In this mailing:
Org List
Continuing
Lunch-hotel survey Top Five
Schedule status and review
Activity suggestions
High Roller Big Wheel
Activity comments
EHM and KOH activities
Bare Escentuals and volunteer workload
Afternoon Social
Bang-bang shoot-shoot
Pamplemousse
Dining and HH suggestion
Karaoke and Blue Ox
Lunch-hotel survey complete report
Working schedule
Administrivia
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Continuing:
Thanks again to all who have volunteered to make things happen for our
2015 event! Please keep those cards and letters (and activities) coming.
This is again a very long mailing. Lots of things have happened and lots
of things are happening. We're asking all volunteers to look over this
mailing very carefully and thoroughly as some details may be easy to
miss.
. . . . .
This mailing concentrates on activities and scheduling.
There is a thread on activity ideas going on the Discussion Forum.
The direct link to this thread is here:
http://www.geekbabe.com/dlv/mydlv/mainforum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3021
Please take a look at this, as kind of a supplement to this mailing.
As a reminder, although it's perfectly fine, and encouraged, to discuss
such things as potential activity plans on the Discussion Forum, the
actual formal scheduling and final planning needs to occur here on the
ORG list. This is the one that "counts" as to our official schedule. :)
. . . . .
Our next major item will be our hotel strategy.
Please be thinking (and commenting) on which specific hotels you think
will best represent the values most often noted by the respondents of
our recent survey. See survey items below.
We want to announce our suggested hotels during the first week in
December at the very latest. We're not in a time crunch yet, but the
clock is ticking.
. . . . .
Some parts of the schedule look a bit confusing and even non-workable
with some of the newer additions. There are still many IFs and uncertain
items in there. For the present time, let's please avoid the temptation
to reschedule items already on the calendar until plans for the less
"portable" items become more certain.
. . . . .
Most of you on this list should have received your DLV 2015 mailings
which now include the link to your Attendee Information Portal.
If you didn't receive this, please let us know and we will force it. The
most likely reason for not receiving it is that your e-mail on file in
your registration does not match the one used for the ORG list.
Please be sure to report any issues with the registration or with the
Attendee Information Portal.
. . . . .
One admonition for which a reminder is appropriate is that of
simplicity. "Keep It Simple" was one of Ginger's key suggestions at a
volunteer gathering back in 2010. If we look back at many of the very
popular activities of recent years, many were very simple, even
minimalist, in concept.
Likewise, if we look back through the ORG archives in search of those
"trains that never left the station", these tended to be more complex.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lunch-hotel survey Top Five:
Here are the most significant results of the Lunch-Hotel survey. Please
devour and digest (and comment). The complete survey report appears at
the end of this mailing.
. . . . .
Here are the top five factors encouraging lunch attendance:
+within convenient walking distance of where I am staying.: 40
+is held in the hotel in which I am staying.: 35
+if the daily lunch is held in an inexpensive casino buffet.: 31
+within a convenient driving distance from where I am staying.: 29
+if the facility offers a traditional American lunch.: 26
Other factors receiving 20 or more responses include:
+if the daily lunch is held in varied locations from day to day.: 25
+a good-sized group (at least 15-20 or so) will also be attending.: 25
+if I know that my close circle of friends will also be attending.: 22
+if the daily lunch is held in a traditional American coffee shop.: 22
+if the daily lunch is held in one of our suggested hotels.: 21
Convenience is clearly the most valued factor encouraging lunch
attendance.
Thrift, familiarity, variety, and camaraderie are also represented in
the most-selected responses.
. . . . .
Here are the top five valued factors encouraging hotel selection:
+if the hotel offers competitive room rates.: 52
+if the hotel is listed as a DLV Suggested Hotel: 44
+if the hotel has a reputation of being LGBT-friendly.: 42
+if the hotel has regular or occasional DLV gatherings on site.: 37
+if the hotel offers complimentary Internet access.: 35
The following are additional factors receiving 20 or more responses:
+if the hotel has a special negotiated room rate for DLV attendees.: 34
+is listed as an exclusive or Most-preferred DLV Suggested Hotel: 33
+if the hotel does NOT impose Resort Fees: 31
+if the hotel is located on the main part of the Las Vegas Strip.: 31
+known for catering to adults as opposed to families with children..: 29
+if the hotel has convenient parking close to or near my hotel room.: 24
+caters to mature individuals (40+) as opposed to twentysomethings.: 24
+if I can be assured that other DLV attendees will be staying there.: 21
Thrift is, by far, the most significant factor encouraging hotel
selection! This (competitive room rates) is the only item receiving
responses (lunch or hotel categories) from the majority of those taking
the survey.
Comfort, camaraderie, and convenience are also represented by the
most-selected factors.
As to "special negotiated rates", if anyone wants to look into this, you
will need to do so prior to the selection of our suggested hotels, as in
NOW. :)
. . . . .
The complete report appears at the end of this mailing. Thanks to all
who participated in this survey.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Schedule status and review:
We now have over 50 line items on our schedule. That's a very good
start! Thanks to all who volunteered and thanks in advance to all
who will. :)
This leads very nicely into the next item below the schedule review,
reflecting upon the suggested activities from the 2014 survey.
Please look over this item (schedule review) and the next (the suggested
activities) in regards to what would be a good fit where on the
schedule, and what specific activities you would like to be involved in.
