In this mailing:
Org List
Big thanks again
Joann's Thoughts
Laundry list
One option off the table
Schedule review
Absinthe and D&D
Will be attending
Swapping, eating, and sinking
Volunteer help
Limo volunteer
Mexican details
High Tea details
Dining on Sunday
Koffee Korner timing
Administrivia
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Org List:
This is the DLV 2013 Organizational Mailing List (dlvorg_at_geekbabe.com)
Replies to this message will be forwarded to the DLVORG list and not
the DLV-Announce or DLV-Discuss list.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Big thanks again:
Again, big thanks to those who volunteered to take on badly-needed
items! For the most part, thing are now looking good and most of the
timeslots are filled out nicely.
We do, however, have one main spot and one secondary spot that need
attention, and time is getting tight, as we have just over a week
for some firm decisions. See items below.
. . . . . . . . . .
Latest numbers:
We're right on the cusp of breaking 200!
No, we probably won't have 200 actual attendees, but unless we see
a heavy run of cancellations, we're on track for a heavy turnout!
Going back into history, we're kind of inbetween where we were in
the cycle between 2010 (our record attendance of 179) and 2011,
which had a total headcount of 169. I (Annie) am very leery of any
projections this year, but this is where things are pointing.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Joann's Thoughts:
As I read above... attendance projections are always necessary to
measure and are hopeful.
The reality is that those who attend come back, and why? They had a
good time. And the volunteers enjoy putting on the activity they
sponsored.
This is what keeps Diva a "Gathering" with so many committed to making
it happen.... Annie and I, and most importantly, all of our volunteers
are doing what they do because they know others are counting on them.
The "parts exceed the whole" which most don't dream could be !!
Thanks ... thanks... and thanks again.... with a heart felt hug.
JoAnn
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Laundry list:
We need a volunteer to host(ess) the Happy Hour and Dinner at the
Artisan on Sunday and/or Tuesday. Very low maintenance! We basically
need "official" DLV representation. You don't even have to eat!
. . . . .
Valorie? Scavenger Hunt? Are you willing to do this on Tuesday? This
is where we need things like this please.
Joann adds: JoAnn is happy to assist you !
. . . . .
JB? Any further thoughts or plans for the Ballroom Dance Instruction?
Activity sign-up is toward the end of next week. Going twice.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
One option off the table:
Cynthia writes:
I regret to inform you that Artisan has declined our request for a
poolside BBQ.
In addition to not having enough equipment, facilities, and wait staff,
without specific numbers and some formal gaurantee of them, they simply
can't justify a cash and carry poolside or patio BBQ option for us.
Otherwise everything else is set and secure. Quite frankly, I've never
been completely happy with Artisan for our WC Opener. Unlike Bahama
Breeze, Arty parking and dining space is limited. The ambience is
wonderful, of course, but I've about had it with Victorian elegance.
It is a fun and gorgeous place to convene, but it is limited and has
never met our ideal expectations. Admittedly, it is small, boutique and
cutsey, but I suspect we might have outgrown it by next year.
My biggest complaint with Arty is that they should have to host us and
fit us in, rather than us having to do the job for them. I am seriously
looking for something more up-to-date and streamlined for next year;
something with more space, more restaurants, more contemporary decor,
cheaper cocktails, maybe some room for some live music, and a Buffet
close at hand with plenty of BBQ !!
Have a happy flight over, and see you soon.
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
Roger, copy that.
Thanks, Cynthia, and we do appreciate your follow-through here!
It was a great idea, but it looks like it's just not gonna go.
Let's move forward, and circle back to potential WC venues when we
have the slow season in the summer. Artisan is not perfect, but it
is what we have for this year. We had a highly-rated opener there
two years ago and there's nothing that says that this year's will
not be the same!
The only real issue is dining on Monday evening.
With the single-track post-WC BBQ off the table, here are our
options for dining on Monday:
1. The default, similar to 2011, as-available dining (bar menu and
sit-down restaurant), no fixed dining start time, as-available
seating from late afternoon until late evening.
2. Multi-track dining options prior to the Welcome Celebration.
3. Multi-track dining options after the Welcome Celebration.
We're getting very close to "bingo" on this one.
