In this mailing:
Org List
Thursday status and timing
Phoenix
Moving EHM activities
Asian buffet
Artisan
Limo Tour on Steroids
Limo Tour
The Center
Alternate Thursday plans
Toward a decision
Straw poll
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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Thursday status and timing:
The one item we need to watch very closely is time, and the clock is
ticking! We're not near any drop-dead point just yet, but ...
We have several options on the table, a few of which where contact has
been made with the potential venue and several in the "why don't we?"
state.
We also have a number of volunteers on record. People are stepping
forward without being prodded! Everyone appreciates this! :)
As suggested in one of the items below, time really does not allow us to
do a plebescite to assess our options. That's our job, and we are indeed
continuing to move forward.
However, we have a "straw poll" at the end of this mailing, which we
would like all of you to please take. (Just hit reply, fill in your
answers, hit send.)
To keep things moving let's allow one more list cycle for proponents of
any of these to make contact or further contact if needed and give us
something definite. We can then make a decision, either by consensus or
vote, as to what way to go.
Meanwhile, please continue to discuss and brainstorm! :)
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Phoenix:
Susan writes:
Hi all. I'm looking forward to this years DLV since I missed the last 2.
If you like I will contact the new owner of Phoenix concerning Thursday.
I met with him in arranging the live music event for Tuesday. He has big
plans for the club and is open to new ideas. I'm sure that we could work
out something. I don't think that he would cancel the Karaoke. But I've
been to Shiela's many times. It's good. However the club is set up where
the stage is on one side. Over by the bar and on the other side one
could get away from it. I would be happy to host. If anybody wanted to
come up with a theme you're welcome to co-host.
I think that this could become the hangout for the locals and regulars.
If you want me to contact the Phoenix just say the word.
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Kandi writes:
> Somebody (?????) will need to check with the management shortly
> if this is to happen. I can foresee either a Fantasy Ball or Prom
> theme activity working well in this venue. As to a headcount guess,
> my money goes on the 40-50-ish range.
I called the Phoenix lounge and they said that Thursday karaoke will go
on regardless of any party... oh well.
Would our event work with this?
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Annie responds:
I would like to thank Susan and Kandi for taking the initiative in
contacting the Phoenix people. This is what we need!
I do think that this is a very viable option and I do not foresee any
significant issues mixing a "Fantasy Ball" or whatever it's eventually
called, with the Karaoke.
With the Phoenix, it would not be necessary to tone down any dress or
costumes nor do I see any issues doing the swap meet portion of the
original activity there as well.
Thanks again to the two of you! :)
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Moving EHM activities:
Valorie writes:
How about moving some of the EHM activities, ie the dancers, the costume
party, talking with dr Victoria to her "Kings of Hustler" club.
Dr Victoria manages it as well and I imagine that she would appreciate
the extra business. This is probably as close as we can get to
maintaining the ambience of the original museum. I expect there would
still be an entry fee but we could probably work a discount and I would
be glad to still be supporting the original EHM crew in some way.
Also, does the venue have to be completely private or can it still be an
open bar? The later would probably be cheaper, and I have no problem
with the later as long as they are welcoming to all.
I would love to try out their poles as well :)
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Annie responds:
Thanks, Valorie!
This particular venue may very well work and may be one of the better
options if the "edgy-ness" of the original activity is preserved.
As I think about it more and more, this venue will probably be the most
likely of all which have been discussed into which the entire activity
as planned might be "fork-lifted" and dropped in place.
I do not believe that privacy and/or exclusive use to be a major issue.
However, if this is to happen, contact needs to be made, as in NOW, and
a preliminary report needs to be made here within the next list cycle
which will be in the next few days.
Proponents of this option, please make contact and check things out. :)
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Asian buffet:
Kandi writes:
> If somebody wants to touch base with them WRT doing a "dinner
> dance", then please do so. I personally think that there would
> be a much better turnout if dinner is priced separately.
During my visit last week to Vegas I did eat at Lee's Buffet, since I
mentioned this one on one of my previous blogs. I ate their dinner
buffet $12.99 plus tax & tip. There was plenty of food and I was dressed
in a black/grey stripe dress with knee-high leather boots(4"heels).
Overall, I felt comfortable eating there, the food was typical buffet
with average quality and taste. For example, the chopped fruit tasted
like it was from a can, not fresh-cut. I'm a big fan of sushi so I tried
each one. They were the better part of this dining experience.
There's a large room in the rear of this place that could hold ~80
people. The entire restaurant has clear glass windows, so think fishbowl
here. They have liquor so that works. As far as EHM replacement, I
recommend we tone-down the attire to fit into this place, since it is
main stream.
All so, one of the Men dining that evening asked me if I knew Jan North.
I tried to look up her name but didn't find it. I'm guessing Jan North
is a drag performer or ?? Any guesses?
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Artisan:
Kandi writes:
> If this is to happen, we will need to see someone get in touch
> with them very shortly and report back.
