Is there an actual radio element to this thread? Asking for a friend.
Yes. The OP is asking about having a meet-up with radio people from L.A. or working in L.A. radio. The OP suggested an in-person get together, but southern California is a huge area, so people have to travel a long distance, often in heavy freeway traffic.
So, the alternative suggestion was to have a meet-up on Zoom. This isn't as strange and cringe as it sounds. No one has to feel as if he's sliding down a cheese grater. LOL. 😂 First, when people can hear each others' voices, they can hear inflection, intentionality, and feelings; so there is more to the person than was previously realized. It's easier to identify with the speaker and easier to relate to him/her.
Zoom meetings work best when they are structured. For example, there is a time limit and a definite topic. A meeting could be set up for 20 minutes, with the goal of going around the virtual room and each person introducing himself/herself and talking about what s/he likes best about L.A. radio. (just an example). After a certain time limit, the meeting is adjourned.
For an ice-breaker, it can be set up like a TGIF cocktail party, and each person can bring a glass of wine, or his favorite beer or cocktail. Non-alcohol drinkers can bring a favorite juice, flavored tea, etc. Each person can say what he is drinking, which helps the feeling of congeniality. It doesn't have to be so "cringe." JMO.