[billschwab]

... to lead a week long thing but I have kicked the idea about some.

Go for it, Mark. It doesn't have to be a week long thing. In fact, this year the Photostock event is shorter than before at only 3 days. Even a one-day shooting gathering gets people together. Having now been to several of these including John's excellent gatherings in Ohio, I can say without a doubt that they are good for the photographic soul.