From: Diva Las Vegas organizers (dlvorg@geekbabe.com)
Date: Wed Jun 18 2008 - 08:42:44 CDT
In this mailing:
Org List
Moving along
Date comments and discussion
Requested comments
What worked
Item of business -- Administrative Committee
Administrivia
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Org List:
This is the DLV 2009 Organizational Mailing List (dlvorg@geekbabe.com)
Replies to this message will be forwarded to the DLVORG list and not
the DLV-Announce or DLV-Discuss list.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Moving along:
We try to keep the ORG list on a Wednesday schedule unless there
is a reason to do otherwise. From now on we'll try to keep to
that schedule.
With this mailing I would like to begin the wrap-up of our 2008
event, discussing what worked, what did not, lessons learned,
etc.
I've made my comments about the various activities, and I would
invite all to add your comments. Just reply to this mailing with
your comments.
I would encourage the new volunteers and those who have been
less vocal in the past to add their thoughts too.
. . .
There was one omission in the list of our electorate, reported
by multiple individuals including the one omitted herself.
This was a simple clerical omission. Thanks for the reports.
. . .
I'm also entering a motion (see below) to establish a standing
committee and asking for a second. For those who are new, or
perhaps parliamentarians, we don't strictly follow Roberts, in
that we do allow for (some) discussion on a motion prior to a
second.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Date comments and discussion:
So far, the comments received are from returnees and veteran
volunteers. New volunteers, please don't be shy to add your
thoughts to this discussion!
. . . . .
Gina writes:
>Sunday to Friday sounds good.
. . . . .
Danielle writes:
>I vote for Option 1, with Option 2 as a back-up, in that order.
As a clarification, we're not voting yet. We will eventually, if
necessary, if we can't reach a consensus. This will be clearly
noted if and when it happens.
>I've left the last two years on Sat am, and will probably do it
>again, regardless of whether the event ends on Fri or Sat.
>And I agree that we need to force a bit of change... or the
>schedule becomes simply too repetitive, which is not a good
>thing.
One suggestion which was made was that we disallow any of the
major activities from occurring on the same weekday that they
did this year. Although I dislike one-size-fits-all solutions,
this does indicate to me that there's the desire, as you have
pointed out, to mix things up a bit.
. . . . .
Marcia writes:
>Hope I can attend next year. I already had to put in my
>vacation bid for the trip, I guess I just assumed it would
>be April 19th therw the 25th. Anyway I will try to get the
>time off if its available.
One thing I would like to know is how you got the impression
that DLV was in any way fixed as far as a timeframe? If you
got this impression, I'm sure others have it too.
It's never been this way ever. Probably never will be.
The week of the 19th in 2009 is the absolute worst week there
is in April or May, since it's the NAB convention, and room
rates and availability are both unfavorable that week.
>As far as mixing it up a little, I do know that most of
>the girls I know have limited vacation time and like to
>just do the last few days. Ending it on friday and making
>most of the event during midweek might loose a few attendees.
Hmmm ... Curiosity got me here, so I looked up the history
of our timeframes with regard to weekdays and weekends and
the length of the event.
1997: May 9 - 11, Friday - Sunday, included Mothers Day. (3 days)
1998: May 8 - 11, Friday - Monday, included Mothers Day. (4 days)
1999: May 14 - 18, Friday - Tuesday. (5 days)
2000: May 11 - 16, Thursday - Tuesday. (6 days) (incl. Mothers Day)
2001: May 2 - 7, Wednesday - Monday. (6 days)
2002: April 30 - May 5, Tuesday - Sunday. (6 days)
2003: April 21 - 27, Monday - Sunday. (7 days)
2004: May 2 - 8, Sunday - Saturday. (7 days) (Mothers Day May 9)
2005: April 24 - 30, Sunday - Saturday. (7 days)
2006: April 17 - 23, Monday - Sunday. (7 days)
2007: April 23 - 28, Monday - Saturday. (6 days)
2008: April 21 - 26, Monday - Saturday. (6 days)
We started out doing DLV as an extended weekend, very much like
we do Pinkfest now.
