You finally decide to attend a meet and greet. You're having a splendid time. Then...

Is it b/c you're popular or from a small town etc

Anybody who shows up at a M&G has as much to lose as the next person.  If you were going to "out" somebody to the rest of the world, you'd have to explain how you came by your information to begin with, thereby outing yourself.  It's an absolute no-upside situation.  Probably best to give the other person a quick nod of recognition, and then both go about your business.  (This did actually happen to me once:  I went to a M&G once, and one of the other hobbyists there was someone I had been briefly introduced to socially just days before--couldn't even remember his name, nor he mine, I'm sure--just gave the nod, and moved on)

The first rule of Fight Club is "Don't talk about Fight Club".

To answer your question though, If I were to attend,

In my business, there are too many 3 balled bob cats.  I've met more than a few guys whom I swear are hobbyists.  I guess it takes one to know one.

Not because I am from a small town but because I have zero interest

Anyone who actually attends a M&G knows you need to be screened, just as if you're seeing a provider.  You don't get screened without having multiple provider references or other proofs you're a real player.  So saying "I was curious" just won't cut it.
I've attended at least ten M&Gs and have never seen anyone I know from outside this game.  Since I have nothing substantial to lose by being outed, if it happened I'd greet the person with a big smile, a handshake and the words, "You bad boy/girl!"

Mongers get to meet lots of women they'd want to consider, at a reasonable entry fee ($100 or less). Providers get to meet a lot of guys and build their business.
Having "zero interest" makes sense only if the social setting would make you uncomfortable, which I do understand.  It also makes a big difference who the host is and what the ground rules are regarding sex on premises (usually, the answer is "no.")

-- Modified on 8/14/2013 8:16:39 AM

If they tell on you, you can tell on them. The other way was a random guy who might NOT have been part of this world seeing a married man with some random woman at dinner. I would never go to a meet and greet, unless I was throwing it and could control the guest list.

I am not a fan of the "deli" approach. The ladies walking around being oggled and rated and discussed like the contents of a  deli cabinet. No offense to those who love this sort of thing and I can certainly see the benefits from both sides for those who want to put themselves out there.  

I don't worry about meeting another monger that I might know in the "real" world , theres' a term mutual assurred destruction. Meeting another monger is like MAD.  And as far as some of the comments about groping etc, I've never seen any of that behavior at the M&Gs I've attended. It's more like a big cocktail party.  

-- Modified on 8/14/2013 1:18:31 AM

Though I'm sure there are some like that.  They're held in high-end Manhattan hotels and, for the most part, everyone behaves themselves.  There certainly isn't any groping, at least not the unwanted kind.  It's certainly not like guys are in a grocery store squeezing the fruit.  Not trying to convince you to change your mind, though.  There are a lot of people who are uncomfortable with that scene.  I just happen to find them useful, fun and a highly interesting study of human behavior.

Just read further down that there is less groping and unwanted advances. Glad to hear that these things are good from both POV. I am just not as invested in the community as some. For those who enjoy these get togethers, continue to have fun and network.

I didn't grop, didn't see any groping and for the most part everyone seemed to mind their manners.  I was with an escort, but she was someone I had been with previously - and she and I set up our own M&G for after the party.  

Run by romeogolf.  Doc Gonzo was there, too.  Were you?