No talking at tweetups

I attended a tweetup or meetup (whichever you prefer) last night in Dumbo. Upon arriving in the very hot, echoey space (sans a/c), we were greeted with free cupcakes and cold beers. A+ for hospitality in the beginning. What the organizers don't get an A for is organizing a panel discussion in a large echoey space where no one could hear what was being said even with the help of a crappy PA system. Unlike most I decided to stay and tough it out in the hot space and try to meet a few new people and socialize with ones I was already acquainted with. I guess this was my mistake. Several times someone would yell over the loudspeaker that there was no talking and if you wanted to talk to take it outside. Really?

Finally frustrated I retreated to a corner of the room to talk to a few people and was summarily and rudely shushed by someone and told there was to be no talking. Really? No talking at a tweetup? That's a new one.

First of all if you are going to have a panel discussion that goes on ad nauseam maybe you should bill yourself that way and maybe provide a fan and some seats. Second how about not being rude to guests who schlepped from Manhattan in hopes of networking only to be shoved into an oven of a room and told no talking.

Good times had by all, thanks for the free beer!