years ago, I worked for IBM and went to a swing party in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (yes, bowling's not the only thing they do in Milwaukee) and ran into a high level exec from a company who was my biggest customer.

We had a bit of a laugh, and he ended up asking me to give his wife the old Jolly Roger....the business relationship seemed to notch up a bit as well after that night.

I agree, if you're there, and they're there, after the initial mutual shock, move on and enjoy....

After the initial shock, I think we would have a big laugh and enjoy having discovered a friend to confide in and share with. Right on Bobbii!

Well if I do run into someone I know we are both in the same boat ergo, not sure either one of us would blink....