Casey Kelbaugh's slideshow-and-potluck events (which appeared in GOOD recently) are picking up steam.
It works like this: everyone brings something delicious to share and, after some dining and mingling, the group settles down to watch slideshows submitted for the occasion. The people presenting range from photography novices to decorated professionals. See past slideshows here.
It's a great example of unmediated, community-centered, creative exchange.
They just announced some upcoming events. If you're in NYC, Seville, Barcelona, Seattle, Portland or Ann Arbor, you're in luck.