For the first several years we always spanned a weekend, and we
did get two different groups of attendees in those years, the
"weeklongers", those who did the whole event (locals and those
who flew in, mostly) and the "weekenders", those who did the
weekend only, including those who drove in from California and
Phoenix and a few other places.
In the early 2000s we then converged on either starting or
ending on a weekend. Lately we've indeed seen our people avoid
the Friday and Saturday nights, citing high room rates as the
primary reason.
Also, looking at the capacity planning reports for this year,
here's the total expected in-town DLVers for each of the days:
Total projection for 2008-04-21: 95
Total projection for 2008-04-22: 100
Total projection for 2008-04-23: 113
Total projection for 2008-04-24: 115
Total projection for 2008-04-25: 115
Total projection for 2008-04-26: 103
As you can see, we have a peak to the middle-end of the weekdays,
and a definite drop-off on Saturday.
>Also it might be helpful too keep the event at a certain week
>of a month, like the last full week of a month or something
>like that. I know that most people probebly have more flexiblity
>than me but it would be easy to plan for if it was the same week
>every year.
Unfortunately there are too many variables and too many unknowns
for this to happen. April and May are full of various family type
commitments, most of which are not fixed on the calendar, plus
there are various events in Las Vegas which are not fixed in time
which affect such things as room rates and crowds.
. . . . .
Joan writes:
>>California Dreamin, IFGE, and EnFemme Getaway often occur in the
>>same general vicinity of the calendar as does DLV. My last check
>IFGE 2009 will happen in Washington DC. 2-7 February, 2009.
>EnFemme getaway in Arkansas is I believe is now only held in the fall.
>>1. Sunday, April 26 thru Friday, May 1.
>>2. Monday, April 27 thru Saturday, May 2.
>>3. Monday, May 11 thru Saturday, May 16.
>1 or 2 I think are best.
>>As to the length of DLV, yes, there is always a calling to make
>>DLV longer and longer and longer, but here in the real world, I
>Probably stick with 6 days. People can always extend on their own.
>>The question of the weather always comes up. Yes, the weather
>>is one factor to consider, but it cannot trump all others.
>The old saying goes, if you don't like the weather here, wait
>15 minutes. Weather varies greatly in the desert. Temperature
>in April and May varies from the 30's to the 100's, in degrees F.
>Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Vegas,_Nevada#Climate
>>and I must admit that quite a bit of DLV 2008 resembled a
>>rewind-replay of DLV 2007.
>I think so.
>>Also, it allows the attendees, if they choose, to do the entire
>>six days of DLV on weekday room rates, with a Sunday check-in
>I think this is workable. Let's maximize affordability of DLV.
>Those who choose to extend their stay I'm sure will have no
>problem finding things to do. Looks like some might take
>advantage of a Friday night/Saturday morning redeye flight
>after the big event?
Affordability is a factor which has been creeping up on us.
In the early days, Las Vegas was one of the cheapest vacations
you could do. In the 2000s, we've seen room rates consistently
creep upward.
I think affordability will be a very significant issue for
DLV 2009 with such things as air fares and fuel prices, let
alone the general economic downturn, coming more and more
into play.
>How may I be of assistance?
The best thing for you (and others who want to help) to do is to
start thinking forward to DLV 2009 with regard to what we want
to do as far as the activities are concerned. Which ones do we
want to repeat, which ones should be ash-canned, if any.
Also think of new variations on some of our old favorites, as
there is a definite calling for more variety.
. . . . .
Mary Beth writes:
>>In light of all factors, I'm suggesting we look at the period
>>of Sunday, April 26 thru Friday, May 1 as a possibility for
>>DLV 2009.
>I think this is the best option. The mid-May week runs the risk
>of it being too hot, which would make things difficult for
>wig-wearers. Personally, I like the Sunday-Friday option since I
>would get to make the Farewell dinner before having to fly home
>on Saturday evening.
. . . . .
Mardi writes:
>I like #1 April 26 - May1
. . . . .
It appears like we do have the beginning of a consensus forming
here.
Do we have any other timeframes to be considered?
Are there any significant objections, for any reason, to the
timeframe of April 26 - May 1?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Requested comments:
These are the comments received from the responses to the specific
questions asked in the last general mailing:
. . . . .
