In this mailing:
Org List
Planning for DLV 2014
Costume party
Orientation session
Information transfer
Various suggestions
Various facility reports
Make-up cookbook
Administrivia
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Org List:
This is the DLV 2014 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.
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Planning for DLV 2014:
The dates for our event are now set.
We'll now continue with the strategic portion of our planning, and
quite a bit of good discussion appears below.
Although we won't be doing the actual programming and scheduling for
a few months, please continue with any specific activity discussions.
. . . . . . . . . .
All: Please note JoAnn's request below regarding the "Poll" on the
activity suggestions. Please respond to this mailing with your "top 5"
of the list of suggestions during this list cycle.
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Costume party:
Marisa writes:
Sherry, the costume party would be nice as part of the EHM event and I'm
sure that we can have music and dancing along with the open bar.
Can you take the lead for planning the costume party and I'll be in
contact with the people at EHM. We could be open to more people to help
with ideas also.
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
The EHM activity has evolved into a very popular recurring "anchor"
activity and has been successful to the point that others hesitate to
plan second-track activities up against it.
IMAO a costume party type of thing would help to keep this activity
fresh.
As for dancing, I know that we have one volunteer who operates a deejay
service. She is free to identify herself if she wishes. :) Lacking that,
I can always give you a dance mix on the netbook. :)
. . . . .
JoAnn responds:
Also if there was a "theme" for the costume party that had "somewhat" a
EHM tie-in would be great.
We should do some brainstorming on this topic. JoAnn
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Orientation session:
Vera writes:
> I would like to hear some feedback on this. We've always resisted
> any formal "orientation" session. Is there a need for it?
I see no harm in trying this format at least once to see if it works.
A classroom type session where we go over the schedule to make sure
everyone is on track with it, to answer any of those pesky questions,
and other assorted housekeeping stuff.
It doesn't have to be long, and then after were done, we all break out
and stand around "shooting the bull", eat, drink and be merry! I'm sure
the newbies will get some comfort and ease from this.
The problem lies in scheduling this session on a day when we can capture
the most number of newbies.
. . . . .
Sara writes:
Regarding the Newcomer Open House, based on the comments that were
given, I have in mind an idea that might help add some substance without
pushing us down a slippery slope towards convention-land.
If this were scheduled on a Monday afternoon, I could lead a discussion
called "On Going Out" which would be both interactive and informative
for those who are either new to presenting in a public setting or even
for those new to DLV.
There is plenty of time to prepare for such a presentation so if this is
something the group would like me to do, say the word and I will plan
accordingly (and adjust my arrival schedule as well).
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
I have very mixed feelings about this. Personally, I would much rather
see us work a bit more structure into something like we had this past
year than to do a "classroom" type of affair.
However, if the gang really wants a "classroom" type of thing, I won't
fight it unless I really feel it's moving in a wrong direction.
I do think we need to clearly examine the needs and decide what we're
going to do, meaning a NEWCOMER (to DLV) session, a BEGINNER (to going
out) session, or both. Vera's response was along the line of the former
and Sara's along the line of the latter.
Let's circle back to the OP's comment:
+ I know this isn't what you want to hear, but you need a more formal
+ welcome or orientation for the new gurls. The welcome sessions were
+ good but it was everyone all standing around just shooting the bull
+ on everything else but what they needed to know. There's a lot of
+ confusion on what to do, where to go, who to go to, things like this.
The very last statement "confusion on what to do, where to go, who to go
to" indicates, to me, anyway, a need clearly in line with the former.
Is there a need for an "On Going Out" session? I don't know, I'm asking.
Another big burning question is "Where?" and the related smaller burning
questions of "When?" and "How many?" All of these are complicated by the
fact that our people, including the newcomers, do not arrive on the same
day as you have noted.
Some of the obvious answers, for one session at least, is immediately
before the first maximum-attendance gathering (Welcome Celebration) in
the same facility. Of the three Newcomer Open House sessions we had in
2013, the one immediately prior to the WC was the best attended, with
the one prior on Sunday being the second best attended.
Comments on this, gang? :)
. . . . .
JoAnn responds:
I think this event labelled --- " first attendee girls- social" and
held for about 45 minutes on the opening night Monday just before the
major gathering meets and including the many key topic suggestions in
this "string of comments" has a lot of merit.
I'd like to hear additional comments just as Annie, but specifically to
the points stated here so the conversation is more directive and then
more helpful in the planning.
Also I think [just JoAnn here] that terms of "newbie" and "beginner" and
"classroom" really are "barrier terms". Maybe "first attendee welcome
social" says it more friendly and without a "label"
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Information transfer:
Linda writes:
> There were three specific reported issues which we can use as examples
> of needs for better "information transfer" between us and attendees.
