Seconding öde's advice. If you're really nervous about trying, I'd even suggest going to whatever for the first 2 or 3 times
without the intention of meeting people. Just have fun with whatever the thing is. This way any interactions come naturally with the activity, and you're not worried about whether anything "happens" as you talk with somebody. Then as you get more comfortable with the overall situation over time, who knows?
On my own front...
When I went into the access station to help crew for their own music program, I found out that the singer I talked about earlier here was scheduled as a late addition. (They keep accidentally poaching my acts, lol, but that's all good, it's not a competition, and these artists deserve more exposure.)
What was cool was that she was pleasantly surprised to see me there, and since she already knew me, I was able to act as her anchor during the rather hectic process of setting up for the shoot, answering her questions, etc. All went well, she performed fabulously, and all the staff was massively impressed by her.
After we helped carry her equipment to her van, I stayed outside with her and we chatted standing there for a good 20 minutes. One of those nice "well, even though I do need to go soon... I'm still standing here" chats.
(she had a show to get to, I had to get back in for the 2nd taping of another act)
At one point she blurts out the question: "Are you married? Have any kids?" (no and no, not attached at all) She apologized for being so nosy, but I certainly didn't mind! Then it really was time we needed to go.
So the slow dance continues, but the situation is a bit clearer and the working part of the relationship will be out of the way fairly soon. In the meantime, some more opportunities to see what's what.