It worked, and the resulting conversation prevented me from eating twelve platters of mini arancini balls, chicken skewers and other such finger foods. It seems conversation is good for one's health after all.
I don't know many who are comfortable in those environments and the ones I know who are, are egotistical, brash, loud and obnoxious wankers. Having said that, they're a reality of my work function and I do my job because that's what I get paid for...but hide in the bushes until it's appropriate to depart when possible.
They are for the most part, even for introverts :D
I knew some extraverts who would thrive in that environment. Some of them are okay and some of them are exactly as described XD
Least the rest of your work is enough to make up for these less pleasant situations you find yourself in?