I feel the need to point out that any loss in "information transfer"
must be the fault of the receiver, not the sender.
Considering the fact that I only learned about the existence of DLV in
mid-late February, I had no problems in understanding the rules, where
to go, how to dress, what was expected of me, etc.
This is because I read all the information provided on the website, in
the emails, and in the DLV Discussion Forum on MyDLV.
I found the information provided to be more instructive and more
inclusive than that provided by some organizations who charge $1000 or
more for a seminar or meeting.
It seems to me that attempting to provide any more information would be
like pushing on a string. If someone cannot absorb the information
already being provided, then it seems like an exercise in futility to
attempt to provide more.
I have noticed that quite a few attendees are not members of MyDLV;
maybe they should be encouraged to sign up and read the posts. (Yes, I
know that some prefer to remain external users of MyDLV, but I suspect
that some are not even that.)
Just my 2-cent opinion.
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
Thanks Linda.
I do think that we do a very good job, for the most part, in making
necessary information available to the attendees. Where we've fallen
short on the sending end is in a few clear areas such as explicit detail
on precisely where and when to meet the group and such.
I agree that in cases of general information about our event, such as
thinking that we're a clone of SCC, having to "Google" to find things
such as times and locations, the issue is clearly on the receiving end.
So, what can we do about it?
I don't think that we need to provide more information. I think that
part of the solution, as you say, is to encourage people to participate
on MyDLV or the associated other media.
I think that part of it is cultural. Members of the TG community tend to
be fiercely idependent and love to do their own thing. I would like to
hear ideas on how to effectively deal with this propensity of many of
our attendees.
. . . . .
JoAnn responds:
> I feel the need to point out that any loss in "information transfer"
> must be the fault of the receiver, not the sender.
I never liked the word: "fault". Wordsmithing is important when
presenting to a "group"-- the Diva Gathering. We should be thoughtful
and a little gentle here, I believe.
Annie's "where and when" event info may need to be the lead-in heading
for every even so people get use to its location and message format.
I agree we should not have more information, but rather get people to
really "hook-into" the information we send them including MyDLV site.
Any additional ways to do this, please !!!
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Various suggestions:
These were received on the 2013 follow-up survey. They are presented
here as a list of suggestions for anyone to "adopt" and make happen
during the 2014 event.
JoAnn writes:
The following list only needs volunteers. Maybe we should first have a
"straw vote" and non-binding from the Org group on the following list to
see how they rank the activities as to "would like to see it happen".
then we see how we can make the "TOP FIVE" happen. Just a thought for
feedback!
. . . . .
+ What about a talent night?
+ Stratosphere at night
+ Frank Marino's diva show
+ Maybe another femme movement or dance activity? Pole dance was amazing
+ and so instructive.
+ Fantastic Indoor Swapmeet on a Friday would be fun.
+ go back to the Blue Ox, for newcomers get togeather they would love to
+ have our group back
+ I wish there were more Vegas shows on the list.
+ nightclub
+ a gay/gay-friendly restaurant night or two.
+ More opportunities for dancing. Paris was fun.
+ Would have liked to do an excursion to Grand Canyon
+ Neon Museum or other attractions.
+ Might I suggest a visit to a wig salon.
+ Perhaps arrange a lesson in how to style and care for your wig,
+ Blue Martini
+ Town Center shopping
+ Yes, Pawn Stars store.
+ How about a Rockabilly party.
+ Bring back the boat trip!
+ Bring back Soiled Doves!
+ Miss night of Soiled Doves.
+ Whatever happened to the poker tournament?
+ I would like to see Dance At Paris become a daily event, ...
+ You ought to do another of the real Vegas-y shows like Splash, Follies
+ like you used to years ago.
+ What ever happened to the garden party? That used to be fun and
+ relaxing.
+ McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant
+ Golden Nugget Casino (Fremont Street) Grotto Italian Ristorante
+ Surrender night club at Encore
+ Stratosphere at night
+ Frank Marino's diva show
+ Seinfeld
+ bowling at The Red Rock casino and resort complex
+ Frank Marino's Divas Show, Dinner at a Freemont Street restaurant/bar
+ Yes, DIVA's with Frank Marino,
+ Gallaghers at NY, NY.
+ Yes Lady C leathers / alternative clothing etc.
+ Yes,the boat trips to the Hoover Dam.
+ Pasta Mia West Las Vegas.
+ Yes, Cafe Belagio,
+ Terribles buffet for breakfast ... Not bad for the price.
+ i like komol in the commercial center to be a dining option.
+ caesar's palace has a new buffet that is very good but it is $33 for
+ Serendipity outside of Ceasars. Great food.
