From: Diva Las Vegas organizers (dlvorg@geekbabe.com)
Date: Sun May 03 2009 - 04:31:02 CDT
In this mailing:
Org List
Week-out updates
Sahara Buffet and such
Irish Pub, etc.
Getting around
Volunteer drivers
Last notes for the Art Tour
Working schedule
Administrivia
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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.
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Week-out updates:
Overall, I think things are looking real good for next week's
event!
A few minor snags and concerns have emerged. Nothing we can't
deal with.
We also have a few decisions that need to be made ASAP as time
is getting tight.
I'm assuming that all activities, all support functions, etc.
are "GO" as of this time.
Again, gang, please, if you know of any snag, potential foul-
up, volunteer who can't make it, etc., it's much better to
hear about it on Sunday of THIS week, as opposed to Sunday of
NEXT week!
As you see below, the Monday Lunch With Ginger has been fork-
lifted into a new location. I'm also cancelling the Lunch
Without Ginger on Friday for the same reason. If anyone wants
to reincarnate it in another location, be my guest, or in
this case I will be your guest. :)
. . . . .
Please excuse me if this mailing seems a bit disorganized and
scatterbrained. I started it on Friday but more and more kept
coming in and it kinda got less and less organized each day.
. . . . .
The schedule freeze is still planned for tomorrow evening and
the Large Final Mailing is still on track for Tuesday.
. . . . .
Latest numbers:
I was about to say that we had 186 validated and reconfirmed,
and we did as of Saturday morning, but we did have a mini-flurry
of cancellations right after the last general mailing went out.
This was partly offset by the smaller mini-flurry of recent
registrations.
We're now sitting at 182 which results in a machine-predicted
turnout of back down to 140. We have two other registrations in
various stages. That second number was continuing to creep up
closer to the long-ago predicted total turnout of 150 until
today. Now it settled back a bit.
This appears to be the effect of the economy that we've held
our breath waiting to see this year.
The cancellation-pending list has dropped to 18. One more
round of sign-up mailings will go out today, then that's it.
This flurry of flurries had no earthshaking effects on any
activity sign-ups or waiting lists.
. . . . .
If there is a silver lining at all in the cloud of the Swine
Flu<tm> pandemic it is that one couple who had planned to
visit Cancun over DLV week has changed plans and now will
be joining us at DLV. :)
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Sahara Buffet and such:
Ginger writes:
>You were prophetic!
Actually, it wasn't me. (Sim salla bim!) IIRC it was Holly
who called the heads-up on this one.
>The Sahara Buffet does not open until 4:00 p.m. M-F, it is
>open for brunch only on Saturday and Sunday.
>We need to go elsewhere. The Stratosphere Buffet is open and
>unless we have a huge turnout I think it would accommodate us.
>However, we may want to try another hotel or restaurant.
>You are the expert what's your advice and call?
Stratosphere is probably just as good or just as bad as any
of the same class. I'm assuming you want a reasonably priced
one in here. The only other one that comes to mind immediately
that we are not using is the Gold Coast.
If you recall we got complaints about Palace Station last
year and Hilton the year before.
Flamingo buffet has majorly slipped from what I hear, and the
IP buffet is consistently 144. Ditto with Circus**2.
Riviera buffet used to be very consistently "ok", but I
haven't eaten there in a while and can't really comment
on what it's like in the recession days.
And from a later note ...
>On Monday May 11 Lunch WILL BE at the Stratosphere and they
>are happy to have us. They will add a 18% gratuity and work
>to seat us together -- she asked me to call that morning and
>remind them so they would be prepared.
>I told the manager on duty who we were and she said "Baby
>this is Vegas!"
Thanks, Ginger. I'll get things updated. I hold in my hand
the Last Envelope<tm> and it says {rip-poof!} $8.59 per
person. With the nuis^H^H^H^Hgratuity, that comes to $10.14
per person and I'll put that on the schedule.
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Irish Pub, etc.:
Susan writes:
>My cell phone number is 845 555 5555. I would appreciate it if
>you give this only to people with questions about any of the
>events that I am organizing. You can publish my e-mail to all
>if you think it necessary. What is the e-mail address that you
>give for private correspondence?
