I agree that the best conversations don't always happen in big places. I also think that if anxiety and "ugh" are the energy you bring in the door, they're what people will sense from you in having that conversation. I look at big events as times to observe and expose yourself to who's out there that you can then follow up with.
There are upsides to going to events, for sure. And there are trade-offs, as well. If the trade-offs are worth it for you, it's a great way to meet new people and see what's going on in the world. I can do it a couple times a year, but for the most part, my connections happen one at a time in smaller settings.
I agree that the best conversations don't always happen in big places. I also think that if anxiety and "ugh" are the energy you bring in the door, they're what people will sense from you in having that conversation. I look at big events as times to observe and expose yourself to who's out there that you can then follow up with.
There are upsides to going to events, for sure. And there are trade-offs, as well. If the trade-offs are worth it for you, it's a great way to meet new people and see what's going on in the world. I can do it a couple times a year, but for the most part, my connections happen one at a time in smaller settings.