Since I usually confine my hobbying to my business travel, I have the luxury of knowing way in advance when I will be visiting a particular city. I do my research, primarily on TER, and when I have determined my first choice, either email, PM
or contact that one person through perf411. I usually need a few emails back and forth to reassure myself but once that has been established, I request the date and can set off on my travels knowing that i can add this one "extracurricular" meeting to my schedule.