I think someone tried to arrange this once in Chicago, but it didn't pan out. I'd be up for it if it were in the US and it looked like people would show.

Make it in Vegas baby! Flights, hotels, and food are all very affordable cause they want you spending your money in the casinos.

That's actually a great idea. Then when people get eliminated, they can hit the floors.

Azores or Canary islands.Great weather and the people in Europe and NA would both have to travel.A vacation for all.

I think having two locations is much more likely to work. Making everyone travel just means fewer people are likely to show.

If I remember rightly, we've had something like this before, when Flash visited England a few years back.

I second the Azores one. Perhaps it is because that's where I live?
Anyway, because of the financial crisis the revenue from tourism decreased. So the hotels and our flight company joined forces and it has never been cheaper vacationing in the Azores (but just as enjoyable!).

There's plenty for the wife to do while I play in Vegas. Is it safe and there things for the wife in Azores?

Draugnar:
of course there are stuff to do in Azores...
The Azores idea is so great!!! It's a very beautifull place to be.

@Avenor: és Português?

Let me clarify, stuff for the wife to do that doesn't involve spending my income for the next six months shopping. ^_^

Alternate spin: One US meeting, One European meeting...and the the top players from each choose a final location for the <web cast> final showdown...

Hmmmm... Sounds like "World Series of Poker" time but for Diplomacy. We need to get someone to sponsor and have advertising on hats and shirts.

4 rounds:
2401 players in round 1 on 343 tables.
343 players (the winners) on 49 tables for round 2.
49 on 7 for three.
And then the finals on round 4.

Draws in all but the final round result in the top SC count moving on. If that is tied (17/17 or 14/14/6 or 12/12/10, etc.), then the other players at the table vote for the winner. The final round pays out based on remaining SCs. Yes, I'm thinking a buy-in and gambling is in order here.

Heh,having 343 players in a single knockout tourney would be pretty epic. Can't see 2401 somehow!

Well, maybe not the first year. Heck, year one we would be lucky to get the 49.

7 would be good... I think ;)

Dunno, I recon we'd get 49 if the leagues delayed by a game to fit it in

@Draugnar - There isn't much shopping to be done in the Azores. Just Google Image Azores and you'll see we don't need shops to attract tourists.

@Troodonte - Sim sou Português. I Live in Terceira Island.

I assume theres golf to be played?

That's actually... interesting...

Yes, we had a mini in England a few years back. Only seven of us but really marvelous to meet up.

We had two interesting problems: one player (cg) was seriously injured in a cricket game and had to withdraw - although I met up with him at his `office'; and, TGM really wanted to play but couldn't get a pass. I don't think he ever forgave me for playing without him...

The players were: yours truly, Wombat (of course), and Chairman Mao - all in from China; MarekP, Rait, chowmein555 and mansea. MarekP and Rait flew in from Europe, chowmein and mansea live in the UK.

Really great fun.

We tried to get hold of figle and anlari but they were unavailable. I think that's why figle remembers this happening.

So, who's seriously interested in this?

I'd be up for anywhere in the States and maybe some tropical island (such as Azores) if I can trick my parents into thinking it would be a nice family vacation.

In order to do this right we need a list of everyone interested, their location and info about how far they are willing to travel.
I ll start.
hellalt-Greece-Europe (the last one meaning I'm willing to go anywhere in Europe to meet you).

so
1. hellalt-Greece-Europe

Well Ghost&Anlari are both now at Cam, so if you pass through there...
Yes, one of the main reason I remember is because I was so nearly able to, but not quite.

And my folks live near Cambridge... Tempting.

I reckon cg would be up for it too, especially if it were at Cambridge. Then again he has keys to a neat pad in Uxbridge I recall (Conservative Party club or something).

i could easily spend the cash on a trip to the Uk for a game...

I'm interested, but can't really travel far. I'm in the new york area, btw.

Yes, sorry to multi-post here: face-to-face escapes all my personal dislikes and restrictions. Besides, stabbing is so, so, so much more fun when the guy has just travelled a few thousand miles to get there. A real test of steel.