From: Diva Las Vegas organizers (dlvorg@geekbabe.com)
Date: Wed Feb 25 2009 - 05:25:42 CST
In this mailing:
Org List
This mailing
Laundry list
Update on Trevi and EON arrangements
Jam session
Fashion Show
Harmony Nail Spa
Magic show update
Prime Rib Loft
MCC on Sunday
Working schedule
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.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
This mailing:
Another long mailing, but there are lots of things going on as
we fill in the details here. A couple of the items below have
some correspondence included for our reference, and I've edited
those to push the e-mail exchanges down as much as possible,
with the important details up front.
I think we're moving significantly in the direction of filling
in our weak spots. We do have a few hanging items, and we do
need to make some decisions on the days and timeslots of a
few things.
. . . . .
Very little discussion on our Mothers Day rule suspension motion.
See the one item below.
If no significant discussion comes in by the Friday "Special BDR
Edition" mailing, we'll do a call for votes.
. . . . .
Validated registrations are now up to 133 total. Registrations
continue to come in slowly but consistently. This includes 24
individuals designated as SOs.
The Magic Formula<tm> says that out of these 133, 108 of them
will actually show, taking into consideration a small but
significant returnee fall-out (cancellation, no-show, etc.) and
the usual significant newcomer fall-out which we always see.
This 108 number is not including any who will register between
now and DLV.
The newcomers we've seen sign up so far are all "warm", since
they have been on the mailing list prior to registering and
have, historically, a higher show-up rate.
With one exception, one newbee who just doesn't seem to "get
it", the newcomers so far this year have been very good about
understanding the validation procedure and getting it right
the first time.
We will be opening up the general registration this weekend,
and that's when the "cold" newcomers will start signing up.
Historically, the cold newcomers, in particular those who
are from the LV area, have the poorest show-up rate of all
attendee classes.
It has yet to be seen how the cold newcomer registration will
go this year. Last year it was a madhouse.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Laundry list:
These are the items that need our attention:
* Art tour:
Sarah, JoAnn, please make a final decision on the day for this
sooner rather than later, since this affects other planned or
potential daytime activities.
. . .
* SO gathering:
Any further thoughts?
. . .
* Gaming night:
Alanna, we need the venue selection and the theme selection (open
gaming or poker event) for the Gaming Night please.
. . .
* Post-Welcome-Celebration on Monday:
Dancing, clubbing, gaming, a lower-cost show, things like that.
Ideas?
. . .
* Dancing on Friday?
This has always been popular. Any interest?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Update on Trevi and EON arrangements:
Michelle does request feedback on a few items mid-way in this
report, please. ...
(Anybody else catch the blooper?) :) :) :)
Michelle (NZ) writes:
>Hi
>Some updates:
>>1. Re: I'll host an EON on Tuesday... Joe's Seafood, ...
>As in previous years, this will require sign up with an initial
>limitation of 20 people
Gotcha. Thanks.
. . . . .
2. Trevi
>I've had a very enthusiastic response from the Trevi manager. She
>is looking forward to us returning and there currently doesn't
>seem to be any issues with deposits or booking requirements. I've
>indicated up to 60 at this stage and I think we will use that as
>a starting limit on the signup requirement.
>Would like some feed back:
>We will be in the upstairs dinning areas, that is pretty much
>separated from the downstairs area, including restrooms by the
>stairs. We can probably have either smaller 4-8 person tables
>or larger tables seating 16-20+ people. Any preferences?
IMAO, smaller tables are better. With the larger tables, those
seated can only converse with the near neighbors at best.
Besides, larger tables are reminiscent of something like a high
school cafeteria, or (LOL!) a RCB. :) :) :)
Update to TLA glossary:
RCB: Rubber Chicken Banquet - a staple at TG conventions.
:) :)
>I have committed to provide updates on expected numbers after
>sign up begins. I will meet with Lalana on the Monday and firm
>up numbers and any details.
