I was one of those guys who got there early, hoping someone would talk to me (wow, expectations = resentment...ha ha. But too shy to make the approach) and then take off as soon as the meeting was done. It's different now. I will get there early to say hi and then stick around and chat with some people I know or newcomers. I tend to stick to recovery talk - I am not much for the small talk...but if a newcomer needs that, then I am glad to oblige
Took me time though to get to that point.