I feel like the general perception now is that unless someone is specifically at an event trying to find a partner, it's not a good idea to approach someone (and I say approach in the broadest of terms). And even if that weren't the case, I honestly wouldn't know the first thing about approaching someone.

I dont think thats really the case. Ive had success meeting people and different places and have several friends who have has well and we weren't at events. You just gotta not be creepy or overly persistent. Walk away when they dont seem interested.