If you need to have a “role” to be comfortable introducing yourself, then get a job on the social club, be part of the Special Interest Group greeting party, volunteer to tend bar or hand around food: anything you need to be the prop to give you the confidence to talk to people.
Then get to know the right people. You may need a list of the “right people”.
And pay attention to status: You don’t have to be low status because you’re serving someone, especially since the point of serving others is to be noticed. Be friendly, engaging and follow up with a thank you note if you can. Yes, a written note.