If we're going to do something other than the default, we'll need
to have the plans solidified to the point of having enough of the
information (such as time, approximate price, etc.) in time for
activity sign-up such that the attendees can make informed
decisions regarding signing up.
You'll notice that the schedule has been updated to the "default"
situation. This is to get the sign-up info ready and QA'd on this
in case we go with this option.
Here's what has to happen in order to go for anything other than
the default:
(At least) THREE volunteers need to step forward with words to the
effect of "I WILL HOST(ess) A DINING OPTION MONDAY"
during the next list cycle, which may be our usual one week or may
be sooner depending on things that are happening.
If we have at least three volunteers, we'll then make a group
decision on timing (dinner before or after the WC) and coordinate
the exact locations, but the important thing we need if this is to
happen are at least three committed volunteers.
Otherwise, our only option is to go with the default, for better or
for worse.
All ready for forward flight back there? :)
. . . . .
JoAnn responds:
Cynthia--
JoAnn here.
My feelings go out to you. I just had a similar experience with a limo
venue. They really do not "know how to reach out". Your comments are
very much on point.
Having said such, I want to thank you for your efforts. You are very
high on my list of "go to people" as we plan our Diva Gathering.
Let us go through the alternatives in the next week.
JoAnn
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Schedule review:
Since we're a week out from activity sign-up, we want to take a very
thorough review of the schedule and note the good spots and any that
require attention.
There have, again, been quite a few additions and tweaks since our
last mailing.
Yes, this is long, but please review it. If anyone sees anything of
significance, please respond PROMPTLY as we're approaching one of
our drop-dead dates!
+Sunday, April 14:
+ 10:00am: Religious services (Metropolitan Community Church) - sv
+ 12:00n: Titanic and Bodies (Luxor) - ms
+ 1:00pm: Lunch With Ginger (Harrah's Buffet) - ms
+ 4:00pm: Newcomer Open House (Artisan) - ms
+ 6:00pm: Happy Hour options (various)
+ 6:00pm: Sin City Happy Hour (Flamingo) - ms
+ 6:00pm: Artisan Happy Hour (Artisan) - mv
+ 6:00pm: Satay Happy Hour (Satay) - ms
+ 6:00pm: Delaney's choice (tbd) - ms
+ 7:00pm: Dining options (various)
+ 7:00pm: Flamingo Buffet option (Flamingo) - ms
+ 7:00pm: Artisan dining option (Artisan) - mv
+ 7:00pm: Satay dining option (Satay) - ms
+ 7:00pm: Delaney's choice (tbd) - ms
+ 9:00pm: Evening options (various)
+ 9:00pm: Alternative Common Gathering (Drink And Drag) - sv
+ 9:00pm: Mainstream Common Gathering (Margaritaville) - ms
With the addition of the recent dining options and the T/B in the
early afternoon, Sunday is close to solid.
We could still use one more HH and Dinner option, but it's not as
critical as before. If you're thinking of host(ess)ing one and need
any kind of a headcount, it has to be solid by next week at this time.
. . . . .
+Monday, April 15:
+ 7:00am: Katie's Koffee Korner (Betty's Cyber Cafe - The Quad) - ms
+ 11:00am: Studio Lites Open House (Studio Lites) - sv
+ 1:00pm: Lunch With Ginger (Stratosphere Buffet) - ms
+ 2:00pm: Girlfriend Party Makeovers (Bare Escentuals FSM) - mv
+ 4:00pm: Newcomer Open House (Artisan) - ms
+ 5:00pm: Happy Hour (Artisan) - ms
+ 6:00pm: Dinner (Artisan) - mv
+ 7:30pm: Welcome Meet And Greet (Artisan) - ms
There's still room for various daytime activities here.
See item above regarding Monday evening.
. . . . .
