Another thing that always helps is a "house a sailor" program. In other words if you know sailor X or Y are coming to your home town event. Give them a room to stay in. With gas prices skyrocketing, making it less attractive to travel; the cheaper you can make it for any sailor the more folks you will have on the line.

Ive done it, and will continue to do it. Doing this works out wonders.

Just another point that really helps out a lot.