how about just having a friendly get together, something not quite as "organized", for starters. Some stuff could still be set up as a few informal chats about topics and so forth, more of an impromtu sort of thing....and it could be the planning/brainstorming meeting for the next larger full blown "convention". That way, this brilliant idea won't be so far down the road. Another thought would be for smaller get togethers all over the place, then link them together via video or whatever. regional events sponsored by Rendo, and whatever companies would participate. That way, travel would be minimized. This would probably be more difficult to coordinate, however, and you wouldn't have the opportunity of meeting as many people. Its very difficult for folks to come from other than North America...I think that's pretty much a given, unless you're loaded...in reality, its even hard for a lot of us to afford just going to Nashville or St. Louis and spending money on hotel, meals, etc...other than day to day living expenses. As far as airfare as an expense, plus having tons of great venues for a convention tyoe event, Chicago would probably be the best place. there are flights up the wazoo going in there, and its centrally located. The downsside is that the hotels are pretty expensinve. I've attended events and stayed at quite a few hotels in that area...it isn't cheap. I would assume Nashville to be a bit less expensive...maybe not...never been there.

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together.
All things connect......Chief Seattle, 1854