[dlvorg] Name tags, common area, lunch, etc. ...

In this mailing:

Org List
Very good discussion
Administrative Committee nominations
Name tags
Central location
Idea for HQ location
Lunch/Contact Point
Administrivia
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Org List:

This is the DLV 2015 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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Very good discussion:

Thanks for all of the comments. Please feel free to add to the
discussion and we're particularly interested in what more of the newer
volunteers have on their minds.
. . . . .

For those who have not checked out the DLV 2014 photo staging area,
please do so. We have over 1200 of them on line as of last night and
more are being added as they come in.

For those who have not submitted your photos, please do so as the Call
For Photos will close in a few weeks. (**HINT**)
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Administrative Committee nominations:

The term of the "even year" Administrative Committee member will expire
in July.

Gina currently holds this position.

The floor is now open for nominations for this position.

Candidates for this position must be DLV volunteers of voting status.

Nominations (and seconds) may be made by any volunteer regardless of
voting status.

Self-nominations (and seconds) are allowed. There are no "term limits"
so Gina is once again an eligible candidate.

Specific information on the Administrative Committee appears here:

http://www.geekbabe.com/dlv/administ/admcom.html

Nominations, anyone?
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Name tags:

Vera writes:

I don't understand why some of the gals have a resistance towards
wearing the name tags.

Like JoAnn stated in her comments, name tags are the way for other gals
to know who you are and identify you or to call you by your name. It
seems awkward to me to meet someone, and then after introducing yourself
to multiple number of gals, you happen to forget one's name.

Those name tags, as bothersome as they may be, are a big help to me to
remember who you are so I'm not second guessing or being clumsy and
addressing you by the wrong name, or even worse not addressing you at
all by your name.

Friendships can not be made if you don't know the person's name.

Just my two pennies worth.
. . . . .

JoAnn responds:

Vera-- So well stated.

I also think there needs to be three(3) parts to address: (1) ease of
placement on the person without making them look like they are attending
a convention; (2) having the ability of making the tag/lettering for
people as they come to one of the events; and, (3) an incentive which
rewards those who use the tag at a few selected events.

So keep the thoughts coming. I'm sure we will get a "format" that you
all can review and give feedback.

So keep sending your thoughts on the "Name Tags.
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Ginger writes:

I think we need to continue to provide name tags because I'm terrible
with names and depend on them even when I know the persons whose names I
can't recall. I am certain the cost of the holders can be covered as in
the past and we may have enough left over for 2015 anyway.

Does anyone know who has the left over name tag holders from DLV 2014?

Printing the actual names and distributing them is another issue and may
not be worth the effort that has gone into it in the past. It would not
look nearly as good, but we could just have blanks and call upon someone
who prints well to make them on the spot.

For compulsive individuals like me who demand perfection, we can send
out the size specifications of the holders and we can print our own or
recycle one from a previous DLV or other gathering to bring to DLV 2015.
. . . . . . . . . .

Katie writes:

Hi.

I am one of those who are not fond of name tags attached to my clothing
so here is some food for thought to chew on for 10 months or so.

I never go anywhere without my handbag, or Purse if you will. All my
personal Id's and important things are in there and bags used by most of
us usually have shoulder straps, so a name tag which could attach to
the front of the strap showing my name Katie either running down the
strap like this for example or something similar might be more ...

K
A
T
I
E

.. acceptable and possibly used more frequently during our event.

I could also use one of these over and over again while at D L V and for
other T functions and outings where I think I may need it too. We would
need something that can be detached with ease!
 
This would suit me much better than something which in my opinion looks
ok on a business suit but spoils the look a of a nice cocktail or
evening dress and ruins a decent photo.

I was thinking along the lines of something like those old money clips
made of either spring steel, Plastic or something of that nature which
could be clipped on to a strap and would be easily recognizable from a
short distance. I utilized something similar once with an old 3" disc
stick on label and my name written on it in marker pen. If it wears out
then another can be easily attached.unfortunately I lost the clip at
home and never found anything to replace it with.