. . . . . . . . . . .
Let's go over the schedule day by day ...
Sunday, March 22:
+ 12:00n: Lunch With Ginger (tba) - ms
+ 5:00pm: Afternoon Social (Cromwell) - ms
+ 10:00pm: Dancing at Paris (Paris - Cabaret Lounge) - ms
First, Sunday morning:
For many years we've included services at Metropolitan Community Church
on our schedule for Sunday morning. Turnout has been down the past few
years, however.
If this is to go on the schedule for 2015, we will need to have a
volunteer of record. This is one of the easier ones. All you really have
to do is to agree to be there (on time) and welcome the others.
Sunday afternoon is wide open for about anything. Something like last
year's bar crawl would work fine in the afternoon on Sunday. Something
like the Mob Museum (see below) would be a great fit.
Now for Sunday evening:
The seemingly obvious strategy for the slow-start Sunday evening is to
focus the attention toward the downtown area. If anyone has any
objections to this approach, or any alternate ideas, please speak up.
It would be very nice if we could have a designated location for a final
gathering place for the evening, in the downtown area of course. Last
year's similar plans failed due to an unannounced cover charge.
. . . . . . . . . .
Monday, March 23:
+ 8:00am: Katie's Koffee Korner (Linq - Betty's Cyber Cafe) - ms
+ 12:00n: Lunch With Ginger (tba) - ms
+ 1:00pm: Makeover Sessions (Bare Escentuals) - ms
+ 2:00pm: Makeover Sessions (Bare Escentuals) - ms
+ 3:00pm: Makeover Sessions (Bare Escentuals) - ms
+ 5:00pm: New Attendee Orientation (Bahama Breeze) - mv
+ 6:00pm: Happy Hour (Bahama Breeze) - ms
+ 7:00pm: Welcome Dinner (Bahama Breeze) - ms
+ 8:30pm: Welcome Celebration (Bahama Breeze) - ms
+ 9:00pm: Official Group Photo (Bahama Breeze) - ms
+ 10:00pm: Dancing at Paris (Paris - Cabaret Lounge) - ms
Monday morning and early afternoon are open for just about anything.
The evening, of course, is about as solid as can be.
. . . . . . . . . .
Tuesday, March 24:
+ 8:00am: Katie's Koffee Korner (Linq - Betty's Cyber Cafe) - ms
+ 9:00am: Diva Las Vegas Invitational Golf (Wildhorse Golf Club) - ms
+ 12:00n: Lunch With Ginger (tba) - ms
+ 1:00pm: Makeover Sessions (Bare Escentuals) - ms
+ 1:00pm: Figure Workshop Lunch (Blue Ox Sahara) - ms
+ 2:00pm: Makeover Sessions (Bare Escentuals) - ms
+ 2:00pm: 2bShapely Figure and Fitting Workshop (Blue Ox Sahara) - ms
+ 3:00pm: Makeover Sessions (Bare Escentuals) - ms
+ 5:00pm: Afternoon Social (Cromwell) - ms
+ 6:00pm: Happy Hour options (various)
+ 6:00pm: Ruths Chris Happy Hour (Ruth's Chris - Harrahs) - ms
+ 6:00pm: Delaney's Choice (tba) - ms
+ 7:00pm: Dining options (various) - ms
+ 7:00pm: Ruths Chris dining option (Ruth's Chris - Harrahs) - ms
+ 7:00pm: Delaney's Choice (tba) - ms
+ 10:00pm: Dancing at Paris (Paris - Cabaret Lounge) - ms
Tuesday daytime is taking shape nicely.
Golf is the featured activity for Tuesday morning and early afternoon,
but not everyone will be doing that, so there's room for something in
addition on Tuesday morning if anyone wishes to plan it.
Tuesday evening, which is designated as a multi-track evening, needs
some rounding out.
If this is to remain a multi-track evening, we will need at least one
more HH and dining option for Tuesday evening, as well as a few
after-dinner options of about any type. The two scheduled dining options
are higher-end, so we definitely need some more affordable dining
options in here.
Shows or other entertainment will be a good fit for Tuesday evening.
You can volunteer to host(ess) a dining activity or even a show or
something while leaving the final choice of venue open for now.
. . . . . . . . . .
Wednesday, March 25:
+ 8:00am: Katie's Koffee Korner (Linq - Betty's Cyber Cafe) - ms
+ 12:00n: Lunch With Dr. Victoria (Erotic Heritage Museum) - ms
+ 5:00pm: PF Chang Happy Half-hour (PF Chang Planet Hollywood) - ms
+ 5:30pm: PF Chang Dinner (PF Chang Planet Hollywood) - ms
+ 7:00pm: Erotic Heritage Museum (Erotic Heritage Museum) - mv
+ 9:30pm: Kings of Hustler (Kings Of Hustler) - mv
+ 10:00pm: Dancing at Paris (Paris - Cabaret Lounge) - ms
Wednesday's schedule is centered around the various EHM and KOH
activities and although there are many details to be worked out, we can
assume that these will anchor both the afternoon and evening timeslots.
Commercial activities would fit nicely in the morning. Something
centered around the Fashion Show Mall would segue' just fine into EHM
since the two properties are catercorner.
