One of the items that I have noticed from attending different user groups is the problem of targeting content to different skill levels. I've noticed a tendency for meetings to focus on beginner content while requesting more advanced topics that people would be interested in. As such, I think this tends to become boring for the more skilled developers and they slowly stop attending.
I think it would be of great benefit to local meetings to offer a monthly bug/patch queue smashing sessions. These sessions could be in addition to the regular meetings with the intent of appealing to more advanced users. Topics could include setting up testing environments, gaining and using cvs access, utilizing #drupal properly, and using the bug/issue queues on drupal.org.
I think this would help retain and develop some of the more advanced users that have little need of the introductory material typically covered at meet ups. In addition it would help provide a mechanism for the local groups to become more actively involved in direct contribution to Drupal.
Comments
alternating
Some people explained that they have alternating meetings for beginners and advanced people, and they do have some overlap, but understandably not much.