I would love to do something like this!

I have traveled to each of the cities mentioned, and I think I would put Columbus on top of the list, followed by Chicago, Minneapolis/St.Paul, St. Louis, and then Kansas City.

For those flying in, a major airport is a necessity. Flying to a small airport can easily double ticket prices for the airline-inclined [as opposed to Madame and Roy, who travel in the modern Conestoga wagon everywhere]

Hotel rates are important. A small gathering will mean small budgets. While I love staying at the Palmer House in Chicago, I prefer paying for the DoubleTree in Columbus.

Organizing anything, even just lunch, is really a big task. Good luck!