In this mailing:
Org List
Planning our event
Day-to-day strategy
Top 5 report
Music for EHM
Orientation and such
Artisan and surveys
Facilities
Koffee Korner
Shows at Caesars
Makeup cookbook
Administrivia
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Planning our event:
Our 2014 event will be the earliest in the calendar year for us.
This means that we'll have to move up a number of checkpoints and
milestones a couple of weeks before they have normally happened.
Just a heads-up on what will be coming. :)
. . . . . . . . . .
Lots of good input and discussion in this mailing. Please continue.
. . . . . . . . . .
Plans are already in progress for our two major gatherings for DLV 2014.
Things seem to be converging on either Firefly Paradise or Buca de Beppo
for the opening gathering and an "It ain't broke, don't fix it" big
closing bash at Bahama Breeze.
Big thanks go out to all involved in proactive planning of these!
See various items buried below. Comments are welcome.
. . . . . . . . . .
Please keep reviewing the staging area and marking "LIKE" on the photos
you particularly wish to see included in our final DLV 2013 follow-up
pages.
. . . . . . . . . .
Thanks to those who have submitted their Top Five!
Please submit your "top 5" favorites from the list posted in last week's
mailing. No, you're not gonna get jumped on to army-style volunteer for
making this submission. :) We want to get a good list of favorites for
the programming phase of our planning.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day-to-day strategy:
Before we begin our actual programming and scheduling, let's review and
agree upon the high-level strategy for our six-day event.
This is not set in stone, and is still evolving, but has emerged as
"best practice" over the years.
Some of this will be review for veteran volunteers. Most of this has
matured within the past 3-4 years and much is the result of much trial
and error.
We've divided our days into three classes, based upon the featured
evening activities. These three classes are:
1. Maximum-attendance single-track evenings.
2. "Anchor" activity evening.
3. Multi-track evenings.
Maximum-attendance evenings are those on which our largest gatherings
occur, usually two per event, one toward the beginning and one toward
the ending. We've agreed that we will not schedule or even acknowledge
anything else in the same timeslot as the big maximum-attendance
gatherings. These large activities usually include happy hour and
dinner, but there have been variations on the theme. There may or may
not be one or more subsequent activities after the big bash.
Anchor activity evenings are when we have one "big gun" activity such as
the Limo Tour or the EHM Reception. There may smaller "supporting"
activities, such as the Absinthe show opposite EHM, but one major item
takes center stage. In later years we've usually had a mid-size dining
activity precede the anchor activity, such as PF Chang prior to EHM and
Trevi prior to the Limo Tour.
Multi-track evenings have included such things as what we've called
"Eating Out Night", where we have 4-5 smaller dining options and
"Mainstream-Alternative Night", where we've had multiple after-dinner
activities, some of them being "safe" and some of them being wide open
to the general public.
We've learned by trial and error that a big blow-out strong ending
happens best when we end on a Friday and have the maximum-attendance
gathering that evening.
We've also learned by suggestion and trial that a big blow-out starting
evening works best when we do it on a Monday, the second day of the
event, following a "slow start" evening on the first day, Sunday.
Two evenings of each class will fit nicely in a six-day schedule.
This gives us a very high-level daily schedule, based on the class of
the evening, as follows:
Sunday: Multi-track slow-start evening, possibly low-key Anchor.
Monday: Maximum-attendance Welcome Celebration.
Tuesday: Anchor or Multi.
Wednesday: Anchor or Multi.
Thursday: Anchor or Multi.
Friday: Maximum-attendance Farewell Celebration.
. . . . . . . . . .
Daytime strategy:
Our dayime strategy can be best summed up by saying that whatever fits
and whatever gets planned gets on the schedule. We've never had or even
tried a maximum-attendance daytime thing. All of our daytime things over
the years have been small to medium in attendance.
The only "rules" which have evolved over the years regarding the daytime
are such things as not scheduling concurrent commercial activities, thus
giving each vendor a "clear channel" in that timeslot, and a general
consensus to avoid scheduling high-interest morning activities (such as
Golf) following a late and particularly intense evening.
We've had a daily lunch/brunch for over 10 years now and we started a
daily coffee session last year. See more on this below.
One of the best "out of the box" activities which has happened in recent
years was the Pole Dance session last April. There are suggestions to do
other activities of this type.
Commercial activities, both mainstream and alternative, are a good fit
for the daytime. Typically we have 2-3 vendors do "open house" sessions
for our people. Demo/sales sessions (Bare Escentuals, Macy's) have been
popular as well in recent years.