Although the KOH affair is not officially single-tracked, it can expect
to draw the bulk of the attendees that evening. That being said, there
will be some who may wish for something else, and the evening is indeed
open for alternatives, such as a show, which would be a very good fit.
. . . . . . . . . .
Thursday, March 26:
+ 8:00am: Katie's Koffee Korner (Linq - Betty's Cyber Cafe) - ms
+ 9:00am: Trap and Pistol Shooting (CC Shooting Complex) - ms
+ 12:00n: Lunch With Ginger (tba) - ms
+ 2:00pm: Art Tour (Bellagio Gallery) - ms
+ 5:00pm: Afternoon Social (Bound Bar - Cromwell) - ms
+ 6:00pm: Happy Hour options (various)
+ 6:00pm: Trevi Happy Hour (Trevi - Caesars) - ms
+ 6:00pm: Big Wheel Happy Hour (tba) - ms
+ 7:00pm: Dining options (various)
+ 7:00pm: Big Wheel Dining option (tba) - ms
+ 7:00pm: Trevi Dining option (Trevi - Caesars) - ms
+ 9:00pm: High Roller Big Wheel (Linq) - ms
+ 10:00pm: Dancing at Paris (Paris - Cabaret Lounge) - ms
We have one fairly strong daytime activity in the morning and another
one in the afternoon, but these are not by any means exclusive. About
any type of daytime activity would fit, morning or afternoon.
Thursday evening has been designated as an "anchor" evening.
The only thing tentatively scheduled on Thursday evening so far is the
Big Wheel. See discussion below. If the details work out as they are
anticipated, it could indeed attract enough of our people to be a true
featured anchor for the evening.
Should this pan out, a second-track option would be appropriate.
A show at Cesars, any of Celine/Shania/Jerry/Elton, whoever is on that
evening, would pair nicely with the Trevi dining option.
. . . . . . . . . .
Now, let's talk about Friday ...
Friday, March 27:
+ 8:00am: Katie's Koffee Korner (Linq - Betty's Cyber Cafe) - ms
+ 12:00n: Lunch With Ginger (tba) - ms
+ 3:00pm: Macy's Makeovers, session 1 (Macy's FSM) - ms
+ 3:45pm: Macy's Makeovers, session 2 (Macy's FSM) - ms
+ 4:30pm: Macy's Makeovers, session 3 (Macy's FSM) - ms
+ 5:00pm: Afternoon Social (Cromwell) - ms
+ 6:00pm: Happy Hour (tba) - ms
+ 7:00pm: Farewell Dinner (tba) - ms
+ 8:30pm: Farewell Celebration (tba) - ms
+ 10:00pm: Dancing at Paris (Paris - Cabaret Lounge) - ms
Friday morning is wide open. Something touristy? Something outdoorsy?
Something recreational like bowling or mini-golf? Skydiving? :) :) :)
This leaves us staring silently at the 15,000 pound elephant sitting
directly before us, that being Friday evening, reserved for our closing
gathering.
The big burning question for Friday evening is "where?" and another
important question is "who?"
As to where, comments and suggestions regarding said "where?" are
welcome and encouraged, and we promise not to coerce you into being the
"who" should you simply suggest or discuss a venue. :)
We will not be entertaining any formal binding motions locking us into a
"where" unless the "who" portion is also covered or agreed upon. :)
Comments and suggestions (on any of this), please.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activity suggestions:
Annie writes:
Let's take a few minutes to review some of the various activity
suggestions from the last event's follow-up survey.
I have commented on some of these and further comments (or more
specifically, volunteers to take them on) are encouraged.
We're asking all new volunteers, and veteran volunteers who have not yet
volunteered to coordinate anything this coming year, to please look this
over and decide upon what you want to do to help out with DLV 2015.
. . . . . . . . . .
+Definitely keep the Audrey Tour.
An "Audrey Tour" type of thing would work well as an option on Tuesday,
or on Wednesday or Thursday as a second-track option.
A downtown "Audrey Tour" would also work well on Sunday afternoon and/or
evening.
. . . . .
+Yes, the big wheel.
+High Roller Ferris Wheel.
+LV Strip Excursion (Bellagio fountains)
+Paris Eiffel Tower, animals, etc)
Any of these would work well as an after-dinner option on Tuesday.
High Roller will most likely happen. (See below)
. . . . .
+Maybe Celine Dion or a similar show
+Criss Angel Show at Luxor....
+The Australian Bee Gees
+Defending the Caveman-Flamingo
+Elton John (multiple suggestions)
+X Burlesque
Shows would be a great fit on Tuesday evening, or as a second track on
Wednesday or Thursday. A show downtown would also work well on Sunday.
+maybe do a night of shows
We've had "show night" in the past where two options were offered, one
being one of the higher-end headliner type shows and the other was a
moderately priced show. Such a scheme would work quite well on Tuesday.
Afternoon shows are also a possibility.
. . . . .
+Bring back the boat ride
This refers, most likely, to the Lake Mead excursion which was a
recurring activity in the mid 2000s. All it takes to make it happen is
for someone to adopt it. It can be very simple and low-maintenance.
Breakfast/lunch/brunch, in the Boulder City area, has been paired with
the Lake Mead Boat Cruise in the past.
+Bring back the limo ride
The Limo Tour was not done last DLV. It can be brought back for this
coming year's event providing we have the volunteers. This is one which
does require a fair amount of real work. Volunteers?