+Tuesday, April 16:
+ 7:00am: Katie's Koffee Korner (Betty's Cyber Cafe - The Quad) - ms
+ 9:00am: Diva Las Vegas Invitational Golf (Desert Rose) - ms
+ 11:00am: Just You Open House (Just You) - sv
+ 1:00pm: Lunch With Ginger (LV Hotel Buffet) - ms
+ 3:00pm: Art Tour - Andy Warhol (Bellagio) - ms
+ 4:00pm: Newcomer Open House (Artisan) - ms
+ 6:00pm: Happy Hour Options (various)
+ 6:00pm: Mob Bar Happy Hour (Mob Bar) - ms
+ 6:00pm: Hard Rock Happy Hour (Hard Rock Cafe HARMON) - ms
+ 6:00pm: Piano Bar Happy Hour (Harrah's) - ms
+ 6:00pm: Artisan Happy Hour (Artisan) - mv
+ 6:00pm: Mexican Happy Hour (Ricardo's) - ms
+ 6:45pm: Eating Out Night -- NOTE TIMES BELOW (various)
+ 6:45pm: Oscar's dining option (Oscar's - Plaza) - ms
+ 7:00pm: Hard Rock dining option (Hard Rock Cafe HARMON) - ms
+ 7:00pm: Ruth's Chris dining option (Ruth's Chris - Harrah's) - ms
+ 7:00pm: Artisan dining option (Artisan) - mv
+ 7:00pm: Mexican dining option (Ricardo's) - ms
+ 8:00pm: Mainstream-Alternative Night (various)
+ 9:00pm: Absinthe Show (Caesars Palace) - ms
+ 9:00pm: Fremont Street Experience (Fremont Street Experience) - ms
+ 9:00pm: Pub Crawl (Start at Buffalo) - sv
Tuesday through dinner is solid!
After dinner, particularly if Absinthe gets moved to Wednesday, is
weak! We'll definitely need at least one other option in here, even
if Absinthe stays in this timeslot. A show would be a great fit, in
particular if Absinthe gets moved. It would be great if we could get
the Scavenger Hunt in here, as it would be a perfect fit!
. . . . .
+Wednesday, April 17:
+ 7:00am: Katie's Koffee Korner (Betty's Cyber Cafe - The Quad) - ms
+ 10:00am: Shopping With Ginger (LV Premium Outlets NORTH) - ms
+ 12:00n: Lunch With Ginger (Makino LVPO-N) - ms
+ 4:00pm: Nathan Burton Comedy-Magic (Planet Hollywood) - ms
+ 5:00pm: PF Chang arrival/Happy Hour (PF Chang - Planet Hollywood) - ms
+ 5:00pm: Carla's Boutique - Wine And Cheese (The Center) - sv
+ 5:30pm: PF Changs Dinner (PF Chang - Planet Hollywood) - ms
+ 8:00pm: EHM Reception and Swap Meet (Erotic Heritage Museum) - mv
Wednesday is looking good. As discussed, Absinthe may be moved to
the evening here, either 8:00pm or 10:00pm.
. . . . .
+Thursday, April 18:
+ 7:00am: Katie's Koffee Korner (Betty's Cyber Cafe - The Quad) - ms
+ 9:00am: Trap (shotgun) Shooting (Clark County Shooting Complex) - ms
+ 12:00n: Volunteer and prospective volunteer Luncheon (Artisan) - ms
+ 2:00pm: Pole Dance Lessons (Pole Fitness Studio) - ms
+ 6:00pm: Happy hour (Trevi - Caesars) - ms
+ 7:00pm: Quiet Evening At Home (Private facility) - sv
+ 7:00pm: Dinner (Trevi - Caesars) - ms
+ 9:00pm: Audrey Tour (Start at Paris) - ms
+ 9:30pm: Limousine Tour (Caesars Palace) - ms
Thursday is looking good.
. . . . .
+Friday, April 19:
+ 1:00am: Non-Charles Bar (Cosmopolitan) - ms
+ 7:00am: Katie's Koffee Korner (Betty's Cyber Cafe - The Quad) - ms
+ 1:00pm: Lunch With Ginger (Gold Coast Buffet) - ms
+ 2:00pm: High Tea (Mandalay Bay) - ms
+ 3:00pm: Macy's Makeovers, session 1 (Macy's FSM) - ms
+ 3:45pm: Macy's Makeovers, session 2 (Macy's FSM) - ms
+ 4:30pm: Macy's Makeovers, session 3 (Macy's FSM) - ms
+ 6:00pm: Happy Hour (Bahama Breeze) - mv
+ 7:00pm: Farewell Dinner (Bahama Breeze) - mv
+ 8:00pm: Farewell Celebration (Bahama Breeze) - mv
+ 8:30pm: Official Group Photo (Bahama Breeze) - mv
+ 9:30pm: Dancing at Paris (Paris) - ms
Ditto on Friday looking good! :)
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Absinthe and D&D:
Cami writes:
Absinthe will be around $60.
it appears that Wednesday might be better as the shows are at 8 o'clock
and 10 o'clock and if we do drink and drag on Tuesday night after the
downtown tour it will work better on Wednesday night for me to
coordinate. I think the 8 o'clock show might be better.