+ 107 Lounge at Stratosphere is someplace I always go during DLV week
+ Fantastic swap meet
+ Zip line Fremont street
+ Hey, how about we get the drag queens at Drink & Drag to show us some
+ tips where we can utilize some of the techniques they use, but not to
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
Yes, please, everyone, send in your "top 5" from the above list.
+ I would like to see Dance At Paris become a daily event, ...
The more I think about this one, the more I like it, and think it would
help us get a greater degree of overall participation as a "default"
late evening gathering place. In our earlier years, the old Keys was
a place where everyone knew that at least somebody from DLV would be
present in the evening. We really have not had that for many years and
we're finding that our people end up being scattered to the winds.
To do this right, we'll need a host(ess) to agree to be present at the
posted start time. I (Annie) am willing to commit to one evening for
this, and if this is to happen we'll need others to cover the other
evenings. This will be an easy one. No preparation or anything, just
agree to be there.
In any case I think this is a good idea and needs to be seriously
considered.
. . . . .
JoAnn adds:
Cannot agree more, here. I'll take a "night" JoAnn
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Various facility reports:
This item is condensed from Kandi's recent Trip Report on MyDLV and
contains various facility comments which we should be considering as
we plan DLV 2014.
Kandi writes:
Bare Escentuals {http://www.bareescentuals.com/) is a DLV supporter and
the Fashion Show Mall outlet has expert Make-Up Artists that are happy
to help. The Gals that work there are excited about working with us.
They are on commission, so our support during our MU sessions is
appreciated. Let's reward them with our business.
. . . . .
Artisan has taken a few hits lately, so it was high on my list to test
out. Drove into the valet parking, the attendant was polite & courteous;
I walked into hotel lobby then Ladies restroom. I love the decor in this
Ladies room. ... All around it was a great experience and I will visit
it again during DLV 2014.
. . . . .
Charlies is a Country theme and known gay bar. There is plenty of free
well-lit parking. ...
I asked about planning a party here and was introduced to the Manager,
Chris. He wanted to host our party and just asked that he be given some
notice so he can plan ahead. That's all. ...
This place could easily handle our group and with NO Cover charge, I
recommend we consider it for DLV 2014. Open 24 hrs./ day
. . . . .
Freezone, 610 E Naples Dr.
The restrooms are labeled Men's & Unisex. I don't know if they were
recently changed to this setup. I used the Unisex without incident.
I spoke with the (male) Bartender. He said this place can hold 70-80
people.
. . . . .
Firefly @ Paradise, 3824 Paradise Rd.
Stopped by to visit this restaurant as a possible dinner spot for
DLV.
I asked the hostess if they can hold large groups. She took me thru a
large room with white/ grey marble floors and Latin theme paintings on
the wall. She said it could hold over 100 people for dinner. She called
for the manager, Edgar. He was very happy to show me around and give me
a large group menu. ...
Dinner at Firefly @ Paradise, 3824 Paradise Rd. 702-369-3971
I parked in the rear of the building. I noticed there were only ~60
parking spaces I the rear of this place. I looked around the parking lot
to be sure it was safe. Then, walked around to the front of the
restaurant.
I was greeted warmly by the hostess, I asked for the Mgr. Edgar. He was
glad to see me return to try Dinner and evaluate the place for the DLV
group. He offered me a free glass of sangria. I sat down at a small
table near the center of the restaurant. No one took notice of me. The
Dinner was outstanding. I had the ceviche of shrimp, scallop escargots
and lamb skewers. ALL were excellent. Total was $29.19
I mentioned to the Manager, Edgar about the limited parking. He promised
to hire a limo service for us to be sure we had a safe place to park and
enough spaces for our group. I was blown-away by his suggestion. He
sincerely wants to work with our group.
I visited the Ladies room which was beautifully decorated with marble
floors and a vanity to primp in.
I strongly recommend this place as a DLV dinner location.
. . . . .
Escape lounge, 4213 W Sahara Ave. I drove to check out this as a
possible DLV place
The restrooms are labeled Men's & Unisex. I used the Unisex without
incident. I spoke with the (male) Bartender. He said this place is
changing ownership and things are uncertain right now. The changeover is
awaiting the liquor license renewal.
I recommend we not consider this place until this change settles down.
. . . . .
Blue OX Tavern, 5825 W Sahara Ave. Annie requested I visit this place
and report back.
I walked in and liked the decor. It boasts it's a "Minnesota Place"
providing Midwestern Hospitality and a Vikings theme.
I asked about hosting a group there to the female bartender. She
introduced me to Ron Aronsohn, the owner. He has a way of making
everyone feel comfortable around him and he was so easy to talk with. I
was impressed with his style and genuine interest to help me plan a
group outing there.
