>Everyone can make the argument that they don't want a resort, they want a closer hub, etc but aside from the smaller regional conferences, I don't see anyone saying they want to hold a DevCon in Chicago or New York City. (not that I would mind any of those too)

My gripe has not been a particular city, but how easy it is to get to and reasonably priced place to stay [non-resort]. Palm Springs CA not once but twice was outrageous in both respects. I do not think anyone would have a problem with Chicago or New York City as long as those 2 criteria were met. I would bet finding a reasonably priced hotel in the vicinity of any of the New York area airports that anyone would want to stay in would be impossible.