Hey there, I haven't heard anything about a meet either. Honestly, with my class schedule this term and other lovely family issues, there's no way I'd be able to attend one anytime soon.
As for finding ponies, I think it depends on the region. The Walmart here generally is pretty slow, and Kmart is really slow. I've had the best luck driving down to Jacksonville, FL and searching there (that's the closest city to me though). Their Walmarts and Targets seem to get the newest items quickest.
Kohl's is way overpriced, but if you can hit them on a 50% sale, their prices are slightly cheaper. The TRU website seems to have new stuff listed quicker than the stores have it in stock, but again that could be b/c I live in a very rural area.
I try and post my new finds at the pony finders board, there's a link at the top of the current news section on Silverfall's site,
www.ponytopia.com Lots of times I've found new stuff listed in my area so I don't have to drive around and search.