[GeneralMaximus]

I'll add something to this: tag along with a friend who knows a few people at whatever meetup you're attending.

[limedaring]

Definitely helps, though it sucks to be in situations where you don't know anyone but still got to go meet people!

Also, coming with friends can have a downside, where you don't spend any time meeting anyone new. I will often split up from whomever I arrived with to meet new people on my own — sometimes it's better to do it apart.