I have been to salon-inspired dinners where a large group of invited guests enjoy dinner, followed by a short talk from one or two out of town acedemics or exp

I have been to salon-inspired dinners where a large group of invited guests enjoy dinner, followed by a short talk from one or two out of town acedemics or experts (flown in at the expense of the host), followed by frank discussion between guests on a particular topic. They were very enjoyable but required a host with a very large house (0.1% or less of homes in my city would be suitable) and a big budget.