The first comes from Paula at Harmony Nail Spa, not in particular
response to any of the questions. The others address the stated
questions and appear in no particular order.
+Thank You Diva Annie, I hope the Divas enjoyed their service with
+us, and we would be honored to provide services again for Diva,
+we have some photos if you would like me to send them of makeovers
+and prize giveaways Please let me know
. . . . .
I was hoping for more responses to these questions, however I think
we have some helpful answers. Some of the questions, unfortunately,
remain unanswered and probably will be ...
+1. I stayed at the St. Tropez. Here are my impressions.
+First, it was very quiet. I would say that, if someone is
+bothered by walking through a busy lobby, this is the place
+for them. Half the time, nobody was in the lobby at all.
+When leaving or returning. And, by the way, no hassles
+whatsoever about being dressed.
+That said, to reiterate what someone else said, they lock all
+the side entrances at 6 or 7 pm, so that, to get back in, you
+have to walk around from wherever you parked to the front.
+It's a hassle and, late at night, it can be disconcerting.
+Also, unless you stay in one of the buildings directly adjacent
+to the lobby, their wi-fi doesn't reach to your room. This was
+a major hassle for me; several mornings, I brought my laptop to
+the lobby to do some work (yes, yes, I know it's supposed to be
+a vacation -- this is how you pay for a vacation.)
+Re breakfast, their buffet, which is complimentary, was perfectly
+adequate for me. This was a good deal, I think; cereal, fruit,
+rolls, croissants, etc... a typical complimentary buffet.
+The rooms are clean but tired and threadbare, but I guess that's
+what you would expect at that price point. Also, there's a tub
+in the main room (yes, that's right.) Mine was just a tub, no
+jacuzzi jets. Stall shower in the bathroom.
+Last year I stayed at the Sahara. I'd say the quality of the
+rooms are comparable. But then there's the gauntlet of the lobby
+to run through, and no breakfast. Next year I'd like to move up
+a notch (and I'll keep bringing my laptop, to pay for it.) We'll
+see what the recommended options are.
+2 and 3. N/A
+4. Turn by turn could be helpful to find and get into some of
+the self park lots of the big hotels, avoiding the Strip. But
+to me that's about it. The city's not that big, and Mapquest
+is a wonderful thing.
+5. I think an interesting question would be how many participants
+went out on their own to some mainstream activity, and how many
+times, during the week. I did. Had a lovely dinner one night
+at the Bellagio, overlooking the fountains, with another
+participant. Went to the outlet mall shopping with someone, etc.
+To me, half the fun is just that, being out. There's nothing
+worse than being closeted in a room somewhere, especially
+if we've taken over a place; we're out of touch with the rest of
+humanity. I can stay home to do that. I'm all for going out and
+doing mainstream activities.
+6 and 7 N/A
. . . . .
+1. This year I stayed at the Sahara, and I found it to be just
+fine. I'll probably stay there again.
+I stayed at the St. Tropez last year. The main drawback was lack
+of a full-service restaurant. I like getting up in the morning
+and having a real breakfast without having to travel. I was told
+by the desk clerk to go across the street to the Hard Rock Cafe
+to eat. This required walking across a busy street in the middle
+of the block. And I found the Hard Rock Cafe much too loud.
+Also, the back entrances to the St. Tropez are locked at night.
+This required me to park, then walk all around the building
+through a dark alley to the front, then walk through the "garden"
+where the dprinlers were on. I would get to my room tired and wet.
+2. and 3: No comment.
+4. I strongly recommend a quick trip to your local AAA before
+coming to Las Vegas. Pick up an AAA Las Vegas street map!
+5. "Main stream venues" - - I like mainstream activities myself,
+being a full time girl. As regards DLV, I think the balance was
+just about right.
+6. No comment.
+7. I haven't participated in the big sisters program, but I might
+like to. I think it is a good idea.
. . . . .
+>2. Along a similar line, we saw some comfort ratings of "Very
+>Uncomfortable" for Palace Station and Paris.
+I'd like to know. I've spent a fair amount of time at both,
+and had very good experiences. Only thing I can think of to
+generate an uncomfortable rating is their lack of unisex
+restrooms.
