As a WordCamp organizer, I have grappled with the question of where to hold the after parties and speaker-sponsor events.

My biggest consideration is to find a comfortable place where people can mingle and easily talk to each other. This allows people easily to meet new people rather than be stuck at a crowded table with the group they came with drinking because that is all you can do.

I think the majority of people would prefer to have the option to have a beer, wine or non-alcoholic beverage after a long day. It is called a party after all. Otherwise why wouldn't you just have a mingle after the event right where you were? But can't we find places where that is the sole thing you can do if you are even old enough to get in?

It also is bad to have the event in a location that does not accommodate the number of people who would want to attend. When the venue is a loud crowded bar, it is a fail in my mind having nothing to do with whether or not drinks are served.

Lets get creative and make events that are planned around having a good time, encouraging interactions between people who may not know each other yet, and don't make this around the types of beverages served.