I think the easiest and best solution is for newbees to make sure they let the organiser of the event know beforehand so they can keep an eye out for them ....
Great idea Jackie ... esp as that way even stantdard members can give us the 'heads up' that they are attending
Having organised a night out recently, was nice to see a new member come in and walk straight over to us and introduce himeself ... I had no previous knowledge he was going as he posted on the thread, after Id last checked it the same day.
So glad he made himeself known, great guy and was lovely meeting him.