[dlvorg] Opening Celebration, Top Five, EHM, etc. ...

In this mailing:

Org List
Where we stand
Opening gathering
Top Five update
No Top Five
Rockabilly and Quad
EHM Costume Party concern
Resort fees
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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Where we stand:

There was no ORG mailing last week. ORG mailings come out every 1-2
weeks in the "slow season" depending on such things as volume of
traffic, urgency, etc.
. . . . . . . . . .

All, please read the item on the Welcome Celebration below.

We need to know if we are at the point that we can tell the interested
volunteers that they can move forward and get some specifics from the
potential vendors or do we need more discussion and perhaps additional
suggestions?

Feedback please.
. . . . . . . . . .

There have been no objections of any significance to our planned 2014
dates of Sunday, March 30 thru Friday, April 4, so those dates have been
marked as final on the web site. Michelle, your concrete is set and
cured! :)
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Opening gathering:

Cynthia writes:

Hi All,

I seriously doubt if any casino-based facility will let us hold a WC
Opener without some sort of contract agreement and a deposit.

Looking back, I think Artisan let us in simply because they're
non-gaming, and although I haven't been there, I'd be willing to bet
FF Paradise is too.

I'm almost certain Tuscany will want an agreement and deposit, which
means we have to gaurantee them a minimum attendance number, and if we
don't meet that minimum (have too many no-shows) we lose the deposit.

Be careful setting anything up here; it's fast and all about the money.

Don't get roped into anything you can't get out of later.
. . . . . . . . . .

Marisa writes:

FF or Buca?

Will there be a contract with a deposit, limited menu,etc...?

The new FF location has a large bar and patio. This is upto Sara,but
would P F Changs work for the large group WC?
. . . . . . . . . .

Beverly responds:

My suggestion on the welcoming ceremony is to remember the newbies in
planning locations. Someplace like PF Changs at Planet Hollywood would
require much public exposure. That might be too much for some
first-timer starting off the week. A place more along the lines of
Bahama Breeze would be ideal in offering a safe public outing. I'm not
suggesting using BB for the WC, just a comparison.
. . . . . . . . . .

JoAnn responds:

"I believe..."

(1) A full menu or close to it is a "must"

(2) The "promotion point to restaurants is DLV" does generate higher
than average bar revenues

(3) We should not should "shop" but rather pick a choice for WC event
and negotiate to get the deal we need or no deal. Having said that, I
suggest we start with BdeB and "push the agenda" and get the Org.
concurrence. Then if needed go to the next alternative.
. . . . . . . . . .

Annie responds:

I don't remember the exact details but there was some formality when we
had the opener at Firefly Plaza in 2010. I think there may have been a
deposit and there certainly was a minimum. Marisa personally made the
guarantee and some of us other volunteers agreed to "share the bath" if
there was one to be taken.

This was a casino-based facility but it was independently owned and
managed.

IIRC the minimum was something like $1200-1500 combined food and drink
and some quick math showed that the risk was minimal. We had no problem
cracking that nut.

As of this writing it appears that the two favorites for our WC this
March are Buca de Beppo (at any location) and Firefly Paradise. IMAO,
both of those have great potential as long as they are willing to be
reasonable in the formalities. Yes, there will probably be at least some
formalities to deal with for both BdeB and FF.

I really think that a full menu would be a win-win for both us and the
vendor. I'm very sure that Firefly Plaza did much better, bottom line
wise, in 2010 than if they would have foisted a "Party Menu" upon us.

For BdeB, IIAC each table specifies a number of items to be shared among
all at that particular table.

As far as $$$ risk for no-shows goes, over the past several years we
have always been able to come up with realistic and conservative numbers
regarding how many meals will be sold and how many bodies will walk
through the door. As long as we don't inflate our expectations, we
should be fine. My impression is that bar sales are usually better than
expected at our WCs.

If anyone needs ballpark numbers, 100 people through the door is a good
conservative number to use, assuming no barrier to entry. Of those 100,
60-70 will be eating, depending on time, place, and circumstance. More
if full menu is offered. Of those not eating, it can safely be said that
over 85% of them will be consuming two or more bar drinks. Those who do
not drink will typically purchase 1-2 non-alcoholic drinks as well.