. . . . .
+Fashion Bootcamp (how-to look realistic)
+Ponytails, Tshirts and jeans How-to seminar
Things like this could either be done in cooperation with a vendor or be
self-produced by our volunteers.
A venue such as the Spotlight would more than likely be agreeable to
allowing the use of the facility in exchange for the bar business.
What things like this depend on is for one or more volunteers to take
the initiative to make them happen.
. . . . .
+Horse riding
+Springs Preserve next year
We don't have anything outdoorsy of a general interest (yet) on the
schedule.
We had some people do Springs Preserve last year and there was talk
about doing it as a scheduled activity. Now is the time to make plans
and put this on the schedule.
Springs Preserve (supposedly) has a restaurant on site, and this could
be used as a convenient lunch option for those doing it.
. . . . .
+blue ox
+Carrabbas
+Paradise Bakery
+Gordon Ramsey Burger
+The new Mexican restaurant at the Quad.
+Maragritaville for dinner.
+Burger Brassiere
+Toby Keith.
+Morton's
+McCormick and scmick
+Claim jumper
Any of these would work out fine as a dining option on Tuesday evening,
particularly the lower-priced suggestions, or possibly Wednesday or
Thursday as an alternate-track option.
Smaller dining activities are good ones for a beginning volunteer to
"get her feet wet" and get some experience. For a minimalist approach,
simply name a place and agree to be there and welcome the others. Then
use available tables as needed to handle the number of people who show
up.
. . . . .
+Evening gown/wedding try-on and photo shoot
To make something like this happen, someone is going to have to make
contact with a local vendor and get things going. We have a few very
prolific amateur photographers, and certainly there will be at least
one who would volunteer to do the shooting.
+Fashion show
One train that did not leave the station was an idea to get some of our
people to serve as some of the unpaid amateur models for one of the
regular fashion shows at Fashion Show Mall. Initial contact was made,
but this was never really followed up on. Anyone wanna pick up the ball
and run with it?
Another recurring idea is a self-produced fashion show. Again, needs to
have someone adopt it and make it happen. This could be an evening
affair on one of the multi-track evening, a daytime affair, or even a
luncheon show.
+Boutique shopping
+shopping
There are many daytime timeslots in which this would be a very good fit.
All this takes is for someone to formulate a plan and do it!
. . . . .
+Mani-pedis
Paula and staff at Harmony Nail Spa would most likely cooperate with
anyone who wanted to schedule something like this as a DLV activity.
. . . . .
+Tai chi in a park
Again, all it takes is for someone to organize it and do it.
There are a couple of caveats about parks, however.
The first is that groups over (some number) in size do require a permit,
and (groan!) the last I knew, still on the books was the final vestage
of those oft-mentioned but seldom-accurately-cited Awful Restroom Laws
which has to do specifically with public parks.
. . . . .
+Movie
We've had these on the schedule a number of times over the years. For
some reason, for this particular schedule item, the train often times
did not depart the station.
. . . . .
+DLV Bowling Night
We had a very successful bowling session about 10 years ago at Sams
Town. All it takes for this to happen is ... ...
. . . . .
+More downtown
"Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!" (Imagine booming hypey radio announcer with
over-done echo/reverb in here.) :)
. . . . .
+Harrah's outdoor music carnival
Hanging out on Carnaval Court could be a Tuesday after-dinner option
or a follow-up to the Big Wheel. Many other possibilities here.
. . . . .
+Charlie's drag bingo
This could be a "safer" option on just about any evening except for
Monday or Friday.
. . . . .
+Mob Museum
This would be a GREAT daytime activity for (HINT!) Sunday.
. . . . . . . . . .
We are not in any way limited to the suggestions immediately above. If
you have any additional ideas, please share them with the group.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High Roller Big Wheel:
Holly writes:
I made a pleasant discovery last night. A DLV friend was in town and
wanted to go for a ride on the High Roller observation wheel at The
Linq, aka The Quad, aka The Imperial Palace, aka The IP, etc.
As a Las Vegas local, I can get tickets at a $5 discount about anytime.
What we discovered was Thursdays is Ladies Night. Tickets are $15 below
listed price ($19.95 as opposed to $34.95, evening rates) and comes with
a couple of $10 adult beverage tickets that can be used at a couple of
different bars on the property as well. This promotion is not advertised
anywhere that I have been able to find.
I need to do a little more research to see if this promotion will still
be going on in March, but I'm thinkin' Thursday might be a good night
for a bunch of DLVers to get high. If there is enough interest, I may be
able to get us a group rate and a cabin dedicated to just our DLV group.
Can we tentatively place this on the schedule for Thursday along with a
dining out option? There are several new eating establishments on the
property that have recently opened, two of which I have tried. I would
like to try a few more before making a choice of which to use.
. . . . . . . . . .
Beverly responds:
I like your ideas about the High Roller Wheel. I was hoping to
experience it during DLV 2015.
I was thinking of doing it on Tuesday evening following dinner at Ruth's
Chris Steakhouse at Harrah's. but if there is a "ladies discount" on
Thursday then that would be the night to do it.
Let me be the first to sign up to be a part of it.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activity comments:
Sherry writes:
I would like to comment on 2 items; Katie's Korner and EHM event.
