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Good point. I was contemplating doing exactly that already.

Consider it done.

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.

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.

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.

There is always people bingo. Might make an app for that