I have mentioned something very similar to this before but cannot find the post.
As new events are unfolding into0 the server, like combine, storms and headcrab pets, alot of us have been getting ideas for new events. Well i remembered that i had been the first person (i think) to even mention events a long while ago, but now your doing them maybe this idea will make more sence.
An event where suddenly alot of resources will spawn somewhere in the map alot more than anywhere else, like almost a mound of resources if you will, but more spread out within that one area, the idea is to make all people scavenging need to discover this one place full of resources, and the first there gets a head start. if your in need of anything in particular then you have a better chance of getting it, it will also bring all the players together making it like king of the hill. either everyone grabs what they can or one group sections it off and tries protecting it why fellow friends gather.