Hopefully one of our Org members knows of a better way to attach it to
a handbag strap and we can move ahead to find something suitable and
mutually agreed upon to replace clothing name tags.

I Do appreciate all the work done by our people to make and distribute
the name tags in the past but I see more and more of the attendees
throwing them away and I never see them again after opening night.
Hopefully the bag strap thingy can be expanded on and become more
adaptable.

Any ideas girls and boys?
. . . . .

JoAnn responds:

Katie--

Thanks for responding with some very practical ideas. I'm sure after all
of the feedback we can come up with a "composite" solution... a
solution support by most!

Thanks for starting us "to think beyond the habitual [fixed function]
. . . . . . . . . .

JoAnn writes:

Advancing the Name Tag Topic---

So we have two(2) aspects to address-- (1) the type of name tag and how
it can be used other than placing it on a dress or blouse with a "pin
mechanism", and (2) how we get the name on the tag as one checks-in vs.
to pre-printing them.

I'm just gathering information and trying to define the situation.... no
solutions. I know this is not the American Way.... we prefer to give
solutions before we define all of the issues of the problem.
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Annie writes:

Before I forget, I believe that Vera and Dennis have the tag holders and
there still should be a whole {s-word}-pot of them left. (LOL, too bad
we did not recover that bedpan when Steven Davids/Elvis' closed. It
would have made a very unique carrier for the name tags!) :) :) :)

Now, for defining the problem set, I see these items:

1. The inconsistent wearing of name tags, for whatever reasons.

2. The labor-intensive process of producing the name tags.

3. The $$$ cost for name tag supplies.

4. The logistics of name tag distribution and pick-up.

As to the specific needs of our organization regarding name tags, I
see the following:

1. To identify the individuals as a bona fide DLV attendees.

2. To let others know what they attendees' names are.

Personally, I think that name tags are a Good Thing. Out of 150+ people
there is no way I can readily associate all faces with names, and in
fact I've been embarrassed a few times in recent years by not recalling
(or recalling incorrectly) names I should know! :(

Yes, there is a reluctance (to wear tags) for some of our people but not
for all. I think there are many other factors, such as simply forgetting
to put it on, tossing it in the dirty laundry pile with yesterday's top,
etc.

I definitely think that the pre-printed tags look much better than
those hand-written by attendees. AFAIC, if Vera and Dennis (or other
volunteers) are willing to expend the effort to produce pre-printed
tags, all the better.

Now shifting gears to the effectiveness and efficiency of our current
methods, I am seeing some shortcomings.

The processes are only partially effective in meeting the two needs
stated above (identification as a group member and as an individual)
due to the fact that distribution is incomplete and many distributed
tags are not worn.

Yes, it's easy to define the problem, but I admit I do not have the
solution.

Here are a number of things we've done. Over the years we've used a
number of approaches to name tags.

1. No tags at all. This is what we did in the earliest years. No real
need was expressed.

2. Avery-style "Hello, my name is" stick-on tags. In 2002 (I think)
somebody walked over from Flex (our Welcome Celebration) to Wally World
and picked up some tags and markers.

3. Pre-printed tags, as we have done the last several years. From 2003
to 2009 and again from 2011 thru 2014 we did this, sometimes using
pre-hand-lettered tag inserts and sometimes using machine-printed
inserts.

4. Tags pre-printed with DLV logo, write your own using a Sharpie. We
tried this once in 2010. I was planning on doing a fancier version of
what we did (gold marker on black paper, silkscreened with the DLV
logo). This never happened due to my own capacity limits, so we went
with white tags with the DLV logo on them and the name self-written
using sharpies.

We've gone back and forth between having single and multiple "kits" for
checking in and handing out tags. Multiple kits (usually with each
having a complete printed set of tag inserts) did not appear to be more
effective in attaining complete distribution.

Yes, I've zeroed right in on the issues, and stated a number of
historical items, but I admit I do not have much in the way of
solutions.
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Central location:

Robin (with an "I") writes:

I have a suggestion for a central meeting or hospitality spot.

This would be mainly for day time. As Diva Las Vegas is a vacation, why
not have a hospitality spot at a pool.

