I've been to some Connections parties where it was as described. I felt like I was intruding on a group that didn't want to talk to anyone outside their core members. On others I've had great conversations and met people I'd talked to on here. We've had one where a gentleman who organized the roll call arrange a casino outing, another where members arranged excursions which were amazing and I've done a couple of excursion planning myself.
It can be hit and miss, at the least you've met some officers, had some great pastries and tea or coffee!