Climbing Plot Mountain

Oh, I so need to read something like this right now, with World Fantasy Convention (WFC) coming up in November:

http://misssnark.blogspot.com/2006/09/how-to-meet-agent-and-not-look-like.html

I have been to exactly one convention (Worldcon Somethingorother, two or three years ago in Boston) before this one, and was totally wall-eyed with fear that someone would ask me about my writing, all the while begging whichever gods were listening that someone would. When I wasn't engaged in either of those, I was hiding out to get away from the crush of humanity (because a Worldcon is effing hugely attended, and I am uncomfortable, to put it mildly, when surrounded by so many other people I don't know).

I am feeling more confident and less scared now, but that might very well change in the next six weeks.

Some time between now and Nov. 1, I need to learn how to make small talk. *g* I guess I'll start by watching the news, to ensure I have something to talk about.

If you are going to WFC, are you comfortable with chatting up total strangers who might be the agent or editor of your dreams, or do you wish you could just push a button and be issued an agent/editor? What strategies do you use in situations like this?