Don't worry about that I'll give out hugs and smiles, hopefully bring some people out of their shells.
Itsmylife, I think it would be better organising it somewhere near where you live, since you would know of places to hold the meeting and stay overnight if need be.
Also might be a good idea to state "It'll be here on this date, it'll cost x amount, less if we can get y amount of people to come" and then I can beg for everyone to show up. Heck I'm sure some of the richer of us could give some financial help and I can give a lift to four people from the North West
Oh and 9006, I understand why some people are here. Trust me I'm terrified when it comes to conversation outside a specific context (I can talk to colleagues about work no problem for example) so I'll personally do my damndest to make everyone feel as comfortable as they can