Hi Brian, welcome to the forum. If you didn't get to Dan Pate's meet last week, you missed out. See and read more here:
http://allmetalshaping.com/showthread.php?t=14965
I am planning a similar, but smaller, event in October in Cumberland, WI. You might consider attending that as a good way to get started. Read more about it here:
http://www.allmetalshaping.com/showthread.php?t=15048