Excellent idea,
With an area/state managersussing out proposals before confirming anything you would sort out the greater %age of scams.
There are so many datto bashes /meetings, cruises etc. I am sure that a gold coin (Aussie) in the tin for the site management would be ok by most.
You don't want to push away those that aren't too flush at that time.
It needs carefull planning and reasonable controls to avoid suspicious types pointing the finger we can't afford premature enthusiasm to spoil the site/group.