>Meal will be same format as last year, order off menu and
>pay through separate checks.
AFAIC, we can't do any better than that! Those two items will
contribute greatly to the satisfaction. I, for one, appreciate
the staff doing this for us. We need to con$ider thi$ when we
$ettle our $eparate check$! :)
>As Trevi is part of the Mortons (steak house) group I have
>mentioned interest in Mortons and we may be able to get some
>offer (eg discount) for those who are interested. She was
>referring this to me area manager. I know I will be!!!!
>Is the start of the Limo tour (9:00pm) locked in stone and
>concrete or could it be pushed out a bit.
No, the 9:00pm is only a place-holder. I'll bump this back to
9:30 to give things a bit of breathing room. We want to be sure
we have a smooth segue between the dinner and Limo Tour.
>I'm thinking of the overall schedule for the evening:
>5:30-6:30pm Happy Hour drinks
>6:30-7:00pm Seating (Last year there were stragglers and
>they didn't start taking orders unit everyone was there)
>7:00-9:00pm Meal and socialising
>9:00-9:15pm Cat herding :-) and group photo by Trevi fountain
>9:15-9:30pm Parade of the Stars (LOL) to one of Caesars
>entrance for Limo pickup (Which one?)
This schedule looks good.
Please confirm what you want announced as the Happy Hour and Dinner
start times. I'm trying to get everyone, as much as possible, to
standardize on 6:00pm for HH and 7:00 for dinner, for the sake of
consistency. That's what I have for this evening on the current
schedule.
If you want these adjusted to 5:30 and 6:30, please let me know.
. . . . .
Correspondence:
+> Hi Michelle, thank you so much for your email!
+>I am so excited in having the DLV back this year!!! FABULOUS!!!
+>I'm so sure that we will work something out that will be just
+>great!!
+>I am also showing your email to my General Manager because his
+>feedback and ideas will be a big help for me. He is support
+>engine! I look forward in meeting you on May 11th!
+>Thank you again for thinking of Trevi Italian Restaurant in
+>hosting a great event! Have a wonderful day!!
+>Sincerely,
+>Lalana Daniels
. . .
>The following is the e-mail I sent to Lalana describing what we
>want...If anyone wants to use it in part or whole for other
>arrangements feel free. Change where necessary! :-)
+Firstly sorry its taken so long to get back to you about this,
+just a matter of being busy and not getting round to it.
+I'm sure you remember the Diva Las Vegas group being at Trevi and
+Bertolini's in the past. I think we have been there 5 times now.
+I've attached a picture of our group from last year, taken just
+outside the restaurant right after we had had an excellent meal
+with excellent service. I can't remember the name of the waiter
+who was leading your team but I have to say he did an excellent
+job and the whole staff were very friendly and helpful; including
+the young lady at the downstairs bar who volunteered to take some
+pictures.
+Diva Las Vegas (DLV) is a transgender vacation of sorts, meeting
+once a year in Las Vegas for a "vacation like" programme of
+activities. It started in 1996 with 9 people and last year (2008)
+had over 150 attendees. As of yesterday we have 124 signed up for
+this year, despite some suggestions we would suffer because of the
+economy it looks like being similar to last year. Because it a
+vacation and stretches over 6-7 days we don't usually have everyone
+present at one time, on any given day or at any activity.
+In the past, when we have been at Trevi (Bertolini's) as part of
+the what we call the "Eating Out Night" (EON), where about half
+a dozen restaurants are chosen and the group spreads itself
+around these based on their tastes and budget. Trevi and
+Bertolinis have been part so this since we started this about 5
+years ago and I think I've been coming to Bertolinis since around
+2000.
