[MrJohnston]

Start with parents. Even if none have any technical expertise, there are almost certainly some with the ability to organize, help with awards, plan food/travel/lodging logistics, communicate, etc. The amount of time spent on these tasks is huge and can free up a technical mentor to focus on the engineering side of things.

If you do have a technical parent or two, hook them and get them to "invite" work colleagues... Try a retirement living center... I would no be surprised if there are a few retired engineers, machinists, etc. who are healthy, mobile, etc. looking for something to keep them busy.

Do any of your families attend a church or other social group? Announce the need in a bulletin, etc....