I have not asked Luskie about this, but I think it is worth more serious thought. It does not have to be a "formal" conference event. It could be on the side.

We could tailgate in the parking lot.

I can see it now....the security staff at the hotel is scared to approach us. They decide that because Howard, the Jamaican Van Driver, knows us, it should be him who approaches us.

Howard comes over. We simply offer to jerk some of the bluegill for him, and then theres no issues.

Excerpt from Robert Crais' "The Monkey's Raincoat:"
"She took another microscopic bite of her sandwich, then pushed it away. Maybe she absorbed nutrients from her surroundings."