Thanks. It's on the list with notes that it goes to those
going to McMullans, Karaoke, and Jam Session only.
The personal e-mail that I use for most DLV correspondence is
annie@annie.net which is a very difficult one to remember. :)
. . . . .
>I'm pleasantly surprised by the interest in the Irish Pubbing
>event. The reservation that I made with the pub is for 25.
>I'll accept your math concerning how many people will show.
I have a feeling that this will be a well-liked activity. :)
As of now I show that 26 are signed up and the machine thinks
that 19 of them will show. For an activity that's "sign-up
requested", that show-up number is usually within +/- 10% of
the real-world turnout and almost always within +/- 20%.
Just a caution. I've seen it be way off on a couple occasions
too. Two examples I can think of right off hand ... Once when
I told Milanos that "about 15-20 or so" would be there and we
got almost 40! Another time there was some kind of a delay at
a dinner before a show, and the box office ended up selling
our group only about 1/2 as many tickets as we told them they
would sell. :(
For this activity, I would put my money on the 19 number,
maybe a few more. It's up against a big gun (NSD) but one
with a limited capacity which is full.
You also don't have anything intense which is immediately
before it which might spoil your turnout.
>I'm going to Mcmullan's tonight at 6 PM for dinner and to see
>what Thursday's are like. I'll find out if the dining room that
>we will be using can seat more than 25. We may be able to squeeze
>in a few extra chairs. Or the last to sign up could fend for
>themselves.
>They have a room that they would open for large events. They
>don't charge for the room. But the menu would be limited to
>what we ordered in advance and a more exact count would be
>needed. What do you think?
If I were in charge of this one (which I'm not), I would limit
sign-up at a number which the restaurant was willing to serve
from the full menu. When there's been a limited menu, it tends
to draw complaints from our people, plus it shows up on the
enjoyment rating of the activity on the survey.
For this one, I don't think you will run into a mob that the
pub can't handle. Over 95% of the sign-ups that are coming in
are already in, so the number you saw on the last report is
very close to your final number.
. . . . .
>I have a suggestion concerning rides to the events for our
>visiters. What about suggesting that they use the discussion
>page to coordinate with others going from a to b locations?
>Pooling resources for a taxi is a reasonable way to get
>around.
I like this suggestion, and I'm going to add a note in this
week's general mailing to that effect. Thanks. Good one!
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Getting around:
Edy writes:
>Whoever needs some help getting around prior to dlv, call
>Edy at 412-425-4474. I'll be in Vegas early and probably
>can help you.
. . .
And Marisa writes:
>Hi annie, I could help you with the errands on Sunday afternoon.
>Saturday might open up for me too. There is a Fedex Kinko's in
>the parking lot close to Bahama Breeze and an Office Max just
>NE of there at 2837 S Maryland Pkwy.
Thanks Edy and Marisa. I may contact one of you on Sunday. I
don't think I'm gonna need to hit Office Max/Depot but I will
need to visit Kinko's. If the weather is decent I may just
walk down there. If not I may be asking for a lift. Thanks
again. :)
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Volunteer drivers:
Although the number of individuals who have volunteered to
drive (74) far exceeds the number who said they would need a
ride (26) by almost threefold, a few activities are showing
a definite shortage of drivers who are signed up.
I suggest that the coordinators of these activities be
very proactive, beginning as soon as DLV gets underway,
in actively recruiting additional drivers from your ranks
and matching them up with those who need rides.
The big one that I'm concerned about is the Boat Tour,
specifically the second carpool for those not going to
the breakfast.
Karaoke has 27 signed up but only 3 drivers, all of them
local, none from the hotels.
The upscale (Roy's) dining option on Friday has only
two drivers indicated.
I think if those of you who are coordinating these activities
are willing to do a little legwork to assure those who want
to attend have a ride, you'll get a better turnout.
