It The mega DOs may be over, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The mini/regional DOs offer an intimacy and intensity the mobs at the mega DOs can't muster. Perhaps this will spur more folks to have a DO in their fair cities.
There is a big difference however. The mega DOs have been airline sponsored events with airline tours, airline funded parties, and access to execs. The mini DOs are FlyerTalk social events - basically a group of FT'ers getting together for dinner or a weekend getaway.
The mega DO's were the product of
Cigarman and his relationship with Larry Kellner. They are likely history, and with Larry departing at the end of the month the link is no longer.
Jeff is a great guy and supported the DO's but he never attended all the weekend DO events. You may see
CO Insider attending a social event, but mini DOs - while fun and interesting - are social networking not airline events.