From: Diva Las Vegas organizers (dlvorg@geekbabe.com)
Date: Thu May 28 2009 - 08:28:28 CDT
In this mailing:
Org List
This mailing
Laundry list
What worked - general concepts
Trouble spots and challenges
Boat Tour Breakfast
Charles Bar Report
Shooting Report
Observations on the Limo Tour
Response from Venetian properties
Numbers game
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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This mailing:
Summarizing and follow-up continues. Thanks to all who have
sent in summaries. Keep 'em coming, gang! :)
Please, everyone, if you can help us finish up the headcounts
for the activities listed below, please send in some numbers.
Unofficial total headcount now stands at 147, with more to come
I'm sure. I'm not at all disappointed in this number, even
though our final number will most likely show a 15% decrease
from 2008. I believe that the 176 number in 2008 was a spike
(variance) and not a trend, and that the economy did take its
toll this year, but not as much as we once thought.
The Call For Volunteers, the last of the planned special
mailings, will go out Friday. All recent mailings will be
repeated and summarized in a general mailing this next
week.
Keep those photos coming, gang! :)
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Laundry list:
A few Big Burning Questions we need to have answered in order
to wrap up and summarize the 2009 event ...
. . . . .
Did the StarTrek Night At The Movies actually happen as
planned? Was Amber Michelle present to lead the group?
. . . . .
Is anyone aware of a group of our people being told not to
use a ladies room at Bellagio during the limo tour? Anyone
know any details about this?
. . . . .
Still need approximate headcounts on the following:
Anyone: Pre-DLV MCC: ?????
Anyone: (Monday) Late-night Get-Together (Paris): ?????
Marisa: Dos Caminos option (Dos Caminos - Palazzo): ?????
Lisa: Pub Crawl: ?????
AJ: Drinks at Encore: ?????
Anyone: Glamour Boutique Open House: ?????
AJ: Local Happy Hour (Bellagio - Petrossian Bar): ?????
AJ: Local dinner (Bellagio): ?????
Anyone: Post-NSD gathering (Escape Lounge): ?????
Wynn option (Wynn): ?????
Kimberly Komplin: Pity Party: ?????
Anyone: (Saturday) Dancing option (Krave): ?????
Anyone: (Saturday) Gaming option (Paris): ?????
Anyone: (Saturday) Socializing option (Goodtimes) ?????
Post-DLV MCC: ?????
Thanks, Gang.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What worked - general concepts:
As I think back, I can cite a number of factors which
contributed to the success of DLV this year, including:
1. More involvement by first-time volunteers. Fresh faces,
fresh ideas, fresh ways of doing things.
Big thanks again to the new and first-time volunteers for
significantly adding to this year's event! :)
. . .
2. New and different activities.
Things like the Murder Mystery, Pistol/rifle shooting,
Fashion Show, etc. Things we've never done during past DLVs.
DLV 2009 was most definitely not a rewind-replay of 2008!
. . .
3. New venues.
PT's Pub, Claim Jumper, Joes Stone Crab, Dos Caminos, Cantina
at Tuscany, McMullans Irish Pub, Coffee Cup Restaurant, Roy's.
This list seems to go on and on. :)
. . .
4. Repeats and expansions of sure-fire winners:
I'm citing both the activities and the venues themselves in
this class.
Things like the Dinner and Welcome Celebration at the Blue Ox,
Expanding Trevi to a larger-scale activity, Theater Night.
We did mix things around a bit, different nights and varied
schedule. No complaints of same-old-same-old this year. (At
least none that I have heard.)
. . .
5. Mainstream/alternative balance.
This was one thing I was paying particular attention to this
year, before, during, and after DLV.
I don't think that anyone can say that this year we had any
kind of a shortage of mainstream activities and venues.
Here's a rough peg count, day to day. I've combined several
sequential activities (HH, dinner, etc.) into one count in
a few cases here.
Sunday, Pre-DLV:
Mainstream: 1
Alternative: 1
Monday, May 11:
Mainstream: 3
Alternative: 1
Tuesday, May 12:
Mainstream: 10
Alternative: 3
Wednesday, May 13:
Mainstream: 6
Alternative: 1
Thursday, May 14:
Mainstream: 5
Alternative: 3
Friday, May 15:
Mainstream: 9
Alternative: 3
Saturday, May 16:
Mainstream: 4
Alternative: 2
Totals:
Mainstream: 38
Alternative: 14
If anything, our options were tilted in the direction of
mainstream this year.
Now, looking particularly at prime-time evening mainstream
options.
There were no evenings which did not have mainstream options.
The only evening for which it might be said that the featured
prime-time activities were tilted toward alternative was
Friday, but there were several mainstream options as well
on Friday evening.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trouble spots and challenges:
1. Ride share.
In particular, this appeared to be troublesome for newcomers
who did not arrive by Monday and needed rides during the rest
of the week.