In the Discussion Forum, the person who apparently gave the
very uncomfortable rating for Paris stated that it was a mouse
click error and was intended to be very comfortable.
There have been no responses specifically addressing the
dissatisfaction and comfort of Palace Station and Sahara.
+>Was there anything, specifically, about this venue which you,
+>anyone, did not like? Blyss is high on the list for being used
+>for multiple activities next year. If there's something we need
+>to know, please let us know it.
+I've not eaten at Blyss during DLV. I have eaten there before.
+It's really nothing to write home about. It just feels like Suede
+renamed. The food and service were really no better. I don't think
+it would work for a really big event. I think we can do better.
+As far as wednesday EON goes, how does Blyss hold up to the Prime
+Rib Loft or Trevi? I would say not even close.
Blyss is (was, actually) much better than Sasha's/Tramps/Suede in
a few ways. First of all I sensed a better attitude among the
employees. Service was prompt and drinks were reasonable in cost.
The food was also much better than the later days of Suede. They
obviously had some major talent in the kitchen.
My steak was excellent. On par with the better steak houses.
As some of you know, Elvis Nargi surfaced and showed up at Blyss
one night when we were there, specifically to eat. He mentioned
that he knew the chef and liked the food.
This was a concern of mine even if Blyss remained open for 2009,
as I got the impression that the chef was a sub-tenant, and I
was doubting if the volume of business would keep him in place
for a year.
Blyss also exuded a more upscale ambiance than did Sasha's,
Tramps, or Suede.
I think part of the reason for Blyss' failure (not related to DLV)
was the stigma of so-so food, high drink prices, and indifferent
service, attributed to Suede during its later days.
In all fairness to Suede, when I was there in 2005 in the fall,
their food was great, but with a change of kitchen staff it
obviously slipped.
Now, speaking very freely, I think some DLV people dismissed Blyss
without even trying it. I don't remember hearing a single negative
comment about Blyss from anybody who had actually eaten there.
I think there was some of the Suede reputation from last year
hanging in there, plus some of the anti-non-mainstream bias in
action there as well.
+>5. Are some mainstream venues we used this year (Blue Ox, Chicken
+>Ranch, Bahama Breeze, Milano's, Alexis Park) somehow being
+>perceived as being more "alternative" than they are mainstream?
+I'm thinking they might be perceived as alternative because our
+DLV gathering is taking up most or all of the space in the venue.
+I'm getting the feeling that "mainstream" is more and more
+involving being out around general public, rather than the venue
+itself.
+>5a. Is there (still) a feeling that DLV is "not mainstream enough"
+>and if so, in what way?
+2009 might be a good year to shift away from GLBT clubs and try
+the mainstream club scene (on or off Strip)
We need venues at which those who are newly-out can feel
comfortable, both for the smaller multi-track activities and
for the larger maximum-attendance gatherings.
For those who wish more of a migration into mainstream venues,
you need to do some homework, and find such venues which will
still satisfy that requirement of comfort for those who are
newly-out.
Blue Ox is a good example of this. Bahama Breeze, to an extent,
also is.
+>5b. Is this to mean that you, the attendees, think that the number
+>of mainstream-venue activities is inadequate?
+I think we can always offer something fresh and different. There's
+always room for more.
. . . . .
+Sahara is perfectly adequete. She's showing her age, however. It's
+still excellent value for what you pay. Running the gauntlet throu
+the casino and lobby might be un-nerving for the new gurls.
+>3. One location which appeared to be one of the favorite eating
+>and drinking places for DLV 2008 was Blyss, a quite new club and
+>restaurant. Nobody seems to remember hearing anything bad about
+>it.
+The thing about Blyss, is there were a few gurls there who
+were very snobbish to us one night, later I found they were
+not part of us.
+>Do you want or need the turn-by-turn directions to our
+>activity venues?
+We should all be old enough now to read a map.
+>5a. Is there (still) a feeling that DLV is "not mainstream
+>enough" and if so, in what way?
+It's like I told you before. You've got some gurls at Diva who
+say they;re full time but you know darn well they aren't. You
+also have some who say they go Mainstream all the time, but you
+can see their nervous at lunch and that its all new territory
+for them.
