I think meeting in a more central location (I'm from Dulles/Reston, Va.) would be ideal for many who are all over the DC metro area. But for now, I guess MD should be where our 1st meetup should take place....I lived in Gaithersburg/ Rockville, MD for a couple years & maybe we should meet at a restaurant that has an open setting where we can have a round table & talk as a group... the only place I can come up with is Buca (di peppo). This place is situated in the Kentlands (in Gaithersburg, MD). It seems ideal since you can request for the private room, called the "Pope room" or in the "Kitchen" (don't worry we won't be looking at the cooks preparing our meals... its just what they call it). It doesn't cost anything to reserve the rooms & they seat up to 18 people. Please check their website & I look forward to a meet up soon! www.bucadibeppo.com