Going to my first pipe meet up next week

The once a month gathering at the shop I work at has pipers waiting for the doors to open. Usually the regulars bring backpacks full of pipes and tobaccos and they do that to help out the new guys. There's a broad range of demographics represented and it's an all day affair. Take the time to listen and absorb what's being discussed in the wheel of conversation that'll be taking place. I learned so much just through osmosis during the last gathering that it's changed me. I'm not as apprehensive about trying new to me tobaccos regardless of what I've read or heard. Pipe club gatherings are the best, enjoy!

I frequent Morley's Pipe Club in Philly and it is the nicest bunch of guys you will meet. For suggestions I would definitely:
1. Agree with settersbrace and LISTEN to what the regulars have to say. You will definitely pick up on tobacco that is fantastic yet no one on these forums raves about. You will probably also get the skinny on where to get it.
2. Bring no less than 5 pipes with one of them being a cob. The guys will probably be very generous and let you sample whatever they have out. In our club most members place their 4-10 tins and jars of baccy in front of them and people just start looking at what you have and politely ask to sample. You will of course be invited to do the same. I say bring a cob because you may come across something you are not sure of (or many) and the beauty of a cob is that you can sample more than one tobacco in a night in the same pipe. Hopefully you will get to try some Oriental.
3. Make sure your lighter is filled but bring your butane anyway, or if you only use matches bring no less than 100. You won't be the only one using them. With that bring your pipe cleaners so you can run one through a briar when you are done smoking it, as well as your pipe tool and any other items you use during your smoking ritual.
4. HAVE A BLAST!!!!!!
Let us know how it went.

I'm envious, cmdrmcbragg. I wish there was something like that around here. To my knowledge, the closest pipe club is nearly three hours away. I'd start one here, but aside from my two sons, I don't know of anyone in my town who smokes a pipe.
Have a great time! I look forward to hearing how it went.

Yaz, and #4 dont forget to take ur lighter home =)

I took my lighter Andrew, it was the case that I left behind. Had I not had my lighter for a few weeks I would have HAD to buy another

Good advice here. Bring your smaller pipes or only fill half bowls because you'll want to try everything and you can't do it with full bowls. Also, bring some zip lock bags for stuff you'll want to sample later. Pipers are very generous with samples and so should you.

Have fun and report back on your evening. I'm sure you'll be hooked and have a great time.

I'd love to hear a follow-up to this, cmdrmcbragg. I've been a lone smoker as well and am interested in experiencing the group dynamic of a pipe club meeting.

I second ericthered... I would love to hear follow up as I (lord willing) will be going to my first meet up as well mid august sometime.

Just saw this thread. settersbrace and yaz definitely have it. This may be too late, but I would add, Bring Baggies and a Sharpie! No one else will remember and you will be a hero.
PS Rats. Just read the 'next week' part, so too late.