A suggestion was made to obtain cell phone numbers of drivers
and riders to be added to the ride share list. I'm not sure
how many will give permission to print their cell numbers,
but it's worth a try.
. . . . .
2. Tardiness and schedule slippage.
I only heard of one case of an activity running overtime this
year, and that was that the Art Tour Lunch took much longer
than expected, primarily due to facility personnel issues.
I heard that there were issues of some foursomes being slow
on the golf course, thus holding up other DLV groups and
others not with DLV. I really don't know what, if anything,
can be done here.
There were a number of cases where attendees arrived late at
various activities. I know we had people trickling in to Trevi
long after the dinner start time. This (some arriving late)
is something we're gonna have to live with to a certain
extent.
Nora reported to me that she had someone phone, asking why
there was nobody at a carpool staging area, when the time
of the carpool departure had long passed. :)
Overall, I think we did a good job sticking to the schedule
this year.
. . . . .
3. Missed connections
Only one of these that I am aware of, and I'm not sure I
have the whole story, that being the Star Trek Movie Night.
Apparently there was some confusion over which parking garage
was the rendezvous location, and the start time of the feature.
. . . . .
4. Last-minute changes
There was one last-minute venue change, the shooting activity,
and notice of this missed primary mailing of the LFM. I think
all was done that could be done to pass the word on this.
. . . . .
5. Issues and incidents
As far as restrooms, this year I heard more reports of "no
issue" in using public restrooms than I heard of negative
issues or incidents.
. . .
I'm aware of one significant restroom incident, Palazzo, at
one stop on the Limo Tour. I've heard a few different versions
of the story. The bottom line is that we had a number of our
people use restrooms (both M and F) in the vicinity of a large
and conspicuous group of DLVers.
One attendee reported to me that she used a public ladies
room at the Palazzo during that stop without incident, but
left the assembled group and used a restroom far away over
by the showroom.
There may have been a similar incident at the Bellagio.
. . .
There was a report confirming the restroom nazi situation
at Freezone.
. . .
There was a restroom issue, not an incident, at Bahama
Breeze this year.
Unknown to us prior to Saturday of DLV week this year, it
was said that there were complaints about our restroom
usage in 2008. This was quite a surprise to both Nora and
I, since we've always regarded BB as one venue where there
were never any issues or incidents.
Things were worked out to the satisfaction of all, and the
agreement was as follows:
1. We were allowed full access to all facilities.
2. As a courtesy, we would request (not require) that our
people use the unisex restroom if it was open.
The management of BB, to our surprise, was very reluctant
to allow our people to use the ladies room, despite years
of no issues. It took a couple innings of hardball, and an
attempted phone call to corporate, to convince the GM that
full and equal access was appropriate.
The GM finally got through to corporate, who confirmed
that his decision (full and equal access) was the correct
one.
IMAO, in this age, the only acceptable arrangement for use
of a facility is full and equal access, the same as all
other customers would expect! As we know from the Civil
Right movement, "separate but equal" is not equal. Again
IMAO, five years ago or so, 2004 or so, yes, it was probably
acceptable for a "designated restroom" to be assigned, but
times have changed and attitudes are changing. If we accept
anything other than full and equal access, we are accepting
ourselves as second class citizens!
We're seeing TG-inclusive anti-discrimination legislation
beginning to cover such things in some areas. There is a
bill of this type making its way through the Nevada
Legislature. Hopefully, soon, we will have some legal
protection in this area.
Thus endeth the sermon! :)
. . .
One behavior incident that I am aware of:
At Bahama Breeze, Nora and I were approached by the GM (same
person as above) who told us that one of the waiters had
complained to him that one of our people "grabbed his ass"
as he was taking drink orders.
I asked him if he could identify who it was. He said that
he was not sure.
We apologized on behalf of the group and told them both that
if anything like that ever happened again, we would support
their decision if they wanted to '86' the offender.
. . .
Two dress/appearance issues that I am aware of:
1. Outfit that was borderline for a mainstream venue at
Trevi. The coordinator of record observed that this was
on the edge of what was appropriate, but not severe enough
to warrant any action. Other organizers who were consulted
agreed.
2. One attendee at Bahama Breeze who BADLY needed a shave.
Organizers decided to let it slide, since it was the last
night.
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Boat Tour Breakfast:
Britney writes:
>Hello,
Hewwo. :)
>Confirming the Friday - Boat Tour Breakfast headcount was: 14
>Service at the World Famous Coffee Cup was excellent. I have
>written two positive reviews for them online. Recommend others
>write appropriate venue reviews as appropriate to each case.
>Reward good service.
Thanks, Britney.