I really don't see anyone jumping on the bandwagons for Tuscany or
Artisan at this time although both may be viable should FF/BdeB not
pan out.

PF Chang is a possibility, but IIRC there's a hard-stop limit (time) at
least on the dining portion of the activity.

Big Burning Question: Are we at the point that we can tell them to move
forward and see what the vendors are willing to offer?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Five update:

Vanessa writes:

I think the Rockabilly Party Theme would be fun and can justify some
great dresses and retro fashions...

Top Five Activities:

Limo Tour
High Tea
EHM
Shooting Event
Frank Mario

(I) Will be happy to work with Gina to put together the shooting
activity next year.
. . . . .

Marisa writes:

Top 5 from Marisa:

Happy Hour tour with real HH prices on drinks and apps,

the observation wheel is scheduled to be going by DLV,

Guy Fieri of Dinners, Drive-ins and Dives is opening a restaurant by the
end of the year in the Quad,

dancing at Paris

and talk about the CD experience groups.
. . . . . . . . . .

Thanks Vanessa and Marisa. :)

Let's keep this topic open for one more list cycle. Here are the total
peg counts as of this writing:

In first place with five votes (mentions):

Dancing At Paris (5)

Dancing At Paris is a done deal, assuming we get a few more volunteers
to help host(ess) it on various evenings.

In second place, with four votes:

Frank Marino's diva show (4)

As of this time we don't have a nailed-down Coordinator for Frank
Marino. That will be all it takes to get it on the schedule.

Tied for places three through five, with two votes each are:

Golf (2)
Fantastic Indoor Swapmeet (2)
Boat trip to Hoover Dam (2)
Surrender Night Club at Encore (2)
Night of Soiled Doves (2)
Shooting Event (2)
Morning/daytime outdoor hike & photo excursion (2)

Golf will definitely happen, as there's quite a bit of inertia to keep
it on the schedule even though it will need to be relocated, at least
for this year.

For FISM to happen, it will need to be on Friday, since the facility is
only open Fri-Sat-Sun. Volunteers have already expressed interest in
doing FISM.

We do have one senior volunteer who is interested in bringing back Night
Of The Soiled Doves, so if there are any of you who wish to be involved
in the planning, please write in and we will get the interested parties
together.

We've been lacking in "outdoorsy" activities for the past couple of
years, and a hike/photo shoot would definitely be welcome.

Next, in the "Honorable Mention" category, with one vote each:

Happy Hour tour with real HH prices on drinks and apps,
observation wheel
Guy Fieri - the Quad,
talk about the CD experience groups.
EHM
High Tea
Limo Tour
Garden Party
Blue Ox
Wig salon
Rockabilly party
Zip line Fremont street
Bowling at The Red Rock (or anywhere else)
Another femme movement/dancing activity
LWG or other noon-time dining outing
more Vegas shows,
a talent nite,
a swimming pool event.

Some of these are already planned. Any of these could happen if
volunteer chooses to "adopt" one of them.
. . . . . . . . . .

JoAnn responds:

This is an open topic for peoples "top 5". Then come 2014 we hone in on
its discussion.
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No Top Five:

Vera writes:

I don't really have a Top 5.

Why?

Because everything that is decided upon is great. There are always more
than enough activities planned and we get a good choice to choose from.

I just want to add that Dennis and I would love to host another German
HofBrauHaus night of dinning. We really liked that place and it was
friendly and fun. So all is good.

Vera

P.S . I think I can safely speak for my hubby on this matter.
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Rockabilly and Quad:

Sherry writes:

Thanks for the great ideas for an EMH costume party!

However, I'm not sure what "rockabilly" or "Link Wray" are or mean?

Elvis? Not sure I get that. Would we double cross dress? Try to look
like women dressing up as Elvis?

I like the 50's idea a lot! And, "Betty Page" could open the door to all
sorts of unusual looks. Depending on what the girls prefer, we could do
a female movie stars theme? Or, well known or fictional princesses? Snow
White, Kate, etc. Or, females heroins? Wonder Woman, etc. It doesn't
matter to me. If Marisa doesn't mind, maybe put the theme up for a vote?
. . . . . . . . . .

Annie responds:

The term "Rockabilly" refers to a rather large meta-genre of music and
culture, comprising such things as early rock and roll and early
country-pop music along with such things as hot rods, motorcycles, and
50s vintage retro fashion.

