Adam Shostack 
When someone [you're talking to] asks you “what’s new” at a conference, the very worst answer is “same old thing.” You have a chance to remind them of who you are, what makes you special, tell a funny story like “I don’t think I’ve seen you since X happened...” Even if you want to say “same old thing,” you can say, ‘It’s amazing, but I’ve been farming cabbage for 16 years now! Whodda thunk?"
Also some nerds are bad at faces and need a reminder. Or, you look great with that new beard. Or something.
jaark@adamshostack that works in reverse too, some of us are real bad with faces and might not quite know who is asking or when they last saw them... 'not much' is a default polite response until more context can be gathered to converse properly.
@jaark Tell a story anyway. The conversation was handed to you, the other person can always say, "I think we saw each other at X" if they're bored.
Jon Callas 烏@adamshostack I live up to the old WC Fields quip, “I always forget names, but I seldom remember a face.”