A potential alternative: No lobby, but have people note what they’re working on when they enter the room, and display it next to their name. Then establish a norm of discussing what’s shown during the breaks.
It doesn’t cover “just having a look”, but does cover “introducing your work” and “no tempting timesink.” And the prospect of being expected to talk about what you said you were working on may help keep participants on task.
A potential alternative: No lobby, but have people note what they’re working on when they enter the room, and display it next to their name. Then establish a norm of discussing what’s shown during the breaks.
It doesn’t cover “just having a look”, but does cover “introducing your work” and “no tempting timesink.” And the prospect of being expected to talk about what you said you were working on may help keep participants on task.