I plan on putting out the word whenever I travel. As a matter of fact I am currently in "negotiations" with a New Jersey forum member about getting together the next time I'm in Jersey. Strictly informal, you know, perhaps meeting for lunch, or something llike that.
Personally, I wouldn't mind opening my home for a luncheon if I knew someone from the forum was coming to town and there were others in the area that could (and would like to) attend. We could make it a pot luck, not that I'd mind providing lunch for a small group. We could watch videos, scream (with delight) whenever Quentin comes on screen, drink champagne whenever Liz tells off Roger, swoon at the sight of Briscoe, pop white jelly beans whenever Julia appears (lol),etc.
I once drove from Boston with another forum member to western New York State to visit a common DS pal. We rented a room for one night and met her for dinner and then the next day spent the afternoon at her house watching videos and talking and laughing. It was one of the most marvelous times I've ever had, and was worth every bit of the expense and effort.
I think one on ones would be nice too. Like meeting at an over-priced Italian deli for coffee.
I think anything larger than my suggestions above could get messy. It would take monatery donations and I agree, I don't think I'd like to be the one to arrange a mini-fest of 20 or more people. I do think that if it is kept simple it is doable and would be very enjoyable. But I don't have children, or a job, so I can understand that what would appear simple to me may not be so for others. And of course I wouldn't expect anyone to open their homes to a bunch of strangers. But I do think it's possible to have small informal gatherings.
dom