As much as I hate to say it, we can’t allow recruiters at Lunch 2.0 any more. Companies that host us are requesting the ban and I understand their concern. Unfortunately, a few recruiters ruined it for the rest.

I watched one headhunter walk through an event and hand out his business cards like they were fliers. He made no attempt to engage others in conversation. It was like being confronted by an in-person pop-up ad.

A couple of recruiters tried luring away employees from companies that hosted us.

Mostly, head hunters who come to events seem to add nothing to the conversation and are only after their own interests: recruiting as many people as possible as fast as they can do it.

I’m not communist. I want everyone who comes to an event to grow their business. But a mixer isn’t like a banner ad. It’s not meant for pushing business. It’s about connecting with people.

If you come to any of my events and try to get to know the guests, I promise you they’ll naturally want to do business with you.

Will I make reasonable exceptions? Yes. Lots.

Josh Stomel, is a great example. Not only is he a great guest who cares about others’ needs, he helped grow Mixergy and Lunch 2.0 by introducing us to Oversee.net and encouraging them to bring us to their office.

If you or someone you know deserves an exception, just ask. You can do it in the comments here or message me through Mixergy.

Update:  Todd Cranston-Cuebas emailed to ask about this. Todd, please come! This restriction isn’t aimed at recruiters like you. It’s aimed at the kind of recruiter who would end a conversation as soon as he discovered he was talking to someone who wasn’t a developer. Anyone who treats guests like people and not like potential checks is welcome to come.