This is why I love IT conferences. I can chat up random strangers about topics that we're clearly both interested in. The vendors also send the most extroverted folks who are skilled in engaging introverted nerds. It's a great way for introverts to level up their social skills.
And the best part is that I never talk to those folks again ;) I found out that I actually really like making fast friends, I just hate the obligation of long-term close-knit friendships.
I end up with a lot of business cards and LinkedIn connections that usually never go anywhere. Which is fine with me!
But I got some good consulting gigs from the ones that did go somewhere.