What is a meet and greet with a Senator is about?

[Anonymous]

Is it just a fund raising event for the politician or you get something out of it too?

[Anonymous]

I’m going to need more context. Is it at the capitol or in the community or at a restaurant? If it’s in their office, it’s not campaign related. Instead more of a photo op for constituents in town.

[Anonymous]

If one of your "friends" is hosting it and asks you to co-host, just say "no."

[Anonymous]

If money is an option at all, even if there's a "free" tier and donations are just "suggested," it's a fundraiser. You get a handshake and a picture, at best. Sometimes free food and drink of mediocre quality if the donations are at the hundreds of dollars level.

[Anonymous]

I was interning for one in college and she had a meet and greet in her office for donors/constituents and she 'greeted me' not knowing I was the intern. I remember being mortified.

[Anonymous]

If there is mention of money on the invite it’s a fundraiser. If not, then it’s a meet and greet to get to know the Senator.

[Anonymous]

Lobbyist here. A "meet and greet" is not a fundraiser. There's no charge to participate, and the intent is for the candidate or Member of Congress to introduce himself, talk issues and answer questions. Money should not be an issue. If it was a fundraiser, there would be all kinds of FEC disclaimers on the actual invite, to include specifically where the money can be sent. Meet and greets are intended to be information exchanges.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lobbyist here. A "meet and greet" is not a fundraiser. There's no charge to participate, and the intent is for the candidate or Member of Congress to introduce himself, talk issues and answer questions. Money should not be an issue. If it was a fundraiser, there would be all kinds of FEC disclaimers on the actual invite, to include specifically where the money can be sent. Meet and greets are intended to be information exchanges.

+1

It’s part of community outreach. Go if you can and hope it’s well moderated so you can get a word in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lobbyist here. A "meet and greet" is not a fundraiser. There's no charge to participate, and the intent is for the candidate or Member of Congress to introduce himself, talk issues and answer questions. Money should not be an issue. If it was a fundraiser, there would be all kinds of FEC disclaimers on the actual invite, to include specifically where the money can be sent. Meet and greets are intended to be information exchanges.

This is all true, but understand that it’s also to collect names for future fundraising. No obligation, but you will get hit up at some point. “Meet and Greets” are usually for candidates that are new and trying to test the waters.