+This year we are looking at something a bit bigger in so much as
+we will have only one dining venue, Trevi, and it will be before
+the annual Diva Las Vegas Limo Tour of the Strip. Traditionally
+the Limo tour is when all the girls dress up and we tour up and
+down the Las Vegas Strip stopping off at various Hotels (Bellagio,
+Mirage, 4 Queens downtown and others, looking at the attractions,
+taking photos and generally causing be an attraction in our own
+right! :-)
+Last year we had about 20 people, we were seated upstairs and
+had excellent service. This included taking individual order and
+providing separate (or small groups) individual bills (checks)
+off the standard menu. The post DLV survey for the last five
+years has consistently rated the Trevi EON experience between 4.5
+and 5 out of 5 for both both personal comfort and the quality of
+the meal, service, experience etc.
+This year we are looking at least 50-60 people. Because of the
+nature of DLV, we do ask for activity signup and can determine,
+based on previous years, what the show/no show rate will be. It
+is likely that we will have a big group. As I said early, unlike
+previous years this will be the only dinning activity scheduled
+for the Wednesday night.
+So the basis of what we are looking at is:
+- Happy Hour / arrival at 5:30-6:30pm
+- Seating at 6:30-7:00pm
+- Ordering from the menu with individual or small group
+ checks/bills
+- At least some of those present will need to be finished and
+ away for the start of the limo tour starting at 9:30(?)pm
+While I can't give you an accurate number at this point I can
+commit to providing updates on the signup to this starting from
+about Mid April we start the activity signup, and this activity
+and the subsequent Limo tour will be subject to sign up, so we
+can provide a indication from that what the numbers will be. We
+are also in a position to place a total limit on the activity
+(eg 60 people) if you require some sort of maximum or limitation
+on how many people will show up.
+I will be in Las Vegas from Sunday May 10th and we should be able
+to give a VERY good indication of the final numbers on Monday May
+11th. At this stage given the previously consistent high survey
+results I would imagine this will be a very popular activity.
+Equally, because this is a vacation rather than a convention type
+affair we have no fees or any sort so we don't collect deposits
+and pre payments for activities create numerous issues.
+Let me know what you can do, what the best approach is for this
+and what you would like from me. I can meet with you on Monday,
+May 11th. If you hadn't realised I'm actually from New Zealand
+and travel to DLV every year. Sometime between the morning and
+early afternoon would be best.
+As an aside, I have several close friends, from Tennessee and
+California that I regularly meet with in Las Vegas at DLV. Last
+Year the Tennessee couple had a meal at Trevi the night of their
+arrival and enjoyed it tremendously, although what I was going
+to say is that all of us have eaten at the local Morton's on
+several occasions and had an equally warm and welcoming
+reception and excellent meals.
+All DLV attendees do get issued with an official DLV badge. If
+your group is interested in offering a discount for either Trevi
+or Morton's I suspect you may get some additional business beyond
+the Wednesday night.
+I've attached two photos, one of the group outside Trevi and one
+taken by your barperson, in both cases I'm on the (extreme) right.
+Look forward to hearing from you
+Regards
+Michelle Jenkins.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jam session:
Susan writes:
>I'm glad to hear that everything is going so well for this year.
>Although I can't attend DLV, I could organize an acoustic jam on
>Friday at 11:00 PM at Zodies. It went well last year.
>I am in town until the end of April and can work it out with the
>venue. My SO Bob Miller, who is signed up for DLV and lives in
>Vegas full time, would co-organize and be there.
>I'd arrange to have a guitar or piano player there. I'm sure that
>if you schedule it, some of the attendees would offer to bring
>their instruments. Also I am there with Bob who sings every Friday
>night. Usually some other musicians come by.
>Would it be possible to announce this to the DLV people?
Most definitely! Thanks to you and Bob for taking the initiative
on this, since this was highly rated last year.
We'll make a preliminary announcement in the next general mailing
and we can add some questions to activity sign-up regarding what
instruments they will be bringing, etc.
This is a welcome addition, which will strengthen our Friday
lineup of activities significantly.