Katie,
thank u for moving the time up to 8. After late nites out dancing,
there's no way I could make it down by 7. Even in drab.
. . . . .
Dionne,
with all do respect, I don't think the combined EHM/Hustlers deal makes
any sense.
In the first place, it's way too long time wise. In the 2nd, many of us
want to change outfits. From a day time look to sexy, hot, costumes,
etc. for the nite at Hustlers.
I don't understand the need for, or see that there will be any time for,
"games".
The 6 PM dinner is too early and may be just too much to deal with. The
Hustlers event itself, starting at 8, was quite enuff for me last year!
If they can't easily serve dinner to us at Hustlers I'd say just leave
it off the dance card.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EHM and KOH activities:
Dionne writes:
I want to address the (Joann responds:) comments since it appears she
was upset by sticker shock or ??
Please dont shoot the messenger (Yes, the est. attendance was wrong,
sorry.). Thanks, Annie for your feedback.
The EHM is now a for-profit entity and the prices have risen to $30
general admission for non-residents. Also, EHM attendance is down with
slow traffic through the front door. Anyone who just wants to attend EHM
would pay $30 at any time during DLV week.
In order to unbundle the buffet lunch and Dr. Victoria discussion, it
would involve more logistics to see who paid & etc.
Assuming we can register everyone who wants to attend the discussion and
get a good headcount, Dr. V. will include the buffet lunch & discussion
for that $30 per person. We just need to setup the start/ stop times. I
realise this isnt unbundled, just a better value.
The KoH is closed on Wed. and rents out for $2000 per night, not
including the entertainment & etc. If DLV 2015 gets 50 people in the
door that's $40 per person right there. {Remember, Dr. V is no longer
the GM of KoH club.}
What do we want for entertainment (ie: dancers, DJ, karaoke & ?) & food?
The drinks are a no-host cash bar, so that's covered. It would be
helpful to estimate how many people would eat dinner or maybe dinner is
not provided. Some ideas on entertainment options and dinner are
welcome, so I can plan/budget/negotiate for this evening. Dr. V. agreed
that no advance deposits for reservations are required for the DLV
group.
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
I'm also responding to some of DRS's remarks in this section as well.
The more I think about it, the more I think that to encourage turnout
and to better insure success of this track, this needs to be broken up
into separate EHM and KOH activities. DRS's remarks reinforce some
off-line thoughts along the line that 12 hours (6 hours each) among the
two venues is simply too much of a good thing.
Yes, many (most?) of those who want to do both of these will want to
change or simply want a break. More than half of them, statistically,
will be driving a private vehicle, and most of those will probably wish
to use those to drive to/from/between the venues.
I'm going to speak very freely about price points. By doing so, I am not
trying to put down anyone's ideas, but to simply reflect on the observed
behavior patterns (and spending patterns) of our attendees, which have
proven to be predictable and quite consistent.
The comment "EHM attendance is down with slow traffic through the front
door" is painfully obvious! The price point is too high! This is an
off-Strip special-interest type of facility and it's just not going to
get that many visitors at that price. They may have priced themselves
out of their intended market!
Now let me shift gears, getting more along the line of JoAnn's
admonition that we need to discuss not what "won't work", but what
"will work" under the circumstances. Let's also include Ginger's "keep
it simple" principle in mind too.
Here is what I think "will work" regarding the EHM for DLV: A combined
EHM Tour and Dr. Victoria session at the price point of $15-ish.
Even at that price point I would envision a turnout number in line with
other daytime "art tour" type activities. If Dr. Vic. is indeed a
drawing card, that estimate can be boosted somewhat. My guess would be
in the 20s somewhere for number of our attendees through the door. That
number is probably not what you want to hear, but our attendance
patterns over the years just do not forecast a turnout, during the day,
along the line of that we saw at previous evening EHM sessions.
Lunch would be a nice addition, but not if it's paid for whether or
not it's desired. Sorry, "too difficult to manage" is an excuse or a
cop-out. This is not rocket surgery, it's common practice and done
frequently at similar functions. Arm band or hand stamp for those
eating. It worked out quite well for the optional buffet at Blue Ox
Welcome Celebration back in 2008-2009.
What actually might work out best is an after-lunch (2:00pm or so)
combined EHM and Dr. Vic. session. (KIS, right, Ginger?) :)
Now let's talk about what I think "will work" regarding KOH, and that
would be along the line of something similar to what we had last year
at a similar price point. ("Ain't broke, don't fix it.")
I do not think we can expect a turnout of 50-ish at $40 per. Our past
spending patterns do not support that level of turnout for an activity
of this type at that price.
I agree with DRS that 8:00pm is a good start time for such an affair.
An optional dinner (7:00pm-ish) might be a good lead-in, but again not
if it needs to be paid for if not desired.
As for entertainment, again, I suggest keeping it simple. Something like
a self-produced show of some kind, perhaps supplemented by the staff
entertainers bouncing around on stage (and in the rafters). :)
Games? I don't know. The only way to find out is to try. I tend to agree
with DRS that these probably would not contribute much to the overall
success of the evening.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bare Escentuals and volunteer workload:
Dionne writes:
> The activity sign-up screen will automatically check the real-time
> remaining capacity of the activity. It will warn when two or fewer
> spaces are left for any activity and will note when an activity
> fill sup.
