I think the OP's experience shows that in certain social circles drinking is expected. Their attitude towards him as a non-drinker was awful. I do not associate with folks who behave in that manner any more. In the OP's case it was unavoidable since he was sent there for his job. But to use one bad situation to make a blanket recommendation for everyone in early sobriety to avoid all events that include alcohol?
I went to some social events where alcohol was served early in my sobriety. But never encountered anything like the OP's experience. At the events I chose to attend the people who drank did so in a responsible manner. There were other non-drinkers there too.
I also avoided other social events where alcohol was served. That's because I knew the type of folks that were attending the events were mostly heavy drinkers. No thanks! I passed.
So I guess for me I was selective. There were certainly alcohol events that I avoided and there were ones I attended. YMMV.