Also, since Bob will be taking the lead on this, I would like to
add Bob to the ORG mailings, but I want to have the OK from
you or Bob before I do this. Either you or Bob, please get back
to me on this.
>It's a fun night out that last week went on until 8 AM. The bar
>is TG friendly.
I'll note the duration as "open" on the schedule. :)
Thanks, Susan. :)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fashion Show:
Edy writes:
>I have not heard back from the agency that puts on the fashion
>show at the Fashion Show Maul. Its been over a week now. I will
>follow up... soon.
>Thanks Rosada for your offer of help and will let you know as
>things develope(or not). I do not expect much effort here an
>"organizer" except other to be a go between if they so choose
>to have a few of our girls on their runway at the Maul. It's
>THEIR event and we would only tag along to their liking if they
>are so inclined.
>It should be pointed out their fashion show happens only on
>Friday and Saturday on the hour in the afternoon. It is open
>of course to the general public right in the open area of the
>Maul. This "event" could easily be on our list as something to
>do saturday afternoon on a spectator basis, along with shopping
>and eating there. This would come under "Casual Fun" saturday
>afternoon.
Thanks Edy. :)
Please let us know as things develop.
I agree that Saturday is probably the best fit on our schedule
for this, but I'll hold off making a schedule entry until things
are more solid. Friday already has a few strong daytime things,
so I think you would get a better showing on Saturday, as we
don't have anything major on Saturday during the day.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Harmony Nail Spa:
Norma writes:
>>The big burning question on this is: Are you interested enough
>>to contact Paula and staff and coordinate arrangements for an
>>Open House type of thing?
>Me?
Yes, you. :)
>Are you asking me to coordinate this?
Yes, we are. :)
>Gosh!
Betcha by-golly wow! :)
>I suppose I could do this.
>It would have to be from afar, since I am in San Diego. I would need
>to be armed with some details.
Many of our people coordinate over a distance. I'm not in Las
Vegas and I've even coordinated the details of shows remotely.
As far as details are concerned, those are really up to you and
to the vendor.
>I suppose I would need a day and time slot in hand to propose
>to the spa. Or should I converse with them over the date and
>time?
Let's talk about date and time. I think it's best if you don't
plan this on a day where we have any other commercial vendor
doing a similar thing. That would leave Monday and Thursday out.
Tuesday has golf, and there's chatter about moving the Art Tour
to Tuesday from Wednesday. If that should happen, it does leave
somewhat of a vacuum on Wednesday.
Friday has a number of daytime things, plus it's rather late in
the week.
There's nothing that says it can't be Saturday, but I don't
think the staff would prefer that day.
Therefore, it looks like Tuesday or Wednesday would be the best
for this, Wednesday in particular if they move the Art Tour to
Tuesday.
>Do they have an email contact?
Here is what we have for e-mail:
Voice phone is:
702-555-5555
Thanks, Norma.
. . .
Update: Just this morning we received the following. It looks
like Paula is receptive. Norma, please contact Paula and work
out the details. Thanks.
+Hi There this is Paula from A Harmony
+Would like to offer some specials and a special open house as
+well let me know what your looking for
+Paula
+702-792-6245
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Magic show update:
In light of Nora's remarks below, I think that Friday will be
the best timeslot for this.
It looks like this will be a good reasonably-priced option for
a show this year.
We do need to make a firm decision on the day, and we'll need
to confirm the time. I checked the website and the only time I
see noted is 7:00pm. If that's the case, it will complicate
the dinner situation if this goes on Tuesday or Friday. It's
nothing that can't be worked around, but those attending will
either be on their own for food, or something post-Magic can
be slated in. ("Nora's Choice" on Friday could be moved to 9:00,
for example.)
Nora writes:
(From a conversation)
>Hi:
Hewwo. :)
>I received the following from the producers of the Cashetta show.