With regards to the BM MU sessions, I wonder if this real-time check
feature could include another, such as, when appts are booked up, choose
your own appt. on Wed., Thurs. or Friday?
In other words, BM is open the entire week for appts., they just want to
know when to cover the peak periods with extra staffing. There are
probably many ways to make this work efficiently.
Also, I scheduled the Shape workshop against the MU sessions rather than
after the Wed. full day EHM/KoH event, trying to give myself the day
after to rest a bit. I might need to rethink this balancing act.
Suggestions are welcome here.
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
We actually do have the code in place to handle vendor appointments, but
it was mothballed in 2008 when we decided that we should not be in the
business of managing off-schedule vendor appointments.
"Where the line is to be drawn" was clear, and that is if it does not
appear as a line item on our schedule, we should not be handling it.
What I might suggest, if you think that DLVers would like more feedback
on when appointments are available, is to keep in touch with the vendor
and post updates on the Discussion Forum as space is filling up or if
appointments become available.
. . . . . . . . . .
Shifting gears again somewhat ...
One thing I will again reiterate, to all volunteers, is to please be
sure to recognize your own fatigue points and set your own limits. It's
very easy to OD on coordinating activities for DLV and we want to be
sure that nobody burns out. It's happened several times, unfortunately,
where we've had enthusiasm leading to overcommitment leading to
frustration leading to burn-out leading to drop-out. We don't want to
see that happen!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Afternoon Social:
Katie writes:
> The Happy hour at the Cromwell. ((Let's call it "Afternoon Social" for
> now, and we can change it if someone comes up with a catchier name.))
As sounds too much like something I quite regularly sit on *Snerk*!
I can Hostess a Sunday night session. Hopefully I will have no flight
delays and arrive on time this year and the bar is called... Bound ..
Bev can you do Sunday with me?
. . . . .
If our locals can research a bit for us??? and find out the $$$ of
drinks there then we can use it.
. . . . .
If not, Then the Cromwell also has a lounge not too far away called
Interlude which might serve our purpose even better as they have a
rather nice seating area with neat coffee tables where you socialize as
you people watch. There are plenty of bar stools available too for Those
ever so enticing Cross legged bar stool photos.. Ha!
I picked Bound because it is 20 steps from the main entrance and a sharp
right turn and you are there . Also the Cromwell is on the four corners
where a lot of DLVers will be within shouting distance of.
There will be no need to walk miles through a casino either as the Taxi
drop off/pick up area is directly outside which should make it quite
acceptable to both new and accomplished girls.
Please Locals Ladies ... Can you research this for us?
. . . . .
Marisa writes:
The plush and pricey (no HH and everything looks pricey at the Cromwell)
bar by the taxi stand at the Cromwell is "Bound".I can watch for
something else otherwise located near the taxis and convenient to the
main hotels.
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
Thanks ladies.
We have it at the Bound Bar for now with you (Katie) on Sunday. I
(Annie) will commit to taking it on Tuesday. (Volunteers for other
days?) :)
Also, Katie, please see Marisa's recommendation later on in this
mailing. Do you think that would be a better Afternoon Social option
than a bar at the Cromwell?
Please let us know if you change the location. I would suggest the most
obvious and easiest to find bar if there is a choice to be made.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bang-bang shoot-shoot:
Gina writes:
Shooting needs a sign up so I know how many lanes to reserve.
. . . . . . . . . .
Vanessa writes:
Gina and I have talked and Thursday morning will be fine...
We will be holding the shooting event at the Clark County Shooting
Sports Complex....
This will be an outdoor event and we will be doing Trap (shotgun)
shooting and may also have a range for handgun shooting reserved as
well.
Directions and details will follow.
We may also plan on getting lunch on the way back to the hotels or
suggesting the "Lunch With" Event on Thursday. Looking forward to March
in Vegas...pray for good weather.
. . . . . . . . . .
Thanks ladies.
We already have the map entry for this. However, the last time you did
this at the Clark County range you listed the venue as the carpool
assembly point. Do you want to do the same this year?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pamplemousse:
Delaney writes:
I just go with Pamplemousse. Same HH as in the past, and same sign up.
Should the schedule be light and need additional dining on another
night, I'll add Alize.
. . . . . . . . . .
Thanks Delaney.
HH is set for PT's, down the street.
Do you wish to use any of the new sign-up options (priority to those
with cell phones, priority to good-standing returnees) to help control
no-shows? Please let us know.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dining and HH suggestion:
Marisa writes:
I found a possible reasonably priced lunch or dinner option for someone
to host if they want it.
Chuyo at the Linq has all day taco Tuesdays. 3 tacos, rice and beans for
1/2 off at $8-$9 with some kind of drink special of the day.
They also have HH specials 3-6 every day.
. . . . . . . . . .
Thanks Marisa.
Something like this would definitely be appropriate as a reasonable
dining option opposite the two more expensive options on Tuesday.
Also I would think that the HH specials would make it a candidate
for a recurring "Afternoon Social" type of thing. Comments?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Karaoke and Blue Ox:
Linda writes:
Like last year, I volunteer to host(ess) karaoke, probably with Shiela
and probably at Phoenix. However, it's a little early to set this in
stone, as I need to be sure that Shiela will still be there and that
it's acceptable to Phoenix management. I expect that this will all be
okay, but I need to confirm it.
