Hi Ed, Matt. 

Here's another example, perchance? The RI astronomy group, The Skyscrapers, with web url http://theskyscrapers.org, has guest lecturers at regular monthly meetings, first fridays of every month. We have a fall gathering with lots of lectures and vendors as well, called Astro Assembly.

These lectures are mostly reports of research by working astronomers, some historical astronomy related research, and a few reports by gifted amateurs on some stunning projects. Mostly hard science.

Some of the membership have also worked up some video records, on disks in our library and on YouTube, of some of these lectures. Go to http://www.youtube.com and search for "astronomy skyscrapers" for a list.

What you are visualizing is like a calendar of such events? Also a group of people with skills and inclination to "cover" or record the events?

Really nice ideas,

Peace, dan.