I was poking around other boards and saw that one was planning a M&G.  I was curious about people's experience of the M&G?  Personally, I don't get it.  Have I been to one?  Yes.  Would I go again?  Probably not.

Years ago, I was invited and attended a M&G outside of DC in N. VA.  It was organized by one of the members at the time and was a closed invitation. As I recall, there were 5 providers that I was looking forward to meeting who were rumored to attend.

What was my expectation of the event?  Maybe meet and chat with some providers, if I was lucky a little flirting and perhaps leave with an appointment for a fun frolic in the days/weeks to come, AND at the lease maybe I'd leave with some good anecdotes.

Upon arriving, there were probably 20 to 30 people in total, but only about 5 providers, 2 of which didn't socialize and spent the night talking to the same man and showed no interest in talking with any of the other men in attendance.

The 3 other providers who came were not providers I was interested in seeing but were very nice.  We chatted and exchanged pleasantries.  I met many of the other hobbiests in attendance but honestly, I didn't really want to talk about the "subculture".  The location was in a bar/billiards hall.  Some people were playing pool and most us stood around exchanging small talk and watching.

As I said there were 2 providers who were very hot, but chose not to socialize, and of course those were the women I was interested in getting to know...until they showed no interest in socializing.  I chalked it up to them hanging out with regulars or potential-financial whales.

I was probably there all of 1.5 hours and left with no numbers or appointments or good stories.  Maybe things would've been different in a different setting or maybe this "thing" just isn't built for communal interactions.

Anywho....feel free to share.

-- Modified on 4/23/2017 10:13:11 AM

being a man attending M&Gs, but I've been to various in NYC, Boston, even LA. All far more successful than the one you describe, but to varying degrees. They are like any party and depend on the setup as much as who decides to attend. I've always enjoyed myself and before I started on twitter, it was my go-to way to meet peers.

You said your expectation was to meet and chat and you did. If you are basing your attendance on meeting one person, that's probably not the best reason to go. They are not for everyone, but I wouldn't necessarily write them (or anything really) off based on one mediocre experience. I have not been able to go to any DC ones, but there's a traveling M&G group that host ones across the country and I have not been disappointed with any of their events.  

So, I think this "thing" can definitely do communal interactions, they happen all the time. I've witnessed it personally. Sorry that hasn't been your experience!

some time in my past incarnation in the hobby. there was a lady that put together a sort meet and greet and horizontal dance get together. I was invited but never went. I believe they took place somewhere in MD. They sounded like a lot more fun than shooting pool. Some of the stories were very interesting form a new provider, GGM, MMG and other stories. Kind of like an old time brothel with a piano player.  

I'm sure there is someone still posting that went who could relate some stories. More fun than a M&G or a barrel of monkeys

...go to another here in the DC/NoVa area depending on who hosted it.
I've had chances to go to more in other states but haven't been able to since many are held on like a Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday or something and well .... civvie job.

And was at this bar/restaurant in dc in 2015. It was a pretty good experience, with it being the first I've been to.  Couldn't give you exact numbers but I hear that the same organizer will do another one this year.  Having a yearly one would be nice though.

But Meet & Greets are a heavy lift for the people organizing. It sounds like the one you went to was poorly planned and executed. A lot of people look at it as something you put together by just getting a venue and inviting providers + hobbyist but that's not at all how it goes because you have to compensate for confidentiality and discretion (which would be really important for the DMV area, given that many of us providers and clients have sensitive careers), encouraging people to intermix, and making sure that the rules of engagement are clearly outlined.  

I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience. I've never attended because I was UTR until recently and I also heard an unverified rumor about a bust that occurred as a result of a m&g recently. I also am not sure how some people screen attendees so I've always shied away rather than have my day to day life and privacy jeopardized by an organizer's oversight.

M&G can be great with the proper planning and right people involved. Shoot me a PM when you plan the next one in the DC area. I will fly in for it.