Also, last year's dinner at the Blue Ox was rather disappointing in
terms of turnout (less than half the estimated number of people who
signed up) but the food was good. If you want to do this again, I will
make arrangements.
. . . . . . . . . .
Thanks Linda.
Please let us know when you want these to be scheduled. There are
several evenings on which these would work well.
As to controlling turnout, or in this case controlling no-shows, there
are a few factors at play here. One is that last year we did have a
higher than usual number of illnesses reported throughout the event
and this quite possibly had some impact on this particular turnout.
Also, you had sign-up requested, but not required for last year.
Changing this to sign-up required will most likely give you a lower
sign-up count, but the sign-up count, adjusted for expected fall-out,
will be closer to the actual headcount. You also have some new options
this year for giving priority to those more likely to show. Let us
know what you want to do for this please.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lunch-hotel survey complete report:
The survey closed last Saturday.
99 responses were received. Of these, three responses were "runts"
containing no meaningful information, leaving 96 valid responses.
This is slightly lower than our survey last year, but still in the
ballpark and most definitely valid.
Of these, 21 were from those who have never attended, 15 were from those
who attended once, and 59 were from those who attended twice or more.
Although the results are tilted toward multiple-year attendees, all
classes are represented. Numbers may not add up to 96, Since not
everyone answered all items.
. . . . .
The top five items from both categories appear above.
Here's the complete report, with everything ordered by number of
responses:
How likely are you to attend DLV 2015?
+I am very likely to attend: 40
+I will possibly attend: 33
+I am likely to attend: 20
Have you previously attended Diva Las Vegas?
+I have attended DLV more than once, last time in 2010 or later: 54
+I have never attended Diva Las Vegas: 21
+I have attended DLV once, during the years 2010 or later: 15
+I have attended DLV more than once, last time prior to 2010: 5
+I have attended DLV once, prior to 2010: 0
Which of the following BEST indicates your current intentions
regarding your participation in the various activities during DLV 2015?
+I will be attending solo, choosing activities independently.: 48
+With spouse or partner, mostly participating as a couple.: 19
+Close circle of friends, choose my activities independently.: 12
+Close circle of friends, participating mainly with this group.: 11
+With spouse or partner, choosing our activities independently.: 4
Factors encouraging lunch attendance:
+is held within convenient walking distance of where I am staying.: 40
+if the daily lunch is held in the hotel in which I am staying.: 35
+if the daily lunch is held in an inexpensive casino buffet.: 31
+is held within a convenient driving distance from where I am staying.: 29
+if the facility offers a traditional American lunch.: 26
+if the daily lunch is held in varied locations from day to day.: 25
+a good-sized group (at least 15-20 or so) will also be attending.: 25
+if I know that my close circle of friends will also be attending.: 22
+if the daily lunch is held in a traditional American coffee shop.: 22
+if the daily lunch is held in one of our suggested hotels.: 21
+wide open and our group is readily visible to the general public.: 18
+if the daily lunch is held in a consistent location from day to day.: 16
+if the daily lunch is held in a food court in a casino or mall.: 16
+is held in a location reachable by a modestly-priced taxi ride.: 15
+if adult beverages are available during lunch.: 15
+if the facility offers a traditional American breakfast.: 14
+if the daily lunch is held in a well-known chain restaurant.: 12
+if the daily lunch is held in a better (more expensive) casino buffet..: 11
+is held in a location not visible to the general public.: 11
+is held in a location convenient to public transportation.: 11
+if the venue is reachable without transiting a crowded area.: 10
+vegetarian/vegan and health-conscious selections.: 10
+is held in a better (more expensive) sit-down restaurant.: 10
Other lunch factors:
+Tasty scrambled eggs
. . . . .
Factors encouraging hotel selection:
+if the hotel offers competitive room rates.: 52
+if the hotel is listed as a DLV Suggested Hotel: 44
+if the hotel has a reputation of being LGBT-friendly.: 42
+if the hotel has regular or occasional DLV gatherings on site.: 37
+if the hotel offers complimentary Internet access.: 35
+if the hotel has a special negotiated room rate for DLV attendees.: 34
+is listed as an exclusive or Most-preferred DLV Suggested Hotel: 33
+if the hotel does NOT impose Resort Fees: 31
+if the hotel is located on the main part of the Las Vegas Strip.: 31
+is known for catering to adults as opposed to families with children..: 29
+if the hotel has convenient parking close to or near my hotel room.: 24
+caters to mature individuals (40+) as opposed to twentysomethings.: 24
+if I can be assured that other DLV attendees will be staying there.: 21
+if the hotel has buffet.: 19
+a DLV Information Center or hospitality suite is located in the hotel.: 18
+a section or floor blocked off and reserved exclusively for DLV.: 15
+if the hotel is located in downtown Las Vegas.: 12
+if the hotel is low-rise without a crowded lobby or common area.: 12
+if the hotel has a designated DLV representative staying on site..: 12
+if the hotel is adjacent to or near a large shopping complex.: 12
+if the hotel has a Las Vegas Monorail station.: 10
+if the hotel is located AWAY FROM the main gaming and tourist areas.: 7
+if the hotel is upscale or high-end.: 5
+if the hotel does NOT have a casino.: 3
+if the hotel is NOT listed as a DLV Suggested Hotel: 2
Other hotel factors:
+A fun casino
. . . . . . . . . . .