I think some of those who call for "more mainstream" are those
who wish to get more mainstream experience and estsblish more
of a comfort level in mainstream public.
+>5b. Is this to mean that you, the attendees, think that the
+>number of mainstream-venue activities is inadequate?
+You need to keep them in balance. Those who object to the gay
+bars are just being pretenitious about it.
I do hear what you are saying. I believe that most of those who
are really and truly mainstream in orientation are not those who
call out, endless-loop, for "more mainstream", just like those
who are really-truly full-time and on the transition track are
not those to make "just a crossdresser" remarks and such.
I don't see alternative venues going away as long as there are
good turnouts at safe-venue activities.
+>6. For those of you who were in town on Monday and/or Saturday
+>of DLV week and skipped either the Welcome Celebration or
+>Bahama Breeze, what would it be that would make you more
+>likely to attend either or both of these functions?
+I was in Vegas Saturday, but I had to leave about the time it
+started.
+>If you participated in the Big Sister program this year and
+>did not have a positive experience, please write to Nora, in
+>confidence, directly at: cadnild@aol.com
+As I said, I signed up to be a big sister before but I
+never got picked. This year I didn't. No real reason.
. . . . .
Comments, gang?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What worked:
Most everything worked, from what I heard. Yes, there were some
rough spots, but a few of them are to be expected.
Here's my comments on the specific activities for this year.
. . . . .
Pre-DLV MCC:
Worked, from what I hear. No issues reported.
. . .
Pre-DLV gathering, Alexis Park:
Worked, although the party broke up before some arrived. There
were some reported possible restroom issues, but none seemed to
happen during the activity.
Some people missed getting the word on this. They obviously did
not read the LFM!
I hope the management of Alexis Park realizes the amount of very
good business they turned down this year! :( (We had our Welcome
Celebration penciled in there, until a new manager wanted some
very unreasonable terms.)
. . . . .
+Monday, April 21:
+ 11:00am Studio Lites Open House
This is a commercial activity, but it was well-attended and
well-received.
. . .
+ 1:00pm Lunch With Ginger (Palace Station - MS)
I did hear some comments about the quality of the food at the
Palace Station. It reportedly had improved from what it was,
but from what I heard it was not the best by any means.
There were apparently a few who were surprised at the venue
for this. They were expecting Sahara.
. . .
+ 2:00pm Walk Off Your Lunch (Sahara - MS)
I didn't hear much about the Walk Off Your Lunch, but I assume
it happened, at least on some days, since it did get rated on
the survey.
Ginger?
. . .
+ 6:00pm Happy Hour/Business Hour (Blue Ox - MV)
+ 7:00pm Dinner and Welcome Celebration
Worked, most definitely!
We perpetually get requests for (more) large gatherings. This was
one of the best I've seen in the history of DLV!
Blue Ox, IMAO, is a perfect venue for such a thing. It's a venue
which is unquestionably mainstream, yet we had it more or less to
ourselves, and it was comfortable enough for those who are just
taking their first steps out.
It's also reasonable in cost, both for food and drink.
I was a bit concerned about venue capacity, but the place held
our 90+ crowd quite well.
The food was kind of a mix of everything, but it worked. I heard
no complaints about the food or the venue.
Each year we do need a couple of maximum-attendance gatherings.
I think that Blue Ox is a good candidate for just such a thing
next year.
. . .
+ Later Rock Star Karaoke (HOB - Mandalay - MS)
Did not happen. The HOB was apparently bought out for a private
party that night. Fortunately the Blue Ox had some entertainment
so many just hung around there.
Some went to do Karaoke at the IP, with more to follow, but a
rather ugly restroom incident spoiled this one before it even
got going. :(
Still, I think that Rock Star Karaoke, should it be going on
next year, is a good candidate for DLV.
. . . . .
+Tuesday, April 22 :
+ 10:00am Boat Tour Breakfast
+ 12:00n Lake Mead Boat Tour
Worked.
We've done this for several years, and from what I heard, and
from the survey results, this was one of the best years for this.
. . .
+ 10:00am Harmony Nail Spa Open House
Worked.
