Well if u really do want to have a meet it should be five to six days total. Now keep in mind not everyone goes the whole time. Travel time is an issue for 96% and for some is more than others and visa versa.
To do it right you first need people to want to go. The idea being if you could get enough support to say rent a property for a week which is usually your best rate and u come up with a standard price which includes food and drink and it should work out to accomodate both a member who will stay the whole time and ones there for a shorter duration. In either case its an epic time and they are saving money big time compared to if they went in another direction. Thats been proven. Every meet ive been on has been such a great experience and I could never relate the cost in a negative way...
Now if you dont have alot of support then you could always reserve a small block of rooms. As an example, ive stated that the Red Moose Lodge in Eden was beautiful and not very expensive either. They had a continental breakfast and it was right there. And im sure other mountain areas have lodges and places with group rates as well...Again if you couldnt get enough support for a house this is an awesome option.
For the what its worth column
In reading this I believe there is great interest from both ends of the country and canada for that matter. I could see u guys having an awesome meet out West. U just need to decide where and when and move forward with it and see what you get. Maybe put a final vote and try it.
Heck...Last year I had 12, this year 20+ and more knocking. It all started with a decision to move on...