a bunch of emails, then a meeting in a neutral sort of place, a park or a restaurant. Back in the old days with the Yahoo and MSN groups, you could get people posting, then when you have several in one area, arrange a meet and greet. We did that in San Francisco one year. Dallas, Austin, New York City, Houston a couple of times. We had one meet and greet at a guy's home. Did bar-b-q and everything... The meet and greets are really just that. A chance to meet, then if there is any kind of chemistry, and all feels safe, maybe get together at someone's house, but that usually takes a little time. Don't be in a hurry.