I'm good either way and would help with a DC event if needed/wanted or head up the LA experience. DC has the added value of numerous top flight beer bars.
BeerFly Search - Washington DC (United States) - Beer Advocate
Either location has sufficient draw to guarantee attendance. DC would draw from NY metro, Philly and DC with some hearty souls driving from Boston potentially. Heck maybe Thrice will even show
. LA has more than enough headfiers and with a solid Norcal showing we'd be fine as well.
We absolutely have to have a moratorium on local meets before and after the annual meet this IMHO is essential. If either of the NE cities or the Bay Area holds a meet within say 60 days it lessens the motivation to go to the annual as they just saw all their buddies and most of the vendors although they miss the absolutely amazing time the National was this year and last.