I'm going to a meet and greet instead of having a meal with my best mate
Why don't you want to have a meal with them?
I'd rather get to know other people instead of spending time with my friend.
It's not very nice to blow off a friend like that. You're friend will get very upset.
It's likely he will. But, I'm still going.
Maybe you can just be honest with your friend and reschedule. It is better than just blowing them off,