For my part, I'd say it would be better to try and get people to go to YAPC. Setting up additional conferences would tend to fragment things, as people are likely to only want (or be able to afford) to attend one or two a year - and everyone probably has other specialities with their associated conferences as well.

As far as meeting the other monks goes, its probably worth taking a look at the monk maps or pmplanet and monkmailing individuals you're acquainted with online when you are going somewhere and likely to have time free to meet up for a drink :-)