"Shopping crawl" type sessions have happened off and on over the years
with varying degrees of success.
"Art Tour" activities have been some of our more popular daytime things.
Side trips and "outdoorsy" activities have happened, but not in 2013 for
no particular reason.
Various touristy things have also happened over the course of our years.
The door is open for new and different daytime activities. For example,
one of our people went skydiving this past year. Zip line has also come
up off and on for something more "exciting" to do.
. . . . . . . . . .
Recurring activities:
Lunch With Ginger and Katie's Koffee Korner provide a consistent
touch-base setting for those who wish to partake. Although the
attendance at LWG has been slipping these past couple of years, a
specific survey question did clearly refute some of the suspected
reasons for the lower turnout, (no "at fault" reasons were revealed)
and a few of last April's sessions did have a reasonably good showing.
Katie's Koffee Korner had its ups and downs, both in attendance and in
ratings. It's going to be repeated in 2014 although at a slightly later
time and hopefully this will boost the attendance.
A third recurring activity, Dancing At Paris, is all but a done deal.
Paris has apparently added to the number of live music days. Even with
a Deejay, this will be a very good default gathering location for those
who wish to join other DLVers, as well as another touch-base location.
That's a good run-down on the overall scheduling strategy we've used
for events in recent years.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top 5 report:
Annie writes:
Here are my "Top 5", and these are from the perspective of what I think
would be best to happen, and not necessarily from the perspective of
what I'm most willing to coordinate. :) :) :)
Others (hint!) are encouraged to submit your lists.
1. I would like to see Dance At Paris become a daily event, ...
For this one I said I would coordinate for a night. JoAnn said she would
take another night. That's two out of six down. Four to go. Any other
volunteers? :)
2. Fantastic Indoor Swapmeet on a Friday would be fun.
I may be willing to coordinate an excursion to this. However, I have not
been renting a vehicle for DLV in recent years, so I would not be able
to provide transportation. I do drop in on this every so often when I am
in town. We actually did it way back at DLV 1998. One of our very first
group shopping experiences.
3. What ever happened to the garden party? That used to be fun and
This was host(ess)ed by Mindy, who at the time was a Las Vegas area
resident and had a nice home with an in-ground pool and such and was
gracious enough to invite the whole gang over. It was about as much of a
mainstream real-life experience as you could have, complete with kids,
dogs, and neighbors. Good food too. :)
If it's to happen in more or less the same form, somebody local would
need to pick it up. It would take someone willing to allow 30-some
people over, and someone "out" enough and comfortable enough exposing
the gang to the neighborhood. Everyone was well-behaved and nobody
trashed the place, that I heard of, anyway. :)
4. go back to the Blue Ox, for newcomers get togeather they would ...
Taking what we heard from Kandi's report, this is not the place to have
anything like the Welcome Celebrations that we had in past years at the
Blue Ox on Valley View simply due to the capacity and the "bandwidth" of
the staff. However, for one of our multi-track dining evenings, I think
this is a great idea.
5. Might I suggest a visit to a wig salon. ... Perhaps arrange a lesson
Part of this could be combined with #2 above, since to of our more
popular wig vendors have space at FISM, those being Vegas Girl Wigs and
Hair Fantasy. The FISM trip could feature both vendors. I don't think
either of them really have the space (or the staff capacity) to do any
"lessons", however.
. . . . . . . . . .
Linda writes:
My Top Five Activities Vote:
1.- Rockabilly party
2.- Zip line Fremont street (provided that they allow dresses/skirts and
old people)
3.- Frank Marino's diva show
4.- boat trip to Hoover Dam (or anywhere)
5.- bowling at The Red Rock (or anywhere else)
. . . . . . . . . .
Valorie writes:
Here are my top five:
Another femme movement/dancing activity
I am willing to help organize this. Perhaps there is enough interest in
two dance classes, If not we can always switch up the format to keep it
fresh. Pole Fitness Studio offers other dancing styles from belly
dancing to go-go or "Go-go Belly Pole Fusion"
Paris/Balley's Nightly Dancing
We do this already, might a well make it official. It is a good thing to
do from 11-2pm after all the other evening activities are done.
Night of Soiled Doves
This is classic. Love talking to the working girls - who I think enjoyed
it as much as we do.
Surrender Night Club at Encore
This is about as mainstream as DLV will get but a beautiful location. We
checked it out this year with a group of 4 girls. You usually need to
get on a VIP list, but we can get 10+ free passes from the Pole Fitness
Studio.
Frank Marino's Divas
Did this one before and was a lot of fun, particularly getting pictures
with Frank afterwards.
. . . . .
