The last time I was there, I was not able to make good use of breaks to network. It was simply too crowded and it felt quite random. Could you create something like interest points in the room?
Same here. Made me feel like I was speed dating. And overhearing conversations was interesting too - first participant a pushing an idea, completely ignoring the other, who was pushing an idea, completely ignoring the first participant's idea. Like high-speed trains passing each other at 200mph.
Yeah, networking at HN is very much "butt into the conversation or you're not talking to anyone"—but I find that's the case with most networking.
Vim London (another example) has some quick talks and then we head to the pub, where networking is a lot more viable.
Good point. I was contemplating doing exactly that already.
Consider it done.
There is always people bingo. Might make an app for that
I'd add my agreement to this point as well. I'd have one less talk on the night (which can stretch a bit long, I think I've left early a couple of times), and more time for mingling and networking.