Fathwa, - Social interaction with the intention of finding a suitor, is it permissible?

Question:
A masjid is inviting all single, divorced and widowed men and women to
attend a marriage seminar. The end purpose is a possible Nikah, and
Allah knows Best. Women and Men meet in the cafeteria. Women are
seated on one side and men on the other. The women stay seated as the
men go from table to table. They ask each other questions for only a
few minutes and then they move on. Proper dress code is in effect and
I do not know whether mahrams are accompanying the women. Based upon
what you have read, is it permissible to attend with the intention to
find a suitable spouse?
Answer:
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
No, it will not be permissible to have a gathering in a cafeteria or
any other place where men and women meet informally, even if the
objective and intention is to marry.
Informal interaction with someone from the opposite sex and mixed
gatherings such as the one explained in the question is contrary to
the teachings of the Qur�an and Sunnah, thus one should avoid
attending such a seminar.
Marriage is an extremely emphasised Sunnah of our blessed Messenger of
Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), but this purpose cannot
justify unrestricted and informal mixed gatherings, for the ends do
not justify the means.
Besides, there are many other legitimate ways and means in finding a
suitable partner for marriage. One may propose marriage to a woman (or
a man) and then go and see her and speak to her. If one likes what one
sees, then one may get married, otherwise one may look for someone
else. But to have a mixed social gathering where men and women meet
and ask each other questions over tea or coffee cannot be justified.
The harmful consequences of this are apparent to all.