Regional association means that conferences and colleagues are not far away, so interaction is relatively easy and inexpensive. Organization is minimal. We have one paid employee, a student assistant. The budget is small and we will work within it. To get something done, call an executive committee member.
Conferences provide great flexibility in the way sessions are organized.
Hosting a conference is manageable for a team of two or three people, a corps of enthusiastic students, and a little help from the Dean or Boss.