Clarification

As my publisher and friend (in that order, chronologically, not hierarchical) B. pointed out those who "work on their poetry careers" do it everywhere, not just at AWP.

This is true, but AWP does afford a lot more opportunities for schmoozing than some venues.

And hey, if you want to schmooze, go for it. I think a lot of what is perceived as "schmoozing" is actually just socializing. My friend J. has, like Will Rogers, never met a man he didn't like. And never met a woman he didn't fall in love with. And that's fine because he's totally genuine. He really likes people. There's nothing wrong with that. I think there is, however, a tendency on the part of us misanthropes to look at such people with suspicion, derision, or gross contempt. Because we aren't, nor can ever be, like them. So they must be doing something wrong.