Meet and Greets are a lot of work, and can be a dismal failure or a wonderful success depending on the amount of work the committee devotes to planning.
I have helped in setting up Meet and Greets in Mississippi and in the Indianapolis area when I lived there.
There have been a number of "Socials" in Mississippi and they had the desired effect of putting a face with the Eccie Handle.
It provided a "forum" for Hobbyist and Provider to see if the other person was as
- Nice
- Interesting
- Intelligent
- Engaging
- Sexy
as they seem to be on the board, or not.
All who attend MUST be cleared by the committee setting up the event.
If you show up with a "Friend" that has not been cleared, you have a choice to make:
- Attend the Meet and Greet without your Friend
- Don't Attend the Meet and Greet
The Meet and Greet is a Social Event, it is not a Grab and Grope.
No business negotiations should occur or be permitted during the Social.
As to legality of the event, there is nothing illegal about a group of adults getting together for drinks and discussions in a public venue.
That is, provided you conduct yourselves in a respectable and appropriate manner for the venue chosen.
Some well known Arkansas Providers have attended a couple of the Mississippi Meet and Greets.
It was reported that they enjoyed themselves.
As to the Eccie Guidelines on the topic of "Events". . .
ECCIE does not, in any way, sponsor or represent social events, meet and greets, or similar activities. On occasion, events may be announced here by our members, however, ECCIE is not associated with or responsible for such events. We are not involved with any related aspects, such as guest selection, screening, or hosting. Should members of our volunteer staff choose to participate in such an event, it should be understood that their personal involvement is of their own choice and responsibility, and in no way connected to their duties here on staff. If you are the host of one of these events, we will allow for ONE "announcement" post to inform the membership, which will be immediately locked to prevent further public discussions regarding the event.