I think most here could find some common ground with that. In my case it was getting involved with DIY, valves, full range drivers and statics with folk on another forum. We have for the last several years got together usually twice a year for a weekend of all things DIY hi fi at a pub near Doncaster, and there are many more mini meets at various folk's houses. There's no one-upmanship involved at all, it's just a bunch of like minded nutters getting together to listen, drink beer and talk about all things audio. Much fun is had, and much beer is drunk!