Please don't forget our own Big List for reviews:
http://www.geekbabe.com/dlv/vendors/
Yes, Coffee Cup is in there. :)
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Charles Bar Report:
>We had about 22 people show up for Charles's Bar.
>We were looking forward to a larger contingent of the Wild
>Side group, but only a few showed up, and behaved wonderfully!
>We've already made some plans to include the Wild Side group at
>Charles's Bar next year. It was a uneventful time, no problems,
>Charles was in his prime and was really happy to see us. He
>actually looks forward to seeing us every year. In case you
>haven't heard Charles Got married this year to a lady named
>Stacie. We got a congratulatory card and made a reasonably
>good collection to give him a Wedding Gift. He was very
>thankful.
>I'd like a bigger attendance next year, but we will always be
>there one evening during the week.
I think the only reason that we'll never have a huge gang
there is the time that Charles is there. I'm normally OK to
go all night, but this year I started fading about 3:30. I
realized that I could still walk under my own power back to
the hotel, but if I had another drink I would have to be
carried out, so I departed while I was still able. :)
>On a side note, Charles shared where his wife is working
>(Famous Dave's BBQ on Blue Diamond) and we stopped there
>to meet her after the NSD. It was great, we closed the
>place with some good BBQ and some fun. Stacie was as
>wonderful with us as Charles.
I was with that group that stopped at Famous Dave's. I
think this has a possibility for something like an Eating
Out Night venue for next year, if not even a larger scale
dining thing.
It's a bit off the beaten path, but not so much that it
would be a real deterrent.
For those who don't know Famous Dave's, it's a BBQ chain
which has expanded from regional to national over the last
few years. It originated in Wisconsin (yeah, I know, you
don't think of Wisconsin and BBQ) :) and has been in the
upper midwest for years. Despite it being a chain, it is
consistently good.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shooting Report:
Gina writes:
>We had a total of eight show up. I really felt bad about the
>shooting, we had to move the venue after the Final Mailing
>because the original range rented out their whole facility for
>the day we were scheduled.
>We went to Discount Firearms on Highland, which was much more
>convenient but more controlled than I would have liked.
>It is an excellent indoor range, unfortunately the light was
>low and the sights on my rifles were designed for shooting
>matches in high brightness environments. So it was a little
>hard to see the sights.
>Overall the facility was very accepting with no problems
>reported, the staff was friendly and helpful. The only
>comment from them was that High Heels weren't a great
>fashion choice for shooting.
>My recommendations were casual dressed down, jeans etc. But
>whatever people wore was fine. Michelle that evil women from
>New Zealand is an AR-15 fanatic, shooting nearly 500 rounds!
>It's fun to introduce people ot my favorite sport.
>I intend to hold another shoot next year at the original range,
>Desert Lakes, and I'll make sure to get a better reservation
>for that day.
Thanks for the report, Gina.
This is a very good example of something that is very unusual
for a TG gathering, but one which works well for our event.
I really think we did all we could to pass the word about the
change of venue of this.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Observations on the Limo Tour:
JoAnn writes (first-person, no quoting):
Flexibility [going with the flow] and thinking of the group's
fun [as a whole] has always been the objective. But the best
plans of Mice & Men sometimes just fail!
The only CHALLENGE, as I see it, is the fact that there will
always be a very limited number who will be unhappy no matter
what. However, there are things we can do to improve.
. . .
Issue: Getting sign-ups finalized and paid by the deadline.
Problem: People come on different days and whatever deadline we
have for payment there seems someone cannot meet it.
Solution: Annie and Glamor Boutique have provided a solution.
The sign-up list is sent to Glamor Boutique for a call-in Credit
Card payment. Also there would be a "cash only" waiting list.
There will be a surcharge per sign-up for this service. When we
fill eight(8) limos that is the limit. Only three(3) limos will be
4 passengers each.
. . .
Issue: Tour stops need to provide for a fun evening, no exceptions.
Problem: Everyone has a different definition of "fun", and others
are concerned about how far to walk and being in public. All of
which can stop the fun!
Solution: We will list the stops in the sign-up. Then people can
make a decision accordingly. Some stops [depending on one's
perspective] will be good and some will be less... a given! The
persons signing-up need to take this into consideration. Also we
will try to keep as our main route via Las Vegas Blvd. whenever
possible for the "audience factor" unless we get behind schedule.
And the tour will include the Bellegio and its "water show".
. . .
Issue: Having a restroom stop that is not problematic, and
available when needed.
Problem: Timing is everything!! And having a place that
accommodates transgenders is always a challenge.
Solution: There will be a designated [previously verified]
which in the least have unisex facilities and/or are
transgender friendly.
. . .
Issue: Loading the Limos.
Problem: The staging area needs to be adequate to accommodate
all of the Limo.
Solution: The staging area needs to accommodate all of the Limos
at the same time, and no Limo leaves until all of the Limos are
loaded and ready. If the schedule gets delayed so be it. We
will try to get on schedule or drop out a stop.