. . . . .
Thanks, Cami.
We'll put "Around $60, payable in person at the Welcome Celebration"
on the sign-up screen for Absinthe.
It's your call as to the evening for this. The better fit would be
on Tuesday but if you're personally in a bind we understand that
you may need to move it.
Should you move it to Wednesday, I would again recommend the later
show, simply because if you go with the earlier show you will be
right up against a real "big gun" (EHM) which has quite a drawing
power.
+8:00pm: EHM Reception and Swap Meet (Erotic Heritage Museum) - mv
The timeslot for EHM is not a designated "single track" slot by any
means, so you're free to schedule against it. If you're going to
move Absinthe, the 10:00pm timeslot would give those who want to do
EHM and Absinthe the ability to do both.
Please let us know how to proceed.
. . . . . .
Cami continues:
If we are looking for something still to do on Sunday night we could
make that the night we meet at drink and drag as that is the night they
hold a contest for Drag Queens. It could be fun and then we can take it
off the Tuesday night schedule.
. . . . .
That would be an additional drawing card for D&D on Sunday. I do
think, however, that D&D is a great last stop for the Bar Crawl
and a final destination for the Fremont Street gang. If you do
not want to host(ess) that night, we probably don't need you to
do so unless you want, as there will be plenty of DLV representation
between the two groups converging on D&D.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Will be attending:
Vera writes:
Dennis and I will be in Las Vegas. I will be bringing the name badges.
As it gets closer we can discuss where to meet so I can give them to
you. I cn help you put them in the plastic holders that I believe Bob
has already. See you there.
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
Thanks, Vera. It will be great to have the two of you with us,
although I know it's bitter-sweet for you.
Let's talk about name tags and check-in.
First, it's been learned through experience that it's a good idea
to hold off inserting tags into holders until they are actually
handed out. You will find that there will be many left over which
will then have to be unloaded to reclaim the holders. There will
always be cancellations and no-shows.
Now, about the actual check-in this year. We're assuming that you
will be providing us one copy of the name tag inserts, is this the
case? If so, this means that check-in will be single-threaded this
year, and we'll have to pay quite a bit of attention to assuring
that the singular check-in kit ends up where it is needed, when it
is needed, with very little room for error!
We'll be calling for volunteers to do the actual check-in. We'll do
this after the activity sign-up gets going.
To all: If you want to be one who does the actual check-in, you can
put your hat in the ring now but we will be doing the actual check-in
planning about two weeks before the event.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Swapping, eating, and sinking:
Laura writes:
Hello Ladies, I was reading the organizers notes and checking if
Marisa still needs help with the swap meet on Wednesday. Not sure
want is involved but take it on.
Also if you need another happy hour and dinner option for Sunday I
can volunteer for one at Satay on Paradise. An Asian/Thai restaurant
if you would like another option. Marisa recommended I try it as a
possible eating out option for DLV last November. A head count would
be nice.
I was also thinking doing a daytime trip on Sunday to the Luxor to check
out the Titanic and Bodies exhibits. I believe the price starts at
$32.00 for a combo ticket. Titanic has exhibit times at 10, 12, and 2
o'clock. I was thinking 12:00.
Any thoughts?
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds
Thanks, Laura.
We'll definitely take you up on all three of these.
Satay is most definitely needed on Sunday, and things like this are
exactly what we need! Sign-up requested, not required.
We'll put Titanic/Bodies on at 12:00n. We'll do a rough headcount
unless you say otherwise.
Marisa, please note that you have a volunteer here. If the two of
you need contact info, please write in and we'll do an exchange.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Volunteer help:
DocRobbySherry writes:
If u still need someone to help with the limo tour, I'll be glad to!
