Political forums are usually staid affairs, with the candidates showing their earnestness while often driving the audience toward slumber.

Summit meetings at the European Union are usually staid affairs.

The Linux World conference that begins in New York tomorrow promises to be a staid, corporate affair.

Gatherings at the National Academy of Sciences, which advises Congress on scientific matters, are usually staid affairs.

It was a surprisingly staid affair.

The event, preceded by a more staid $1 million affair at the Regent Wall Street Hotel, made $50,000, according to organizers.

The lounge is a rather more staid affair.

James was not here to have a good time, but he was pleased that the palace ball was not the staid affair he'd feared it would be.

"The convention is not a private and staid affair," he said.