The seven kinds of people you meet at Emmy parties

What makes Sunday’s Emmy telecast exciting, as with any awards show, is the race. Sizing up nominees, weighing odds and, well, the blood sport is tradition.

So is vetting the best celebrations before, during and after the gold trophies go out.

In the last few seasons, the Emmys have developed a party circuit so consistent -- half micro-economy surrounding the show, half social hierarchy in action -- that they’ve inspired some hilarious archetypes.

Won’t you meet them? In our rundown of the most anticipated Emmy parties, we’ve named the most common personalities found at each. But, really, it’s just an honor to be invited.

PHOTOS: The Seven Kinds of People You Meet at Emmy Parties

From Audi’s Sept. 16 kickoff with the cast of “Modern Family” and last year’s big winner Melissa McCarthy, to the glittery enclaves that will fill HBO’s Pacific Design Center fete on Sunday night, check out expected celebs and the characters they’ll meet in the photo gallery above.

ALSO:

Mark Wahlberg, Alan Cumming‘s pants hit HBO’s Emmy party

Gwyneth Paltrow: Five tasty moments from her Emmy weekend

Emmys: Jane Lynch, Heidi Klum and a happy ‘Family’ at Governors BallFollow Matt Donnelly on Twitter and Google+. Follow the Ministry of Gossip on Twitter @LATcelebs and on Facebook facebook.com/ministryofgossip.