But Gareth...

Women don't show interest like men do. You're asking them to do what men do so you won't have to. It's entirely plausible and LIKELY that women have noticed you but you wouldn't recognize it when they do. We're not up front about it like men are.

And there's a difference between chasing and setting a stage. Nobody is asking you to chase, that gets a little creepy most of the time. But set the stage, extend an invitation meaning be inviting in public instead of taciturn and standoffish, conduct yourself like you're available. Network.

Don't think that just because you go somewhere alone women will interpret that as you being available. They won't. It doesn't work that way.