I'd personnally prefer if the party only included merb members or at least hobbyist. It feels weird to be surronded by people who are not part of the hobby but yet know what the party is about. It's a privacy concern as well. Other than that I'd say no to speed dating as well, and other than that keep it simple but nice.
I'm going to have to second this... now more than ever discretion is an important part of the hobby.
I'm honestly a bit surprised to hear it wasn't like this all along...