Sit at the table where you know the least. That’s where the free upgrades are.

Comfort and learning rarely occupy the same chair. In a room where you are the most informed person, you spend the hour confirming things; in a room where you are the least, every exchange is new material. Most people arrange their lives to avoid the second room because it feels exposing. The exposure is the price, and it is low compared with what comes back.

Find one setting this month where you are clearly the least experienced person present. Go with questions rather than contributions. Being the beginner is uncomfortable for about ten minutes and useful for years.