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Last notes for the Art Tour:
Sarah writes:
>Just a couple of Art Tour related items to be included
>whereever you want to place them. As you go over it and
>see anything that doesn't make sense or there is something
>missing, please let me know.
First of all, Sarah, I don't know where I'm gonna fit this
in at this late date, particularly the turn-by-turn
directions. It's much too much even for the detailed
schedule and there is no planned overall set of directions
this year.
I'm thinking that a post to the Discussion Forum may be
the best for it. It won't hit everyone, but at this late
date it may be the best fit.
>First: Directions to the Atomic Test Museum.
>755 E. Flamingo Rd.
>Las Vegas NV 89119
>Telephone: (702) 794-5161
>Museum Store: (702) 794-5150
>http://www.atomictestingmuseum.org/index.html
Atomic Test Museum, Artisan, and Bellagio are all on the main
activity map. Street addresses, phone numbers, etc., are on
the final detailed schedule.
>We will offer to do some car pooling or lead a caravan from
>the Glamour Boutique parking lot to the museum if anyone wants
>to take advantage of that offer.
Ok, remember the old line? Be careful what you ask for, you
may get it. You asked if I thought anything did not make
sense. :)
Let's see here ... how do I put this without sounding like
I'm poo-pooing your ideas here ...
I'm questioning the logic of having a carpool/assembly point
when the assembly point (in this case GB) is farther away from
most of our suggested hotels (IP, Paris, ST, AP, GC) than are
the final destinations (ATM, Bellagio, Artisan).
I think a carpool WOULD make sense to go to the Artisan (see
below) but would not be necessary for ATM and Bellagio.
If you're going to do a carpool at the beginning of the Art
Tour, I suggest you launch it from one of the suggested hotels,
preferably one which has a good number of your participants.
(If you don't know how to look this stuff up, let me know
and I will assist.)
Another data point, you've got gobs of drivers signed up for
the Art Tour. (10 - count 'em - 10) :) Good mix of those who
are local and those in the hotels. This is one activity where
I'm confident that you have far more available seats than
tushes that need them. :) You'll probably find that very few
Art Tour people will be hurting for a ride.
In any case, from prior notes I currently have the ticket
booth at the ATM as the "official" meeting point for the
morning Art Tour. If you want this changed, let me know.
(Reminder: Final schedule will go into a "freeze" Monday.)
I would strongly suggest that there be one and only one assembly
point, with no IFs, ORs, or MAYBEs in there. :) In the heat of
battle, our people tend to be confused with clear concise
instructions. Adding If-Then-Dothis-Else-Dothat into the mix
adds to the confusion and misunderstanding.
>After the museum we can either go directly to the Artisan for
>lunch or drop a few cars off at the Bellagio and car pool from
>there to reduce valet issues at the Artisan.
>Artisan Hotel
>1501 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89102
The Artisan! {sigh}
If there is any one venue which needs explicit directions and
a heads-up, this is it! We were gonna drop by there on the bar
tour last year, but the idea of mandatory valet parking scared
one driver and NOBODY seemed to be able to understand how to
get to it.
Their published street address is deceptive, and even WITH
turn-by-turn directions, getting into that enclave which is
shoehorned between the expressway and the tracks is very
confusing! IIRC, the turn is marked "Highland Drive" on
both eastbound and westbound Sahara, but it's very easy to
miss and easy to make a wrong turn in the rat-maze of plaid
streets and alleys under the overpass.
I might suggest that you do something like "Follow me, keep
close, phone if you lose me", and expect a few phone calls,
even from those who are tight-tailing you!
I'm gonna TRY to get some kind of a succinct hint on how to
get into that place on the final schedule.
>The meeting place for the Afternoon Art Tour will be just
>inside the doors from the self park near the Bellagio
>Conservatory.
I have this noted on the final schedule.
>Phone numbers for Art Tour Contacts:
>JoAnn - 831-555-5555
>Randi - 602-555-5555
I'll add these to the big phone contact list, with appropriate
notes.
I'll massage your complete submission and post it (under your
name, of course, LOL) in the Discussion Forum, but I'm very
uneasy posting phone numbers there. If you want those to be
included, you can make a follow-up posting.
