I proposed northeastern US or eastern Canada because it seems like there are a lot of people from the community who live in those areas. This makes planning easier because there are people who are familiar with the area, and it also has the potential for a greater turnout, because people in those areas who can't afford to fly may still be able to attend.

But if you have some ideas that might work, feel free to suggest them. That's why I said "recommended city criteria" in my original post. I also agree that we don't have to stick to the east-west paradigm, but it seems that not many people here live in between.