writer's conference first impressions

There are more women than men by about 4 to 1.  At dinner I sat with a woman who has been to the conference four times, a very good looking high school science teacher/poet, a set designer, a student, and a secretary at a school that serves emotionally disturbed students. I found someone I know who is not only attending the conference, but is in my workshop track.  I just discovered that the leader of my workshop track writes really dark and violent, yet highly intelligent and philosophical work.  I am glad I didn't pay attention to this before; I think it would have colored my impressions too much.  I like hanging out with writers.