>The prices of the show run 49.95 and 59.95
+Hi Nora,
+I have the following price structure in place now for Groups at
+Magic's A Drag:
+8 - 10 People: 25% reduction in retail price
+11 - 19 People: 30% reduction in retail price
+20+ People: 35% reduction in retail price
+If you have like 75 people or more, we can talk about an
+additional reduction in price. Thank you for considering
+Magic's A Drag. I hope to hear from you soon.
+Derek
. . .
+>>It would be difficult to give an estimate as to the number that
+>>would be attending the show. The format of the event is that a
+>>program of events is provided to all registrants. The attendees
+>>then select the events that they are interested in.
+>>Last year we had approximately 175 registrants. This year we
+>>currently have 122 registered. With the event still 3 months
+>>away we are running substantially ahead of last year.
+>>In the past we have had 50 - 75 attend the shows that have been
+>>on the agenda. Shows are scheduled and we provide the
+>>information (date and price) to all registrants. Ticket
+>>purchasing is an individual choice and up to the each
+>>participant.
+>>I am waiting for the rest of the organizing committee to get
+>>back to me with the selected date. As I have indicated in my
+>>original email it will probably be scheduled for Friday May 15th.
+>>Wednesday or Thursday also remains a possibility at this time.
+>Thank you for your quick response.
+>My name is Derek Short. I am the Sales Manager for the Harmon
+>Theater in Las Vegas, home of Cashetta, Queen of Magic. I would
+>be happy to organize a group outing for your event in May to
+>Magic's A Drag. How many people do you think with attend? One I
+>get an idea of the number of attendees, I can give you an accurate
+>quote on ticket prices.
+>Thank you for your interest in the show and I look forward to
+>working with you on this event.
+>Derek Short / Sales Manager
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prime Rib Loft:
AJ writes:
>I'm looking at doing dinner at the prime rib loft as an alternative
>to trevi on wednesday night.
>Will this conflict with the limo tour.
Assuming the timing is right, no, this will not conflict with the
Limo Tour. The Limo Tour is scheduled to start at 9:00pm but may
be pushed back due to the Trevi timing.
I do, however, have some concerns.
Before we put this on the schedule, I think we need to consider
a few things.
First, I want to be sure that Michelle (Trevi) is ok with it. The
correspondence from Michelle does indicate that she is planning
for a single-track large-scale dinner.
Second, I think a better fit for Prime Rib Loft would be Friday
evening, as we still have somewhat of a vacuum there. That is
what I think the best option is for the Prime Rib Loft.
Third, if we have an alternative to Trevi, I think it should fill
a definite need, as opposed to being an alternative for the sake
of being an alternative. One principle we discussed for this year
is having as many low-cost options as possible. Trevi is not
outlandish by any means, but it's gonna cost $25 per person or
so, which may be a strain for those on a tight budget. If an
alternative is to be considered for dining on Wednesday evening,
I think it needs to be significantly lower in cost than Trevi,
and I'm sure that both Trevi and Prime Rib Loft will be in the
same order of magnitude, or about $25-ish per person.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MCC on Sunday:
Ginger writes:
>Let's look at announcing the MCC Sunday services as a public
>service; I suppose if an Episcopalian, Methodist, or other
>church complains we can announce their services too.
Agree.
However, I want this to be a group decision, on the record, and
that's why I raised the motion for it. Whether it's an "informal
announcement" or a "public service" or whatever we call it, it
still is an informal DLV function on Mothers Day and I want the
group's buy-in on it.
I want this to be a non-issue, but going back into history,
Mothers Day has been a real katzenjammer!
Should anybody b*tch about something on Mothers Day (and you
know that some people like to b*tch just to hear themselves
b*tch) :) I want to be able to say without any reservation
that there was a clear majority of the voting members in
support of it, and it was not somebody's arbitrary decision
(mine or anyone) to announce it.
