Instead of using the New Thread button to post about a meet or event, use the New Event button. The event will be posted in the calendar and a new thread will be created for the event at the same time. It will also be listed at the top of the forum in the Upcoming Events list with the date, time and location next to it so everyone can quickly keep track of all the upcoming events in the region.
If there's already a thread about the event, post a New Event for it so that it gets more exposure.