Would I still be able to attend the Trevi dinner? Either way, I'll be
hapy to assist if I can.
. . . . .
Annie responds:
Thanks, DRS.
Yes, we'll most definitely use you for the Limo Tour.
And, yes, you would still be able to attend Trevi. One of the things
we definitely need help on is the move-out, traffic direction from
Trevi to the tour bus area.
. . . . .
DRS continues:
Also, I'm not certain yet, but we may come out on Sunday nite. Which
means if u need any kind of help before the Monday nite gathering, I
should be all checked in with nothing to do! Just Email me!
. . . . .
Annie continues:
One thing we can REALLY use, DRS, is for you to agree to be the point
person at the Artisan for HH and Dinner on Sunday (and for Tuesday if
you or anyone wants it). I need to be departing the Artisan on Sunday
to do HH and dinner at the Flamingo, so we definitely need someone
at the Artisan to welcome others and direct traffic. You don't have to
eat there, just be there to show a smiling face and answer questions
that come up.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limo volunteer:
Edy writes:
JoAnn, it now looks very likely I will be attending Diva.... I would be
glad to assist with the Limo Tour
. . . . . . . . . .
Thanks, Edy. You're on the list. :)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mexican details:
Randi writes:
For the Mexican food on Tuesday I had originally thought of going to El
Patron but they are out of business. So I tried chapala's but they have
closed as well. So I did some surfing and decided on Ricardo's. 4930 W.
Flamingo, 89103. (702) 227-9100.
I spoke with the owner Bob and he said no problem with our group. He
said that actually he has another group that comes every 5 weeks. He can
put us in a secluded room if requested. Also, my lovely wife, Shellie,
will be co-hosting this event with me so other SO's might feel a little
more at ease. Let me know if you have any concerns.
. . . . . . . . . .
Thanks Randi. This one looks to be well-covered.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High Tea details:
Marilyn writes:
My e-mail address for paypal is different than the one I use for DLV. I
don't want to broadcast it, so in the instructions (like last year) I
will say that if you want to pay by paypal send me a one-to-one e-mail
to ah_marilyn_at_yahoo.com and I will respnd with the paypal e-mail
address.
. . . . . . . . . .
Thanks, Marilyn. We'll get this info on the sign-up screen.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dining on Sunday:
This is condensed from several items.
Delaney writes:
I found out why I was having trouble with Open Table that night. For
whatever reason, Sunday April 14 is a fixed night menu (Pheasant, $135).
So my counter offer to your deal - since I assume we still need a Sunday
dinner, I'll find a mid-priced place and do the hostess routine,
allowing you to revert to Caesar's / Old Homestead, if you wish.
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
Please don't worry about me changing my plans. I'm very flexible and
all of us appreciate your willingness to adjust here.
And yes, we do need another dining option, very much!
As I look at the Big Picture<tm>, I think I'll keep the buffet option
instead of going with a higher-end option. Flamingo Buffet is not in
any way cheap, but it's 1/4 of the cost of Old Homestead and we do
need to consider the attendees' pocketbooks here.
We already have two other steakhouse options on the schedule and no
other evening buffets.
Please let us know your selection by next Wednesday so we can get
your final selection on the sign-up list.
Thanks again! :)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Koffee Korner timing:
Katie writes:
Having given some thought to the wee hours of the morning and the nature
of D L V outings to late night venues I think it might be wise to shift
the advertized time for Katie's Koffee Korner from 6:30 AM to 7 AM. Bev
and I will still likely be there at 6:30 anyway but for those who would
probably give it a bye because they think nobody will still be there at
7, They can rest assured that they will have some company for a Java or
Two and a morning DLV info session if that is what they need!
. . . . . . . . . .
Thanks, Katie. Schedules have been updated.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Administrivia:
This is the Diva Las Vegas 2013 organizational list.
This mailing was addressed to: annie_at_annie.net
One address for all items regarding this list, additions, removals,
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dlvorg_at_geekbabe.com <--- NOTE: all lower case
Diva Las Vegas 2013
April 14 - 19, 2013
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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Received on Tue Mar 12 2013 - 07:22:25 CDT
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