Annie responds:
With regard to the Night Of The Soiled Doves, one of our senior
volunteers is indeed trying to get this going again. If you (or anyone
who wants to help) are interested in helping, please write in and we
will get the interested people together to start planning.
. . . . . . . . . .
Beverly writes:
I am willing to organize the Friday night Bahama Breeze gathering again
and will contact them shortly to reserve the date.
Also, I am willing to help with the Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet as well
and usually rent a car so could ferry a few gals.
I am kicking around a few ideas for other daytime activities (no, not
skydiving) that I could organize like a Red Rock Canyon or Valley of
Fire kind of thing. Of course the golf outing is a must as well as
Katie's Koffee Klutch.
So my list of things I would like to do would be...
1. Morning/daytime outdoor hike & photo excursion
2. Shopping at FISM or mall
3. Lake Mead boat outing
4. Golf
5. LWG or other noon-time dining outing
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
Bev, thanks for taking on the Bahama Breeze ending. Unless there are any
objections we can consider that one to be solid. :)
Thanks to all who submitted the Top 5 entries.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Music for EHM:
Vera writes:
Sherry and Marisa, if you need music for dancing at the EHM costume
party and need a DJ Dennis and I would be available to provide music.
Only thing is we don't have the room in our small travel trailer for our
speakers and you'd have to ask staff at EHM if they have sound system we
can plug into. Again, it would be difficult to bring our sound system
with us but not a problem to bring our computer DJ.
. . . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
They do have a small roll-around sound system. It won't do "club volume"
but it was more than adequate for the show last year. Unless someone has
absconded with it, there is a standard green-jack line out cable which
will plug in to any peecee type of thing. Mixxx or anything similar
should work fine. The system does have a mike input.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Orientation and such:
Vera writes:
I personally feel that an "On Going Out" session sounds similar to what
was done several long years ago by the group in someone's private hotel
room where they taught us some tips on walking, sitting, standing,
eating, drinking, and sitting on the commode like a lady. This could
easily fit into our schedule for those that feel they may need it.
As far as the "opening orientation" goes, it doesn't have to be like a
classroom session. I was thinking very informal maybe using a corner at
the Artisan Hotel where the women could address any questions and
uncertainties they have about the DLV schedule and events away from all
the hubbub of the other gals "shooting the bull" and catching up with
friends at the bar.
Now for time and day for this, it is obvious it has to be conducted at
the earliest date as soon as DLV commences. I think it should be put on
the newbies shoulders to make sure they make it they want their concerns
and questions addressed.
A simple worded statement letting these ladies know that this
orientation is being planned for this day for their benefit and they
need to do there very best to schedule their arrival to Las Vegas to be
there if they are not sure about anything having to do with DLV. They
wouldn't necessarily have to show up in girl mode either.
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
I think we are converging on a "same page" situation here.
Yes, as early in the event as possible is a given. We need to consider
that not everyone arrives on the same day.
Of the 15 newcomers who responded to the question on this year's survey,
here is a breakdown of the arrival dates:
Prior to Sunday: 6
Sunday: 4
Monday: 3
Tuesday: 2
Wednesday or later: 0
Assuming the arrival pattern remains similar, and assuming we have
only one of these sessions, a session on Sunday would leave 33% of the
newbees out. A session on Monday would leave 13% out, fewer, but still
a significant number.
If it's to be one session only, the obvious compromise is Monday, and a
good timeslot would be just prior to the HH/Dinner/Welcome sequence. If
we have a single max-attendance HH/Dinner venue, the obvious location is
at that venue. If we have the opener at Artisan (fat chance!) I'm sure
we could talk them into using the restaurant area for an orientation
session and maybe a "Going Out" session prior to them opening for food
service. If elsewhere, we may be able to make a similar arrangement.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Artisan and surveys:
Sue writes:
> The Artisan is a place to include on the schedule. However, it needs
> to be in alignment with our needs.
I have been a person that hasn't been happy with the Artisan, so I would
like to comment to either provide or receive enlightenment.
We went the first year for the Opener and was bursting at the seams and
everyone was unhappy how we were having to cycle through the dining
area. We then had the volunteer lunch and we were there for hours. The
common theme. Unspeakably slow service.
So we went back for the Opener and the volunteer lunch again. At the
opener, my table was frustrated that we were almost yelling at each
other because of the noise of the piano. Yes, ambiance is nice but it
was decibels above ambiance. We elected to move on to another location
so we could socialize. Unfortunately, I had schedule overflow and missed
the lunch so I can't weigh in on that.
