I'm one of those people who hug their glass of water, finds a cozy (i.e. devoid of people) corner, and pretends something is very important in their phone. The few contacts I had from those events were never helpful, and I'm not a kind of person to keep an Excel and reach out to people on schedule pretending I care. (I understand there are people who do care, I'm just not this type.)
I found the best way for me to meet new people is... smoking a pipe. It's a greatly enjoyable hobby by itself, and it always draws people at least to comment on the smell or ask me something like "hey, where do you get this stuff?" (I'm in China and naked tobacco is illegal here... go figure). Once the ice is broken, I feel much better about having a conversation. It also helps that most people who are interested in the pipe are somewhat relatable.
I found the best way for me to meet new people is... smoking a pipe. It's a greatly enjoyable hobby by itself, and it always draws people at least to comment on the smell or ask me something like "hey, where do you get this stuff?" (I'm in China and naked tobacco is illegal here... go figure). Once the ice is broken, I feel much better about having a conversation. It also helps that most people who are interested in the pipe are somewhat relatable.