You don't have to if you don't want to. Picking a place and organizing is a bit of a pain in the ass but I'm used to it. I usually set them in Manhattan for the convenience of all you outer borough folks
Oh there's plenty of us out there man; you simply wouldn't figure since I always make the meet up threads on the Off-Topic side. We're somewhat famous on GAF. I know of at least 80 some odd members off the top of my head. Hiding behind names you wouldn't figure but NYC news threads attract NYC GAF members like moths to a flame. Fun fact: GAF member Pau goes to my college and is a member of the comic book publication that I'm involved with.
I've met a ton of them throughout the years to the point where it feels like I'm catching up with the regulars and welcoming newcomers into the shenanigans. A good starting point to comb through our antics is none other than
the legendary EviLore meet up thread which was archived.
EDIT: The 18th? Lol. I'm gonna be broke from PAX East and probably will be at school around 4PM getting work done, but I wouldn't mind drinking at least one Whiskey Sour. For something all of a sudden, I would not advise making a thread for it and stick to this thread for logistics. Pick the place and time and I might show up.