I have been staying at Bally's, and I find it very relaxing to sit by
the pool and just relax. It is a nice get away from the hustle and
bustle of Vegas. Most pool areas have a cafi, or bar.

Or, if it is a rainy or cold day, there must be some type of lounge
where we could meet.
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Annie responds:

Thanks, Robin.

My question about a pool would be access for non-guests at the
particular hotel. I know that Flamingo checks room keys for pool entry
and I suspect that others do as well. Such a thing would be, of course,
also subject to weather and to other factors. I know for example that
one of the pools at Flamingo has club volume music at times.

Using a casino bar would approach the "hotel gatherings" we tried a few
years back. I believe that some kind of an afternoon recurring common
gathering could work.

Any more thoughts on this, gang?
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Idea for HQ location:

Angela writes:

I have followed the discussions about a information place for DLV.

I was surprised that DLV doesn't work together with the LGTB Center in
downtown Las Vegas. It is such a beautiful place and easy to reach. It
is a place where specially newcomers would not be intimidated to go to
for information.

In some places in North America it is for some cross dressers clubs
difficult to find a low cost place for meetings and they turn to the
LGTB. Last year DLV had invitation for a tour there and it was really a
great place to be. Would that be a location to consider?
. . . . . . . . . .

Annie responds:

Thanks Angela! :) Please continue to add to the discussions.

The Center is a very nice facility. If anyone is unfamiliar with it,
surf here:

http://www.geekbabe.com/dlv/dlv2013/d13cent.html

I see two primary issues with using The Center for an established
central touch-base point.

First is that it is not at all convenient to the hotels where our people
usually stay. Yes, it's easy to reach if you're out and about, as both
Maryland and Charleston are main drags but It's either a drive, a taxi
ride, or a very long walk from the abode. (Yes, Ginger, I'm sure it's
possible on the bus too.) :) :) :)

Second, it will cost real money to use. Probably not as much as space in
one of our hotels, but still in the three-figure order of magnitude I'm
sure.

I don't want to sound like I'm poo-pooing the idea, but I just can't
envision that many of our people making multiple trips to The Center, as
they would if they could simply walk to a central location in Harrah's
or The Quad.

I think a better fit for The Center might be for some kind of a medium
size activity. The Carla's Boutique session turned out very well. They
do allow adult beverages with some requisite formality.
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Lunch/Contact Point:

Ginger writes:

Seems to me lunch is a perfect contact point and individuals can attend
in either gender presentation. I think this has been made clear in the
past.

Yet this year lunch attendance was pitiful even at the best attended
when compared to past years.

I do think the increased cost of the casino buffets was an issue. I went
to most of them, but considering my diet and their offerings felt I was
greatly overpaying.

I am definitely of the opinion we ought to offer deli or coffee shop
locations. The problem is where considering transportation issues. The
Fashion Show Mall Food Court is one place easily accessible by foot,
auto, and public transportation.

Who has ideas for others?
. . . . . . . . . .

Annie responds:

As I think back throughout the years, I'm sure that the turnout for the
"Lunch With" sessions was greatest when it was at the fixed Sahara
Buffet location.

The ongoing Lunch With sessions began as "Brunch With Tina" in 2003
(Yes, brunch at 1:00pm.) at the Sahara Buffet.

This morphed into Lunch With (or without) Ginger which remained
exclusively at the Sahara Buffet thru 2005 and then branched out to
multiple locations.

For a few years we did a two-track lunch with a second Lunch With at the
Bellagio buffet, while retaining the Sahara buffet for those who did not
want to spend that much on lunch. IIRC, both of these were well attended
when they were going on.

As for suggested Lunch With venues, I would keep one or more of the
buffets, particularly the lower-priced ones that have generated a good
turnout in recent years. Gold Coast comes to mind immediately.

To that I would suggest adding things like a casino coffee shop, try a
food court (such as Fashion show) once, and maybe some kind of a place
like Margaritaville or Toby Keith.

Further comments, gang?
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Administrivia:

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Received on Wed Jun 04 2014 - 06:29:35 CDT