Yes, Elvis is often considered part of the rockabilly movement. I'm sure
that the OP meant Elvis as a featured music selection and not a costume.
("Annie are ya goofin' on Elvis (Hey Baby!)") :) I personally think of
Bill Haley (Rock Around The Clock, etc.) as the epitome of rockabilly.

The late Link Wray was a fairly well known guitarist, and yes, his style
was at times quite "rockabilly", but I think of him as more Pre-Beatles
60s than 50s.

And yes, Bettie Page and similar pinup models are quite part of the
rockabilly scene. :)

It will be up to those who are in charge of the activity, which in the
case of EHM is you (Sherry) and Marisa, to decide upon the theme. If you
think you need a vote to help you decide, just say so and we will do
either an informal plebiscite or a formal vote. So far it looks like we
have "Prom", "Girls of Power Exchange", and "Rockabilly" as suggested
potential themes.
. . . . . . . . . .

JoAnn responds:

Come January 2014 this should be added to the planning schedule
discussion. Also I would not necessarily get to hung up on one category
theme.
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EHM Costume Party concern:

Delaney writes:

One thought on the EHM costume party.

Depending on the theme chosen, and the rules of the EHM and local
ordinances, something may have to be mentioned in terms of dress
limitations.

The dress code debate that comes up each year is perhaps my least
favorite part of the organizing process, and if the theme chosen for EHM
is prom/formal night (my vote) or rockabilly, there probably is no need
to explicitly raise the issue.

If the chosen theme is Girls of the Power Exchange, strippers gone wild
or a similar theme, we may want to check with EHM in advance to be sure
we are on solid ground. That offered, I am truly hoping to remain silent
on the "dress" issue from now until 30 March.
. . . . . . . . . .

Annie responds:

I think that civil discussion about dress for DLV is valid and healthy,
but unfortunately such discussion often melts down into a total Charlie
Foxtrot! We haven't had a knock-down-drag-out BDR debate for a few years
now. In recent years the issue seems to be misunderstandings on when and
where costumes are and are not allowed. Things like the EHM allow those
who wish to don such outfits a chance to do so appropriately.

I would hope that nobody among us would choose an outfit (or lack of
one) which would violate any laws. IANAL but from what I know, the only
things that are illegal in the LV area are blatant public nudity and
overt public display of various sexual acts. Remember that in the Las
Vegas area, such things as "European" pools and "swingers clubs" operate
within the law. Topless/bottomless clubs and topless mainstream shows
are commonplace. (See NRS 201.220 if you really care). :)

I would think that EHM would be about the most liberal place there is
for costumes and such. If I am correct they occasionally have private
events which are nude in nature.
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Resort fees:

Katie writes:

If you chose to stay at a Caesars/ Harrah's property the resort fee for
a Gold card member or a non card holder is as mentioned. On the other
hand if you are a Platinum member (2nd level up the scale) or anything
above that then the resort fees are waived.

Just thought I'd mention that in case any Platinum or above members of
the Total rewards group didn't know that.
. . . . .

Sherry writes:

I stayed at The Quad at this years DLV. At about $35 a nite, it was
great value! Construction no big issue. Room was fairly modern and
clean. Great location. Easy to drive in and out of. Check in was a
breeze, compared to 2012. But, $70 a nite? I don't think so!
. . . . . . . . . .

Annie responds:

Unfortunately resort fees have become part of Las Vegas. With hotel
occupancy rates in the 85-90% range, depending on whose numbers you are
looking at, they probably will not be going away soon, if at all. Most
lists on the net which say who does and does not charge resort fees are
in error, since many properties (Caeasrs/Harrahs was the last big
hold-out) have recently adopted them and others are expected to do so.

As Katie said, certain players can get around them. Also I know that
some negotiated rates are exempt from them too. Researching this will
be an exercise for the student. :)

If anyone feels like reaching out to any lodging vendors and trying to
negotiate some "Special Group Rates" <tm> and/or reduced/eliminated
resort fees, now is the time to do so. Please remember not to commit to
anything until you have the "OK" from the group here.
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Administrivia:

This is the Diva Las Vegas 2014 organizational list.

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
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

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Received on Wed Aug 21 2013 - 09:00:45 CDT