He showed me the private dining area which is glass enclosed think
fishbowl here. He said it holds 38-42 people, easily. While this will
not fit our entire group, it would be good for a side gathering.
Ron suggested we let him know at least one month in advance if we
want to meet there.
Providing a high quality experience is very important to Ron. If we
have a larger group, he recommended several other places.
I thanked him for his hospitality and walked out thinking, I will
return again.
. . . . .
Lunch @ Buca de Beppo, meet with Jocelyn, catering & sales
Jocelyn sat with me to review the menu options. For groups the meals are
served 'Family style', meaning large shared portions. She seemed easy to
work with to setup the reservations & payment options.
Buca could easily accommodate entire group up to 200 people with
reservations & advance payments.
She & I email'd several times to learn how to setup a Dinner group.
I recommend we try adding this to the DLV 2014 calendar.
. . . . . . . . . .
JoAnn responds:
Kandi--
Thanks for being the "scout" for the "Advance Field Detachment" on all
of the following. We really appreciate it
JoAnn
. . . . .
Annie responds:
Thanks for the effort, Kandi. A few comments and notes ...
Blue OX:
> He said it holds 38-42 people, easily. While this will not fit our
> entire group, it would be good for a side gathering.
This confirms what Ron told me a few years back, that they do not
consider that facility to be adequate for one of our maximum-attendance
gatherings. Some of the comments in feedback implied that this facility
would be adequate.
This is probably a great place for a multi-track dining option.
. . . . .
Firefly @ Paradise:
This is apparently now in the old Mr. B's space, which I have visited.
One of the best of our Welcome Celebrations in our history happened at
the Firefly Plaza in 2010 so we know that the Firefly is a good fit for
our group. That particular location closed prior to DLV 2011 and the
former Paradise location could not hold our entire group.
> He was very happy to show me around and give me a large group menu.
At the Firefly Plaza they agreed to give our group the full menu, which
I believe helped out with food sales and overall satisfaction. IIRC this
did take some negotiation.
> I mentioned to the Manager, Edgar about the limited parking. He
> promised to hire a limo service for us to be sure we had a safe
> place to park and enough spaces for our group. I was blown-away
> by his suggestion. He sincerely wants to work with our group.
LOL, IMAO that's a bit over the top! :) My guess, from knowing our group
over the past several years, is that the number of required parking
spaces will be about half or so of our total turnout, meaning that if we
have 110 people present, the parking load will be about 50-some spaces.
I do think that this facility is a good candidate for one of our larger
gatherings for 2014.
. . . . .
> Escape lounge ... The restrooms are labeled Men's & Unisex.
There seems to be a pattern here. :)
. . . . .
Buca de Beppo:
> Jocelyn sat with me to review the menu options. For groups the
> meals are served 'Family style', meaning large shared portions.
> She seemed easy to work with to setup the reservations & payment
> options.
I think that this is another viable candidate for one of our larger
gatherings.
. . . . .
> Artisan has taken a few hits lately
I don't think we can summarily dismiss Artisan, as we've had two highly
successful maximum-attendance gatherings there in recent years. We do,
however, need to think critically and examine our oprions.
JoAnn adds:
The Artisan is a place to include on the schedule. However, it needs
to be in alignment with our needs.
. . . . .
Annie continues:
I believe that Kandi has zeroed in on two promising venues for one or
more of our larger gatherings, those being Firefly Plaza and Buca de
Beppo.
We also have Bahama Breeze, which has a multi-year excellent track
record with our group and works very well with our particular needs.
>From reading Kandi's remarks, both Firefly and BdB will most likely
require some formality, meaning some kind of deposit, minimum, etc. We
had this with Firefly Plaza in 2010. Some very quick scratchpad math
showed that the required minimum was a very easy nut to crack.
Another thing that I don't know if Kandi mentioned, is that not all in
our group will wish to eat. Some will be there mainly to socialize, but
those will typically consume a few to many drinks over the course.
Comments on these and other maximum-attendance venues, please. :)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Make-up cookbook:
Kandi writes:
Hi Ladies,
I've been busy writing up my cookbook for makeup using Bare Escentuals
cosmetics.
http://www.geekbabe.com/dlv/mydlv/mainforum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2686
I hope this will help some of our friends.
. . . . . . . . . .
Thanks, Kandi.
If you don't mind I would like to add this to our collection of "dress"
items that we've collected over the years.
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Administrivia:
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Diva Las Vegas 2014
Sunday, March 30 - Friday, April 4 (tentative)
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Received on Wed Jul 17 2013 - 09:33:04 CDT
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