I was going to attend this, but I was not feeling well that
morning and didn't make it. :( From what I heard, it came off
very well. Again, a commercial activity, but it fit very well
into our program.
. . .
+ 12:30pm Lunch With Mary Beth (Paris Buffet - MS)
There was apparently some confusion on the time (this one was
1/2 hour earlier than the other lunches this week), the venue
(some were apparently expecting the Sahara) and one reported
not being able to find the group. This may have been a result
of the time issue.
. . .
+ 5:00pm Night Of The Soiled Doves (CR - MV)
Definitely worked!
This year's NSD was a good example of what can be done to one of
our regular recurring activities to keep it fresh and vibrant.
This had plenty of that Quality Social Time<tm> at first, plus
the games as an added bonus. This was very well-received and
highly-rated.
Also, this year the group did depart the staging area on time.
I think the mall location did worke quite well as a staging area.
Apparently one vehicle did not follow the pack, but followed the
directions of a GPS, which sent them on an arguably shorter route,
but partly on unpaved roads.
. . .
+ 6:00pm Local Happy Hour (Bellagio Fontana Bar - MS)
+ 7:00pm Local dinner (Bellagio Buffet - MS)
These apparently both came off very well.
. . .
+ 10:00pm Post-NSD Gathering (Flex Lounge - SV)
This was kind of a last-minute addition. There was a suggestion
to go to one of the clubs at the Rio, but there were some
concerns. We did need some kind of a post-NSD thing, and this
was the venue that came up in discussion.
It was rated "ok" on the survey, but lower than most of our
activities this year.
. . . . .
+Wednesday, April 23:
+ 8:30am Diva Las Vegas Invitational Golf
I didn't hear too much about golf this year.
Comments?
. . .
+ 11:00am Art Tour, morning session (Guggenheim - MS)
+ 2:00pm Art Tour, afternoon session (LV Museum of Art)
Also, didn't hear too much about the Art Tour this year.
Comments?
. . .
+ 11:00am Glamour Boutique Open House (Glamour Boutique)
Didn't hear too much about this one either.
Comments?
. . .
+ 1:00pm Lunch With Ginger (Bellagio Buffet - MS)
Again, ditto, this was one day I missed.
Comments?
. . .
+ 7:00pm Theater Night - Menopause, The Musical
Very highly rated! One of our smaller things, but from what I hear
it went very well.
. . .
+ 7:00pm Milano's option (Milanos - MV)
This worked rather well. We had a combined HH with the Blyss gang,
and the two groups split up about 7:00 to dine.
. . .
+ 7:00pm Prime Rib Loft option (Prime Rib Loft)
+ 7:00pm Trevi option (Trevi, Caesars Palace - MS)
+ 7:00pm Blue Ox option (Blue Ox - MV)
I really don't know much about these, except I didn't hear of any
major issues.
+ 7:00pm Blyss option (Blyss - SV)
This was rated somewhat lower for Wednesday, and there does not
seem to be any particular reason why. Kind of a moot point now,
since they have closed.
Quite honestly I'm not totally surprised at the closing, but I
didn't expect it this quickly. It was obvious that most of their
business during DLV week was from us.
I was really hoping for Blyss to make it. It was most definitely
a cut above the Sasha's/Tramps/Suede ilk.
Businesses such as this tend to be undercapitalized, and just
don't have the fiscal inertia to make that uphill climb until
they see a positive cash flow. :( Of all of the places that have
occupied that bay since La Strada, I think I liked Blyss the
best.
We may see something else in there by next year.
. . .
+ 8:30pm Alternative Bar Crawl (Several - SV)
This worked, and was rated fairly well, but it came off quite a
bit differently than I had planned.
I had planned to take the group to the Double Down, a very earthy
(straight) place right next door to Blyss. Nora talked me out of
it, since she had heard that they really didn't want TG business,
so I figured we would err on the side of caution.
I then planned to move the group to Charlies, but a few of the
drivers didn't seem to understand the directions.
They did seem to grok "Sahara" and "Statue Of Liberty" so we moved
to Escape. The group seemed to be having such a good time that I
didn't press them to crawl onward, so we ended there.
. . .