If you (or anyone) don't remember how contentious the Mothers
Day issue was, just review the Discussion Forum archives in the
summer of 2003, which are actually in the 2004 archives. There
are some very heated items in there. (I have one item on file
that was so nasty I did not forward it to the list!) This was
more of a hornets' nest than the BDR issues. That is what
brought about our Mothers Day black-out period.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working schedule:
Diva Las Vegas 2009 schedule
Tentative and subject to change
All times Pacific Daylight Time
Monday, May 11:
11:00am: Studio Lites Open House (Studio Lites) - mv
1:00pm: Lunch With Ginger (Sahara Buffet) - ms
2:30pm: Roundtable Discussion (TBA) - sv
6:00pm: Happy Hour (Blue Ox) - mv
7:00pm: Dinner (Blue Ox) - mv
8:00pm: Welcome Meet and Greet (Blue Ox) - mv
Tuesday, May 12:
8:00am: Diva Las Vegas Invitational Golf (Desert Rose) - ms
1:00pm: Lunch With Mary Beth (Rio Buffet) - ms
6:00pm: Happy Hour (various)
7:00pm: Eating Out Night (various)
7:00pm: Milanos option (Milanos) - ms
7:00pm: Nora's choice (TBA) - ms
7:00pm: Quiet evening at home option (See notes) - sv
7:00pm: Dicks Last Resort option (Dicks Last Resort) - ms
7:00pm: Joes Stone Crab option (Joes - Caesars) - ms
9:00pm: Activity options (various)
9:00pm: Night At The Movies (TBA) - ms
9:00pm: Pajama Party (See notes) - sv
9:00pm: Pub Crawl (various) - sv
9:00pm: Minus-5 (Mandalay Bay) - ms
9:30pm: Theater Night (Palazzo) - ms
Wednesday, May 13:
10:00am: Art Tour, morning session (tba) - ms
1:00pm: Lunch With Ginger (Paris Buffet) - ms
2:00pm: Art Tour, afternoon session (tba) - ms
6:00pm: Happy Hour (TBA)
7:00pm: Dinner (Trevi) - ms
9:00pm: Limousine Tour (Caesars) - ms
Thursday, May 14:
2:00am: Charles Bar (Bellagio) - ms
11:00am: Glamour Boutique Open House (Glamour Boutique) - sv
1:00pm: Lunch With Ginger (Harrahs Buffet) - ms
5:00pm: Night Of The Soiled Doves (CR) - mv
6:00pm: Local Happy Hour (Bellagio - Petrossian Bar) - ms
7:00pm: Local dinner (Bellagio) - ms
Friday, May 15:
9:00am: Pistol/rifle shooting (Desert Lakes) - ms
9:00am: Boat Tour Breakfast (Bradleys BBQ) - ms
12:00n: Lake Mead Boat Tour (Lake Mead) - ms
1:00pm: Lunch With Ginger (Bellagio Buffet) - ms
1:00pm: Lunch Without Ginger (Sahara Buffet) - ms
2:00pm: High Tea (Four Seasons) - ms
6:00pm: Happy Hour (various)
7:00pm: Dining options (various)
7:00pm: Nora's choice (TBA) - ms
7:00pm: Upscale option (Roy's) - ms
7:00pm: Murder Mystery interactive option (Glamour Boutique) - sv
7:00pm: Do your own thing option (You tell me)
9:00pm: Activity options (various)
9:00pm: Socializing option (TBA) - sv
9:00pm: Dancing option (TBD) - ms
9:00pm: Gaming option (TBA) - ms
9:00pm: Do your own thing option (You tell me)
11:00pm: Acoustic Jam Session (Zodies) - mv
Saturday, May 16:
6:00pm: Happy Hour (Bahama Breeze) - ms
7:00pm: Dinner (Bahama Breeze) - ms
8:00pm: Ending Bash (Bahama Breeze) - ms
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Administrivia:
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Diva Las Vegas 2009
May 11 - 16, 2009
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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