I know we do the surveys and the numbers are good for the openers the
last two years. I did these types of surveys in a previous job and we
called them smile sheets. We called them that because if you made people
happy about one thing, you got a straight line perfect score.
The next biggest problem is that there will be many who were somewhere
on the positive side and they select all fives. Then others with
somewhere near a negative view select all ones. So getting a middle
ground result is rare. The meat is in the verbal comments and the
interpretation of the evaluated item.
For instance, will all openers get a bump in the rating because everyone
enjoys that first night where they get together with old friends and
meet new ones? That can give a location a positive score even if the
location was subpar as being a night of friendship and first night out
dressed can yield a positive score in spite of outside influences.
And of course, it could just be me. :-) But for two years we have had a
fair bit of negative comments, so if we don't end up location locked (an
opener is a tough book), I don't think they should be overlooked.
. . . . . . . . . .
JoAnn responds:
Sue-
I agree with everything you say. Also I accept your characterization of
of survey responses.
Also I do not think it is a place for an opening, major event, or
closing event.
Having said all of that the place has its "own special character" which
I think should be an experience for the right activity for Diva
attendees, if the negatives you state can be avoided.
Therefore, in the planning stage I would hope we can have the Artisan as
an event site for consideration if it can be a "best fit venue-activity"
because it offers as a unique environment.
So let's see how it can be utilized as a "Tier-II" site, if at all.
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
We've beaten the Artisan to death here, so I'll concentrate on the
comments on the survey.
The survey will never be perfect, but it does provide a lot of objective
information on our event. Yes, the enjoyment rating of the activities
will be a composite of the enjoyment of the activity itself and the
climate and atmosphere of the facility. Yes, we could probably break out
a facility rating for each activity, but we're pushing up against a very
practical limit on how much time and how many clicks the attendees are
willing to expend on their responses.
But to specifically address the opening gatherings, they don't by any
means score perfect enjoyment ratings. The trend has been that although
they rate a "B", they score somewhat lower on the enjoyment scale than
the closing major gatherings. This has been very consistent over the
years.
The survey is very valuable when specific questions need to be answered.
Specifically, Vera above was questioning the timing of an orientation
session and a quick "grep and count" against this year's survey data
gave a good plot of the arrival pattern of the newcomers.
Some of the one-off questions help us greatly and can prevent us from
making "ready fire aim" quick to judge mistakes. Good example is the
question on Lunch With Ginger this year. Speculation was that the gang
was tiring of buffets and dissuaded by the cost. It turned out that the
actual reasons for non-attendance were mainly personal schedule issues.
There was consideration of retiring LWG, due to the suspected reasons,
and that question saved us from making the mistake of killing a long
time viable activity. We learned that if anything all LWG needs is a
tune-up and certainly not a tear-down.
Now as for facilities in particular, another tool which gives us very
valuable information is the Big List:
http://www.geekbabe.com/dlv/vendors/
Most of the facilities we use for activities are on it and have enough
ratings and comments to be meaningful. It's also our most "hit on" page.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facilities:
Kandi writes:
> I think that this (Buca de Beppo) is another viable candidate for
> one of our larger gatherings.
I think so, as well.
The cost per person for the 'Classico' dinner is $35 (includes tax, tip
& service). In addition their tables can be setup with 6 persons each x
the # of tables we need.
It would be possible to seat 3 experienced DLV gals with 3 newcomers (or
so) to 'spread around the love'.my $0.02 worth,kandi
. . .
I can't wait to return to Firefly Paradise & Buca de Beppo (BdB).
For BdB I have a creative idea for payment.
If three gurls per table would be OK with pre-paying the $35 for dinner
to satisfy the 50% deposit (30 days prior), then we can add tables as
needed and more could 'show up' can pay cash (@ $35 or more). I didn't
ask if persons who only wish to 'visit or socialize' will have to pay $?
The soft drinks are included in the dinner price.
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
Historically, our response to requests to pre-pay for such things as
meals, or even to order in advance, has been between abysmal and none.
They just won't do it!
We've actually had much better response asking for volunteers to share
in potential bath-taking, if there is one to be taken. The only major
financial bath that I can think of over DLV's history was for a "slumber
party" a decade or so ago, the turnout for which was ruined by facility
access issues. No volunteer that I am aware of has been burned on a
dining activity.
In some cases, our volunteers personally guarantee a minimum or front
the deposit. I did so for Carluccio's (now closed) a number of years
ago. I believe that Trevi requires a modest deposit for a group of our
size. I know that the golf course has required it at least at times.