If anyone sees any specific need to break these out further, zeroing in
on any specific subsets of the respondees, please say so.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working schedule:
Diva Las Vegas 2015 schedule
Tentative and subject to change
All times Pacific Daylight Time
PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS AS THE FINAL
AND ACCURATE DIVA LAS VEGAS SCHEDULE.
Sunday, March 22:
12:00n: Lunch With Ginger (tba) - ms
5:00pm: Afternoon Social (Bound Bar - Cromwell) - ms
10:00pm: Dancing at Paris (Paris - Cabaret Lounge) - ms
Monday, March 23:
8:00am: Katie's Koffee Korner (Linq - Betty's Cyber Cafe) - ms
12:00n: Lunch With Ginger (tba) - ms
1:00pm: Makeover Sessions (Bare Escentuals) - ms
2:00pm: Makeover Sessions (Bare Escentuals) - ms
3:00pm: Makeover Sessions (Bare Escentuals) - ms
5:00pm: New Attendee Orientation (Bahama Breeze) - mv
6:00pm: Happy Hour (Bahama Breeze) - ms
7:00pm: Welcome Dinner (Bahama Breeze) - ms
8:30pm: Welcome Celebration (Bahama Breeze) - ms
9:00pm: Official Group Photo (Bahama Breeze) - ms
10:00pm: Dancing at Paris (Paris - Cabaret Lounge) - ms
Tuesday, March 24:
8:00am: Katie's Koffee Korner (Linq - Betty's Cyber Cafe) - ms
9:00am: Diva Las Vegas Invitational Golf (Wildhorse Golf Club) - ms
12:00n: Lunch With Ginger (tba) - ms
1:00pm: Figure Workshop Lunch (Blue Ox Sahara) - ms
1:00pm: Makeover Sessions (Bare Escentuals) - ms
2:00pm: Makeover Sessions (Bare Escentuals) - ms
2:00pm: 2bShapely Figure and Fitting Workshop (Blue Ox Sahara) - ms
3:00pm: Makeover Sessions (Bare Escentuals) - ms
5:00pm: Afternoon Social (Bound Bar - Cromwell) - ms
6:00pm: Happy Hour options (various)
6:00pm: PT's Happy Hour (PT's Sahara) - ms
6:00pm: Ruths Chris Happy Hour (Ruth's Chris - Harrahs) - ms
7:00pm: Dining options (various) - ms
7:00pm: Ruths Chris dining option (Ruth's Chris - Harrahs) - ms
7:00pm: Pamplemousse Dining Option (Pamplemousse) - ms
10:00pm: Dancing at Paris (Paris - Cabaret Lounge) - ms
Wednesday, March 25:
1:00am: Test Activity (Riviera) - ms
8:00am: Katie's Koffee Korner (Linq - Betty's Cyber Cafe) - ms
12:00n: Lunch With Dr. Victoria (Erotic Heritage Museum) - ms
5:00pm: PF Chang Happy Half-hour (PF Chang Planet Hollywood) - ms
5:30pm: PF Chang Dinner (PF Chang Planet Hollywood) - ms
7:00pm: Erotic Heritage Museum (Erotic Heritage Museum) - mv
9:30pm: Kings of Hustler (Kings Of Hustler) - mv
10:00pm: Dancing at Paris (Paris - Cabaret Lounge) - ms
Thursday, March 26:
8:00am: Katie's Koffee Korner (Linq - Betty's Cyber Cafe) - ms
9:00am: Trap and Pistol Shooting (Clark County Shooting Complex) - ms
12:00n: Lunch With Ginger (tba) - ms
2:00pm: Art Tour (Bellagio Gallery) - ms
5:00pm: Afternoon Social (Bound Bar - Cromwell) - ms
6:00pm: Happy Hour options (various)
6:00pm: Trevi Happy Hour (Trevi - Caesars) - ms
6:00pm: Big Wheel Happy Hour (tba) - ms
7:00pm: Dining options (various)
7:00pm: Big Wheel Dining option (tba) - ms
7:00pm: Trevi Dining option (Trevi - Caesars) - ms
9:00pm: High Roller Big Wheel (Linq) - ms
10:00pm: Dancing at Paris (Paris - Cabaret Lounge) - ms
Friday, March 27:
8:00am: Katie's Koffee Korner (Linq - Betty's Cyber Cafe) - ms
12:00n: Lunch With Ginger (tba) - ms
3:00pm: Macy's Makeovers, session 1 (Macy's FSM) - ms
3:45pm: Macy's Makeovers, session 2 (Macy's FSM) - ms
4:30pm: Macy's Makeovers, session 3 (Macy's FSM) - ms
5:00pm: Afternoon Social (Bound Bar - Cromwell) - ms
6:00pm: Happy Hour (tba) - ms
7:00pm: Farewell Dinner (tba) - ms
8:30pm: Farewell Celebration (tba) - ms
10:00pm: Dancing at Paris (Paris - Cabaret Lounge) - ms
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Administrivia:
This is the Diva Las Vegas 2015 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 2015
Sunday, March 22 - Friday, March 27
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Received on Tue Nov 11 2014 - 08:02:11 CST
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.2.0 : Wed Jun 03 2015 - 07:09:18 CDT