So you're really shooting against the clock there.
That was my feeling hahaha you nailed it, i had to shoot as many people i could before the night!!
Do you use a tripod with 1.8/2F or is it generally okay to hold by hand but still get faces in focus?
I never use a tripod :P i usually put the shutter speed at a1/125 or more and play with the ISO to get enought light
Oh wow! You're really giving those dials a workout. I think that's the best way to learn.