I called the Artisan hotel this evening. The front desk person, Michele
said I need to call Misty from 9am-5pm. There's a possibility we can
have this place with the food & drinks catered in, so no high drink
prices.I'll report back after I speak to Misty.
Kandi continues:
I spoke with Heather via phone this morning.
She said we can reserve the entire restaurant or the pool area with a
minimum charge of $1500. This minimum can be combined for food &
beverage.
She estimated their drink prices @ $8 each.
With DLV average consumption of 200 drinks, that would cover it OK. She
offered the alternative of just showing up in the bar area without the
minimum commitment.
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Annie responds:
Again, thanks for taking the initiative in making contact and following
through for the details! This is another obviously workable option but
still with some reservations and concerns.
As to the drink math, it's within the ballpark, and actually about the
same nut to crack as we had in 2010 with the Firefly. However, my guess
for the total turnout of the "Fantasy Ball" has always been in the
50-70-ish range, as opposed to 100+ as we see at the major single-track
activities.
The big "if" on this one is the notoriety of high drink prices! It's
very fresh in the minds (and pocketbooks) of our people. If we could get
something that says to the effect of "Bar brand mixed drinks and
domestic bottle/tap beer will not exceed $8" I think it would help quite
a bit. (Also, we need to be sure that soda prices are within reason. We
do have a number of non-drinkers.)
I assume that when you said "combined food and drink", that implies the
restaurant will be open that evening.
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Limo Tour on Steroids:
>From a conversation - JoAnn - Annie:
j> Thinking out of the box is good if you can think "ff = fixed
j> function"---
a> I'm always for thinking outside of the box. :)
j> Now let me offer a possibility-- JoAnn and I have been discussing
j> and we need your feedback....
a> Uh, talking to your self, eh? :) :) :)
j> _A __*Diva Jambalaya Event*__with 12 Limos.... _ 3 cars at each site
j> w/ 6 per car for 18. Then repeat at 4 pick-up sites simultaneously
j> total of 72!!!! ....
a> If you want to do an expanded Limo Tour thing, I'm all for it and
a> I will do what I can to make it go.
a> As you and I have discussed, I've set up an "app" (for lack of a
a> better term) which tracks the Limo Tour payments, tickets, and seat
a> assignments and gets rid of the human error (caused by too much
a> C2H5OH while selling tickets) and such. :)
a> This will easily handle 12 limos with multiple start locations.
j> We will stop at 3 stops during the evening Each Team Leader will be
j> coordinating 3 Limos.........
a> And I will volunteer to be one of the Team Leaders, as well as doing
a> the ticket sales.
j> "Shall special instructions suggest dress feminine commando while
j> camouflaged accordingly???"
a> So do I wear a GI Jane cammo outfit? :) :) :)
j> At each point the Limos arrive and there will be a Team Leader
j> Coordinator to load the attendees.
a> If you and I are Team Leaders, I'm sure we can easily get two more.
a> There is a lot of "buzz" about the Limo Tour on the EHM Replacement
a> discussion list. I think Sherry/Katie/Vivian would volunteer and
a> possibly others.
j> Payment Logistics -- We do Paypal or Tuesday in person at the
j> designated Happy Hour site.
a> Pre-pay via Paypal would reduce the load of collecting in person but
a> with the new technology I'm more confident that this can be done with
a> fewer errors.
j> *Price*: $65.00+ (estimated and to be finalized. Includes Limo,
j> libations, and Wax Museum)
a> That sounds well within reason.
j> Issues to be addressed: Who will we get for the Wedding Chapel?
a> There was one couple who inquired about DLV who wanted to do a vow
a> renewal during DLV. Let me see if I can find the note and see if they
a> are registered.
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Limo Tour:
Sherry writes:
I think the limo tour should be pursued for sure. An activity that we
have experience with and know will sell out! I can volunteer to help
with it. Assuming there will be no Fantasy Ball.
Otherwise, I'd be happy to help Marisa and/or whoever does the leg work
to organize a workable venue quickly!
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The Center:
Nicole writes:
Could someone local check with the Center concerning availability, room
costs, etc. or get me a contact and I will talk to them. I have found
several AV rental companies who carry professional sound systems but
have not gotten any price quotes yet. Do you think we should run the
replacement options by the general mailing list to get feedback on
potential numbers of attendees for each option?
If the prom/ball idea doesn't look like a go, I would advocate
reinstating the limo tour. We can always make the best of that!
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Alternate Thursday plans:
Katie writes:
Thursday night.
How about this?. We can do. Starting at the same time withing reason.
1) The limo Tour
2). The Mob Museum.
3). The Artisan too for those who would like a smaller sort of ad lib
drop in gathering which is much more intimate and easy for new people
than a large gathering at the Artisan would be and where quite often
people get left out.
Then at the end of the night we all meet at the big Wheel and do a ride
and photo shoot !
This would fill in Thursday night quite well I think and allow for
personal, specific tastes in venues to prevail.
