It ain't the bodies, Jeremy.
Further, not every state can get one together. Few states actually have one. California, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Texas, Michigan... Ohio & Illinois used to, but have been quiet lately. Life gets in the way.
Gatherings require three key ingredients - someone to host the event, somewhere to host the event, and people to attend. I'm guessing, currently, that you suffer what most places suffer - the somewhere of this equation.
That's the biggest piece to solve, really. There are three events in California's West Coast Gatherings, in Sacramento, LA and San Jose, and they ALL have to rent space for their events, or borrow, in one event's case, now. Easier when someone's got a home in which to host. I used to do so in my condo. Neighbor didn't much care.
Munches are easy. Just call the restaurant, date and time. Gatherings requires private space, even if it's HIRED private space. You have bodies enough for an event. It's a space you lack. Doubt me? Why don't you host it at your house? Now picture that everyone has to answer that question. Complicates it quickly.
Weird, too, 'cause it ain't that complicated. Had hosts back in California that had me run their events. They had the home, but not the desire to front the event. Worked out. Just gotta find something that works, whether it's that, or a hotel room, or a local dungeon. Whatever gives you space.
My $0.02,
dvnc