. . .
On behalf of the Limo Team [Annie, Marilyn, Mary Beth, and
myself] I want to make it clear that we did heard many
positives. And there was a lot of great conversations in the
limos as you traveled from venue to venue. It just seems that
the few negatives seem to overshadow the many positives. We
will try again next year, suggestions included.
JoAnn
Madame of the Limo Tour - 2009
. . . . .
Thanks, JoAnn.
As one who is probably going to take some heat for the
shortcomings of the LT this year, I appreciate the forward
looking approach and the emphasis on solutions. It just
seemed this year that issue upon issue occurred. Some I
talked to did have fun, but there was some disappointment
in the LT this year. :(
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Response from Venetian properties:
Mary Beth writes:
+From: Ramos, Kristal <e-mail removed on web archive copy>
+Sent: Wed, 27 May 2009 4:36 pm
+Subject: RE: Commendation to your team member Hsiu-Ting
+Dear Ms. Cooper,
+Thank you for allowing us to host you during your recent visit
+and for taking the time to share your letter of appreciation.
+We are humbled to have received such thoughtful comments, for
+there really is no greater satisfaction, as a customer service
+professional, than receiving kind words from a valued guest.
+Your feedback is a testament and reflection of the continued
+success of The Palazzo's diligent strides towards personalized
+and second-to-none service and for our clear and paramount
five-diamond vision.
+I am very happy to hear that Ms. Hsiu-Ting was able to extend
+such remarkable service to you and your guests. I am sure that
+she will be delighted to know that her exceptional service
+contributed to the overall enjoyment of your stay and has made
+all of you feel welcome at our property.
+We value all of our guests regardless of valued similarities
+and precious differences, and Ms. Hsiu-Ting truly reflects
+our beliefs and practices of equality. Please be assured
+that I have forwarded your kind comments to her management
+team as well as our Executive team so that they too may learn
+of and recognize her for her efforts.
+Ms. Cooper, we truly appreciate that you have so graciously
+allowed us the opportunity to learn about your recent
+experience. All of us here at The Palazzo look forward to
+hosting you again in the near future as we continue to
+diligently strive in providing you with our Unmatched Guest
+Service standards. Please do not ever hesitate to contact me
+should you need any assistance in the future.
+I look forward to welcoming you all back again real soon.
+With Kind Regards,
+Kristal R. Ramos
+Coordinator | Guest Relations
+Phone: 702.414.1039 | Fax: 702.414.3636
Please join me in thanking Mary Beth for taking the initiative
to prepare and send this note. TG business is good business,
and the facilities are realizing this.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Numbers game:
Some adjustments made since last posting.
Pre-DLV PTs: ca. 20
Studio Lites Open House: ca. 25
Lunch With Ginger (Stratosphere buffet): 12
Happy Hour, Dinner, Welcome Meet and Greet (Blue Ox): 105
Harmony Nail Spa Open House (Harmony Nail Spa): ca. 10
Diva Las Vegas Invitational Golf (Desert Rose): 16
Lunch With Mary Beth (Rio Buffet): 12
SO Get-Together (Claim Jumper): 8
Magic's A Drag show (Krave - Harmon Theater): 18
Joes Stone Crab option (Joes - Caesars): 16
Quiet evening at home option: 8
Pajama Party: 8
Milanos option (Milanos): 10
Post-show dinner (Cantina - Tuscany): 20
Star Trek IMAX Experience: ca. 8
Theater Night - Jersey Boys (Palazzo): ca. 20
Art Tour, morning session (Atomic Test Museum): 15
Lunch With Ginger (Paris Buffet): 13
Art Tour Lunch (Artisan): ca. 21
Art Tour, afternoon session (Bellagio): ca. 12
Happy Hour, Dinner (Trevi): ca. 44
Official group photo (Caesars): ca. 40
Limousine Tour (Caesars): 46 + 2 stowaways, total: 48
Karaoke (Goodtimes Lounge): ca. 30
Charles Bar (Bellagio): ca. 22
Lunch With Ginger (Harrahs Buffet): 8
Night Of The Soiled Doves (CR): 44
Irish Pubbing (McMullans Irish Pub): ca. 25
Pistol/rifle shooting: 8
Boat Tour Breakfast: 14
Lake Mead Boat Tour: ca. 13
Lunch With Ginger (Bellagio Buffet): 5
High Tea (Four Seasons): 11
Affordable option (Komol): 19
Upscale option (Roy's): 11
Murder Mystery interactive: 21
Acoustic Jam Session: ca. 15
Gaming option (Paris): 4
SBS Social (Blue Ox): 26
Fashion Show Mall Fashion Show: 12
Happy Hour, Dinner, Ending Bash: 80
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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 (concluded)
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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