+ 8:30pm Fremont Street Experience (FSE - MS)
Again, didn't hear too much about it.
Comments?
. . . . .
+Thursday, April 24:
+ 1:00pm Lunch With Lori (Harrahs Buffet - MS)
I did make it on Thursday. There seemed to be some confusion as to
what time we were to eat, and also the staff apparently gave Lori
some hassle regarding the size of the group, and at first asked for
a deposit.
It all worked out eventually, and we had some tables together and
a good turnout.
. . .
+ 3:00pm English High Tea (Four Seasons - MS)
Again, didn't hear too much.
Comments?
. . .
+ 8:00pm Big Show Pity Party (Escape Lounge - SV)
I heard this came off well, despite some issues with the sound.
. . .
+ 7:00pm LeReve Show (Wynn - MS)
It was a smaller crowd, but from what I heard everybody enjoyed
it. There was {sigh} a minor restroom incident between the show
and the limo tour, but I think the one who was confronted by
security was not the one who brought on the incident.
It was noted that unisex restrooms were available but not used.
. . .
+ 8:45pm Limo Tour (Wynn - MS)
Worked, with reservations.
See my notes elsewhere. We tried a few things and they did not
work. We had some rough lessons learned on this one. Even with
the hassles, ratings were not too bad.
What I do feel bad about, however, was one person who did not
get the word on the degree of public exposure and got a baptism
by fire! :(
. . . . .
+Friday, April 25:
+ 2:00am Charles Bar (Bellagio)
Definitely worked, with issues, however.
I counted 30-some at what appeared to be the peak attendance, the
most we've ever had for the Charles Bar. We really kept Charles
hopping for a couple hours there! They did a very good business
that night.
I again heard remarks about the drink prices, which did apparently
increase between 2007 and 2008.
One incident occurred, and it's covered in depth elsewhere.
. . .
+ 12:00n Town Square shopping (Town Square - MS)
Worked, from what I heard.
One comment was that the turnout was unexpectedly low. Group
shopping things have never attracted that much of a crowd. It was
also later in the week, following one of the more intense evenings.
. . .
+ 1:00pm Lunch With Ginger (Gold Coast Buffet)
I made this one too. I later heard that some were indeed expecting
this at the Sahara. RTFS! :)
. . .
+ 7:00pm Alternative option (Blyss - SV)
Worked.
This is the only Friday dining option I can really comment about.
I was impressed with the food, and we had a couple of people there
who ate there Wednesday who weren't planning on it, but returned
on Friday. I was torn between the ribs or a steak, and the others
who had eaten there said the steaks were great, so that's what I
had and it was excellent!
. . .
+ 6:00pm Upscale option (Stratosphere - MS)
+ 7:00pm Informal option (Southpoint - MS)
+ 7:00pm Affordable option (Komol - MS)
Comments, gang?
. . .
+ Ev Dancing option (Krave)
This was our lowest-rated activity, but the number of responses
was low, so the rating may or may not be meaningful.
I heard two complaints, one being a low turnout, with several
who said they would be there never showing.
Another, related to the first complaint, actually was that one
of our people put down well into three figures for bottle
service for others who were supposed to show and did not, and
thus got stuck with the tab! :( OUCH!
. . .
+ Ev Socializing option (Goodtimes)
This started out just fine, low-key, good conversation, but
after I left apparently there was one non-DLV customer who
was a total jerk and made many of the DLVers uncomfortable,
thus resulting in a mass retreat and lower ratings.
. . .
+ Ev Gaming option (Paris)
I didn't really hear anything about this.
Comments?
. . .
+ 10:00pm Dueling Pianos option (SouthPoint - MS)
This is another one I didn't hear very much about.
Comments?
. . .
+ 11:59pm Jam Session option (Zodies - MS)
This one was highly rated but I did not hear much about it.
Comments?
. . . . .
+Saturday, April 26:
+ 12:00n SBS Social (Blue Ox - MS)
Worked well!
This is the second year we've had this at the Blue Ox and I think
it worked out quite well both times. We had a great turnout this
year. The management most definitely wants our business!
. . .
+ 6:00pm Happy Hour (Bahama Breeze - MS)
+ 7:00pm Dinner (Bahama Breeze - MS)
Worked quite well.