Or we could add or subtract here and add other small events which we
would like to try out for posterity
I would be willing to help JoAnne if we do the Limo tour.
I know we need as many eager and willing hostesses as possible.
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Toward a decision:
Annie writes:
The good news is that we have a number of workable options on the table
and, more importantly, volunteers who are actively pursuing these
options! Thanks again to all who have participated in this process.
Big thanks, again, to those who have moved forward and made contact with
the potential venues!
The options presented fall into three categories:
1. The Fantasy Ball and adjuncts (Swap Meet, etc.) but in a location
other than the EHM, or, a similar activity.
2. The Limo Tour, either our usual model or the expanded model.
3. Something else totally.
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Fantasy Ball or similar:
The vibes that I'm getting from the group tell me that the Fantasy Ball
is mostly the number one choice and that we do have the volunteer
capacity to pull it off using a number of potential variations on the
theme and a number of potential venues. Big question is where.
Let's discuss the potential venues for this ...
1. Phoenix. This venue has the most mentions as a replacement. It does
not have the atmosphere of the EHM but is certainly comfortable for all
and is a place where more exotic outfits would be welcome and
appropriate.
Two volunteers have established contact already.
Another plus side is that they will most likely have very reasonable
drink prices. It's well-known by a few of our volunteers and the
management is willing to work with us.
Down sides, well, yes, it's a "gay bar", which some of out people do not
particularly care for. Second, smoking is allowed, which will turn off
some.
2. Artisan. This seems to be runner-up for number of mentions. They seem
to be willing to work with us. If we "buy out" the place, I'm sure that
we could get almost as edgy with costumes as we could have at EHM. There
is obviously room for the Swap Meet as well. Now, if we could only
figure out a way to slip everyone a mickey of some very potent amnestic
WRT the drink prices! :) :) :)
3. The Center. If this is to happen, somebody needs to make contact
within the next list cycle. No, you don't need to be local. They have a
phone and they have e-mail. I've done a lot of activity coordination by
phone over the years.
We probably could not be as edgy with costumes here. There will
certainly be formalities and a room charge, almost necessitating a cover
charge, which is not necessarily a Bad Thing<tm> for this kind of
affair. Over at EHM there was to be a $10 minimum donation.
There may be some alcohol restrictions and some formality with it.
4. Asian Buffet. Again, we could not be as edgy, nearly as edgy, and the
vibes I get is that people do want an edgy activity. We could probably
do a dinner-dance ("prom" theme or similar) and the swap meet but I do
not think that it would be the place for a "Fantasy Ball" type of thing.
5. King Of Hustlers Club. First mention this list cycle but looks like
it may be promising. Contact needs to be made and a preliminary report
given to us within the next list cycle, as in a few days. IMAO, this one
would offer the greatest degree of continuity between the original plans
and the replacement. Costumes could probably be as edgy as edgy can be.
I assume there will be a cover. NBD, there was to be one at EHM.
Am I missing any venues for this option? :)
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Limo Tour:
This seems to be a strong second choice with many mentions.
Our traditional model of Limo Tour would not be able to handle everyone.
If we go with the usual model and scale, a good second-track option
would be Karaoke With Shiela at Phoenix.
JoAnn's expanded Limo Tour would be able to accommodate most if not all
who want to do it but would require more volunteers.
The traditional model, if we go with it, could depart from Satay on
Restaurant Row, which is as of this time our sole remaining dining venue
for Thursday. If we go with JoAnn's expanded model, we'll need a few
more dining venues, and Satay can be one of them.
IMAO, either option for a Limo Tour would be easily within our reach.
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Something else:
IMAO, we should consider totally different options only if the Fantasy
Ball (or replacement) and the Limo Tour are both found to be unworkable.
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Those are my thoughts, let's hear yours! :)
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Straw poll:
This is not a formal vote. It's just a quick poll to confirm to the
PM team as to which direction the various winds are blowing.
All volunteers, regardless of voting status, are encouraged to
participate. Just hit REPLY, fill in your answers, and hit SEND.
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Question 1:
Which of the following options do you personally most prefer for
Thursday evening of DLV week?
A. The "Fantasy Ball" or activity of a similar theme.
B. The Limo Tour, either the DLV traditional model or expanded.
C. Something else, none of the above, etc.
. . . . . . . . . .
Question 2:
If the group decides on the Fantasy Ball (or similar) for the "anchor"
activity on Thursday evening, which venue do you most prefer for such an
activity?
A. Phoenix Lounge.
B. Artisan.
C. The Center.
D. Asian Buffet. (Lee's Buffet, east Flamingo)
E. King Of Hustlers Club.
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Question 3:
Limo Tour:
If the group decides on the Limo Tour as the "anchor" activity of
Thursday evening, which of the following do you prefer?
A. Our traditional model of Limo Tour.
B. An expanded Limo Tour with Wax Museum.
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We eagerly await your answers. :)
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Received on Thu Feb 27 2014 - 08:40:53 CST
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