You non-drinkers need to look around. Go to any companies major functions and look around. I'm not talking about getting drunk and shitting in the punch bowl or something....but if you aren't willing to have a couple of beers or manly mixed drinks with your managers/owners, you are going to be that weird guy who left the party early and went back to his room...... you will make no connections, be shunned by your peers and while they stand around during breaks exchanging stories you will be "that guy" who stands there half-laughing at stories you know nothing about and getting funny looks. I'm just trying to help you homos out.
the brutal truth
at the very least i suggest becoming a social drinker
the fact of the matter is most people drink it's how they relax and have fun, not to mention it's cool to be "bad"
i know a lot of non drinkers like to think people will respect and admire their clean lifestyle, maybe they do, that doesn't mean they want to have you as a friend, people want to be friends with people they can relate with
most drinkers at these parties will tell you it's ok, but really they will just think you are a boring dork, you won't be invited back
E