Tour sponsorship?

Being a travelling man, I've met a few really great providers in other parts of the country. Some would be willing to travel to meet me but that is usually out of my budget. I'm working in the DFW area now and believe it has one of the best, biggest, most active communities with the most desirable providers of any area in the US (though I'm really fond of the FKK clubs in Germany!).

Since I get a lot of airline and hotel points, I'm wondering if there is a way to convert them into play time. Has anyone ever "sponsored", or been sponsored, on tour? If I covered the flight and hotel rooms, would the provider see that as a valuable trade commodity? Are there significant legal concerns? Other suggestions?

TIA for all comments.

Reg