[japhyr]

> Only go to the event if you have enough meetings with a clear line to enough value for it to make sense.

I agree with this, unless you've never been to one of these events. If you've never been, try to make some connections beforehand, but pick one and go just to see what it's like in person. You'll almost certainly make some connections, and will have a much better sense of how to approach the next one.