Depending on who is counting, this was either our largest, or
our second largest gathering in the history of DLV.
The only thing negative I heard was that it's starting to become
repetitive. I do know of several who did HH and socializing at
BB and went to eat elsewhere. It was remarked by some of them
that they didn't really care for the food there.
There was one report of a restroom issue. This year was the only
year where our group has been seated in the vicinity of the
restrooms, so this may have contributed to that issue.
. . .
+ 10:00pm Late-Nite Farewell (Blyss - SV)
Worked. Small crowd, but everyone in high spirits.
. . . . .
Those are my comments. Responses and additional comments will be
appreciated.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item of business -- Administrative Committee:
This is one item I want to bring up now, while we're in our slow
season.
I am proposing a more formalized committee to hold the
responsibility for the DLV business that is not related to
activities.
At times, we've formed ad-hoc groups for such things as giving
awards, responding to incidents, etc. This will create a group
whose job it is to oversee such items.
This also defines the various administrative positions which
have existed, some by default, for some time now.
[ begin motion ]
This motion codifies what has been defacto operating practice
and formalizes a group of volunteers responsible for the
non-activity-related business of DLV.
1. Administrative positions.
Four administrative volunteer positions shall be recognized.
The persons holding these positions will be elected by majority
vote upon the vacancy of the positions.
Persons holding these administrative positions will be removed
by default should they fail to maintain voting eligibility as
outlined in standing rules regarding voting eligibility.
Persons holding these administrative positions will be removed
by default if they become unreachable via e-mail for a period
exceeding 30 days.
Persons holding the administrative positions may be removed by
a resignation or a 2/3 majority "recall" vote following a motion
and second to remove.
The administrative positions shall be:
Project Manager
Corresponding Secretary
Systems Administrator
Big Sister Coordinator
The Project Manager shall chair the DLVORG group and will
oversee the planning process for the annual DLV event. The term
of the Project Manager shall expire June 30 of each year.
The Corresponding Secretary shall manage routine and nonroutine
correspondence on behalf of DLV.
The Systems Administrator shall oversee the DLV web site, e-mail
systems, and other systems-related functions.
The Big Sister Coordinator shall oversee the Big Sister Program.
2. Administrative Committee.
The Administrative Committee shall oversee the non-activity-related
business of DLV.
The Administrative Committee is a subset of, and answers to, the
DLV organizers as a whole. It is not intended to be a supreme
governing body of DLV, nor a "higher court" to which disputes
may be elevated.
The Administrative Committee is not authorized to establish any
financial structure not directly connected to any recognized DLV
activities.
The Administrative Committee shall be empowered to develop its
own internal procedures for carrying out its duties.
The Administrative Committee shall consist of between 3 and 6
individuals.
The following individuals shall be ex-officio members of the
Administrative Committee:
Project Manager
Corresponding Secretary
Systems Administrator
Big Sister Coordinator
Two at-large members of the Administrative Committee shall be
elected for two-year terms. One will be elected during odd-numbered
years and one during even-numbered years. Elections will be held
during the summer "slow season", between July 1 and August 31, and
will be coordinated by the incoming Project Manager.
Individuals holding the administrative positions defined above
are not elegible for the at-large positions.
Administrative Committee members may be removed by a 2/3 majority
"recall" vote following a motion and second to remove.
Administrative Committee members will be removed by default if they
fail to maintain voting eligibility as outlined in 1 above or if
they become unreachable by e-mail as outlined in 1 above.
For internal committee affairs, each person on the Administrative
Committee will be limited to one vote regardless of the number of
positions held concurrently.
Implementation:
This motion is presented for discussion, consideration, and action
up to the date of December 31 of the current year. Should it be
unresolved by that date, it will be withdrawn.
Following the carrying of this motion, an election will be held
for the two at large positions, one to expire in the next calendar
year from the year elected, and one to expire in the second calendar
year from the year elected. The person who receives the highest
number of votes will assume the two-year term and the person who
receives the second highest number of votes will assume the
one-year term.
[ end motion ]
Do I hear a second?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Administrivia:
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Diva Las Vegas 2009
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