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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 (Stratosphere buffet) - ms
6:00pm: Happy Hour (Blue Ox) - mv
7:00pm: Dinner (Blue Ox) - mv
8:00pm: Welcome Meet and Greet (Blue Ox) - mv
11:00pm: Late-night Get-Together (Paris) - ms
Tuesday, May 12:
8:00am: Diva Las Vegas Invitational Golf (Desert Rose) - ms
9:00am: Harmony Nail Spa Open House (Harmony Nail Spa) - mv
1:00pm: Lunch With Mary Beth (Rio Buffet) - ms
2:00pm: SO Get-Together (Claim Jumper)
6:00pm: Happy Hour (various)
7:00pm: Magic's A Drag show (Krave - Harmon Theater) - sv
7:00pm: Eating Out Night (various)
7:00pm: Joes Stone Crab option (Joes - Caesars) - ms
7:00pm: Quiet evening at home option (See notes) - sv
7:00pm: Milanos option (Milanos) - ms
9:00pm: Post-show dinner (Cantina - Tuscany) - ms
9:00pm: Activity options (various)
9:00pm: Star Trek IMAX Experience (Palms - Brenden Theater) - ms
9:00pm: Pub Crawl (Start at Goodtimes) - sv
9:00pm: Pajama Party (See notes) - sv
9:30pm: Theater Night - Jersey Boys (Palazzo) - ms
Wednesday, May 13:
10:30am: Art Tour, morning session (Atomic Test Museum) - ms
1:00pm: Lunch With Ginger (Paris Buffet) - ms
1:00pm: Art Tour Lunch (Artisan) - mv
2:30pm: Art Tour, afternoon session (Bellagio) - ms
5:30pm: Happy Hour (Trevi) - ms
6:30pm: Dinner (Trevi) - ms
9:00pm: Official group photo (Caesars) - ms
9:30pm: Drinks at Encore (Encore) - ms
9:30pm: Karaoke (Goodtimes Lounge) - sv
9:30pm: 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: Irish Pubbing (McMullans Irish Pub) - ms
7:00pm: Local dinner (Bellagio) - ms
11:00pm: Post-NSD gathering (Escape Lounge) - sv
Friday, May 15:
9:00am: Pistol/rifle shooting (Desert Lakes) - ms
9:00am: Boat Tour Breakfast carpool assembly (Las Vegas Outlet Center) - ms
10:00am: Boat Tour Breakfast (Coffee Cup Restaurant) - ms
10:15am: Boat Tour carpool assembly (Las Vegas Outlet Center) - ms
12:00n: Lake Mead Boat Tour (Lake Mead) - ms
1:00pm: Lunch With Ginger (Bellagio Buffet) - ms
2:00pm: High Tea (Four Seasons) - ms
6:00pm: Happy Hour (various)
7:00pm: Dining options (various)
7:00pm: Upscale option (Roy's) - ms
7:00pm: Affordable option (Komol) - 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: Gaming option (Paris) - ms
9:00pm: Do your own thing option (You tell me)
10:00pm: Pity Party (Glamour Boutique) - sv
11:00pm: Acoustic Jam Session (Glamour Boutique) - sv
Saturday, May 16:
1:00pm: SBS Social (Blue Ox) - mv
2:00pm: Fashion Show Mall Fashion Show (Fashion Show Mall) - ms
6:00pm: Happy Hour (Bahama Breeze) - ms
7:00pm: Dinner (Bahama Breeze) - ms
8:00pm: Ending Bash (Bahama Breeze) - ms
10:00pm: Suggested no-host options (Various)
10:00pm: Dancing option (Krave) - sv
10:00pm: Gaming option (Paris) - ms
10:00pm: Socializing option (Goodtimes) - sv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Administrivia:
This is the Diva Las Vegas 2009 organizational list.
One address for all items regarding this list, additions, removals,
changes, submissions, questions, etc.:
dlvorg@geekbabe.com <--- NOTE: all lower case
Diva Las Vegas 2009
May 11 - 16, 2009
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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