If you got one started up, I'd love to help...

I'm sure the Chicago VIP operation does solid work, there's been some good anticipatory buzz about their  upcoming get-together.  I have to wonder, though, whether this is the sort of event that would benefit from centralized planning and economies of scale.  For one thing, however sound their modus operandi, doesn't the success of Chicago VIP's events have a lot to do with their intimate first-hand knowledge of the Chicago area?  Even aside from the attitudes of local LE, there's a lot of variation from market to market, which it seems to me a one-size-fits-all franchise model would struggle to accomodate.  Also, doesn't an organization operating so clearly across state lines welcome unwanted Federal attention?  Aside from tax evasion, RICO would seem to be one of the more troubling sorts of prosecution that could ensue from certain types of organizations which pertain to the hobby.  Also, if I were to attend an M&G, I think I would feel more secure if I knew that only locals, carefully screened by other locals, were involved in the planning and execution.  I wish Chicago VIP well with their endeavors, but, for my part, I'm not sure I would feel comfortable attending an M&G run on such a grand scale.