The recruiters who are there are still intent on hiring and getting to know people. But the big corps have shifted from "we're hiring everything and everyone" to "if you're outstanding in an area we care about, we'd love to have you". I haven't talked much to recruiters, but it seemed like they were still trying hard to find interested people.

Can't say. HR people were interested in me, though my badge clearly says that I already work in industry.

Haven't seen much happening in that sphere (which does not imply that it isn't out there).