We've also found that if vendors want our business (and most genuinely
do) they will be willing to work with us and bend a little - or a lot
with regard to deposits, minima, and other formalities.
Any kind of a charge, however minimal, "just to walk through the door"
(as MB would say) is a show-stopper and a deal breaker for any of our
maximum attendance functions. Any sales/management type should be able
to see that bar sales will be made to those not dining. Watch their eyes
light up when you say "You will do a dynamite bar business that evening"
or words to that effect. :)
. . . . . . . . . .
Cynthia writes:
Hi Kandi,
Per Annie's suggestion in a previous letter I was going to check out
Firefly Paradise for a potential Opener, but it looks like you've
already done a splendid job of it.
I strongly second your recommendation and I couldn't agree with you
more: Firefly Paradise would make a great Opening Venue for us next
year.
I suggest we put it on the ballot and let you go ahead with the
tentative arrangements and be ready to nail it down should we vote it
in. In the meantime I'll check out Tuscany, and then set up Artisan as a
tentative second place backup. From the way you describe your
negotiations with FP management it sounds like you've found us a 100%
sure winner here. I think you're a winner too.
It's been hot as hell here and I don't have a car so I've been putting a
lot of stuff off. Thank you so much for getting a jump on this for us.
sincerely, Cynthia
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
These appear to be two viable candidates for an opening gathering. Most
of the preliminary legwork has been done. The heavy lifting of making
the actual plans and negotiating still has to be done and the creative
work involving what to do for a deposit/guarantee/minimum is still in
front of us.
All, if there are any strong preferences to either Buca de Beppo or
Firefly Paradise for our opener, please let them be known now. Likewise
if there are any objections to either of the above, please let us know.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Koffee Korner:
Katie writes:
I have previously mentioned Katie Koffee Korner as an information spot
for those who like to rise early in the AM.and are new to DLV.
I Do realize that some who attend DLV are quite new to dressing and some
are attending for the first time who have been going out for years but
even they may like to get the lay of the land so to speak before the DLV
week officially begins. For those who are entirely new they can also
have a place to meet some of us.
Koffee Korner will be a bit later next year so it might be a good
place for someone new to get oriented.
I had never thought before that I should ivite those who find it a bit
early to get dressed and do makeup and join us before 7 AM and I was
thinking that maybe some would like to arrive in Male mode and just ask
for the lowdown on **all things DLV**.
I have been attending sionce 2002 so I suspect that I can answer most
queries on the DLV format and explain the nature of most of the events
too. Hopefully Beverly will also be with me most mornings too so either
one of us can supply the necessary guidance to a new attendee... I hate
to use the term Events because it sounds too Conventional *Pun
Intended*!
I realize that the coffee mornings are not a hugely popular gathering
spot but anyone who is in Vegas alone for DLV or even wishes to just
relax and have a coffee with friends dressed or undressed **Wink** will
have somewhere to get their day started.
I say this because when I attended my first DLV I was for the most part
alone for the day leading up to the evening gatherings. In later years I
took my wife along and had someone to hang with during the day. I met
some of the girls this year who were alone during the days and I think
that if Katie's K/K helps just one person to feel like they are not
alone then I have done the right thing. (Please don't sniffle and pull
out the handkerchiefs) lol. I am not that saintly!
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
Thanks, Katie. We'll consider KKK to be a done deal for 2014. And yes,
I'll commit to (try to) make at least one of them. :)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shows at Caesars:
Delaney writes:
Celine will be departing on 19 March 2014. I called the Colosseum, as of
now they do not know who will be appearing during DLV week - however,
not knowing (or telling) doesn't bode well for it being either Shania or
Elton. I will check to see who is at the MGM Grand as well.
. . . . . . . . . .
Thanks, Delaney. Please keep us informed. As for MGM, there is some
speculation on line that after the recent tragic event, they will break
with their Cirque-only recent tradition and go for more of a production
or headliner type show.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Makeup cookbook:
Kandi writes:
> If you don't mind I would like to add this to our collection of dress
> items that we've collected over the years.
I would be honored to have you post this cookbook.I've yet to hear back
from the Bare Escentuals Gals.When I do, will there be a chance to edit
with their comments?
. . . . . . . . . .
Thanks, Kandi. Yes, you'll be able to submit the final copy to be
posted.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Administrivia:
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One address for all items regarding this list, additions, removals,
changes, submissions, questions, etc.:
dlvorg_at_geekbabe.com <--- NOTE: all lower case
Diva Las Vegas 2014
Sunday, March 30 - Friday, April 4 (tentative)
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Received on Tue Jul 23 2013 - 07:19:45 CDT
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