>Does it work though? Hell yes it does.

I've been in those conversations before, and it kind of feels like it is what it is. I've learned to bury the lede in those situations so if the convo is not fitting into their speed dating schedule, then it's just not someone I want to be around. I've seen this a lot with Hollywood wanna be types at "mixers" where they have investors, writers, director types all at a bar hoping a pitch lands for further discussion. Same thing with industry parties in the ad world. Constant stories of one-ups that are just gross in that world. The swimming with sharks aspect is very creepy. They will absolutely key into information and either steal an idea or steal a client or both.