I joined my local Guild a couple of months ago. I have to say that the Program Chair does a FABULOUS job. The first month I went they had a nationally known (but local) LA who did a trunk show. This month was a mini-workshop introducing Zentangles and how it applies to quilting - again, a nationally known speaker. The next day there was a full day workshop but I wasn't interested enough to take the day off.
Was fortunate to sit with a fun table and meet some new people. But you do have to be approachable and approach others as well.