In this mailing:
Org List
Dates and other items
DLV 2016 room rates
Date comments
Jenner at DLV
Admin Committee vote
Limo Tour and Afternoon Tea
Various topics
New Attendee Orientation
Afternoon Social
Major gathering
Activity comments
Administrivia
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Org List:
This is the DLV 2016 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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Dates and other items:
Thanks for all of the date comments. Please keep them coming.
A few conflicts regarding active volunteers have been reported, so
please read the date comments very carefully while thinking in advance
of which dates you will support when it comes to a vote.
Again, if any others have any serious conflicts with any of the possible
sets of dates, it's very important that you let those conflicts be known
to us now, and not after a set of dates have been selected.
For reference, here are the various timeframes previously brought up for
your consideration:
1: Monday March 28 thru Saturday, April 2.
2: Sunday April 3 thru Friday, April 8.
3: Sunday April 24 thru Friday, April 29.
4: Saturday, April 30 thru Thursday, May 5.
5: Sunday, May 15 thru Friday, May 20.
. . . . .
Room rates have been received. See below. We sincerely thank Beverly for
taking the initiative on this, as it will make our event more affordable
for those who take advantage of the offer.
Room rates can be one factor that you may consider when it it time to
cast your vote for a set of dates for DLV 2016, but please don't
consider rates to be a "trump card" for the date selection.
. . . . .
Likewise, should things develop, the availability of Jenner, or lack of
same, is another factor that you can consider when we reach the date
selection vote, but in no way is the possible availability of Jenner a
"trump card" in the date selection process. See notes below.
. . . . .
Late breaking news: DLV 2015 follow-up photo pages are now on line,
ahead of schedule.
Please be sure to refresh the page and/or clear your browser's cache if
2015 does not show in the "Previous Years" section.
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DLV 2016 room rates
Beverly writes (from two items):
I am still waiting for cost information on Harrah's (update: see below)
but here are the room rates that I have for Flamingo and The Linq for
the weeks we are considering for DLV2016.
I have taken the nightly rates for 6 nights and have come up with the
following average nightly room rate for each week at each property. I am
expecting the rates for Harrah's to be about the same as Flamingo but
feel that Flamingo is a better property in terms of updated rooms,
comfort, and acceptance of our group.
We are getting a better rate than we did last year ($65 in 2014) for
three of the weeks. Of course there is the $25/night resort fee on top,
same as last year.
For April 3-8, Flamingo is $59, Linq is $70.
For April 10-15, Flamingo $82, Linq is $$113.
For April 24-29, Flamingo $60, Linq $103.
For May 1-6, Flamingo $76, Linq $103.
For May 15-20, Flamingo $63, Linq $112.
Flamingo will be the best rate overall with the cheapest week in order
being as follows:
1. April 3-8, $59
2. April 24-29, $60
3. May 15-20, $63
4. May 1-6, $76
5. April 10-15, $82
Update: I got the rates for Harrahs and they are slightly high(er) than
Flamingo. So based on that I am recommending going with Flamingo. It
also looks like the April 3-9 is the cheapest week.
Harrahs rates (in order of cost) ...
4/3-9: $70
4/24-29: $107
5/1-6: $107
5/15-20 $112
4/10-15: $113
I hope this information helps in the picking of which week to hold
DLV2016.
. . . . .
Forwarded email from Katie, Caesars Entertainment:
+Hi Beverly,
+I greatly appreciate your patience! I hope your week is off to a
+terrific start! Things have been crazy busy this week and being out of
+the office last week didn't help much, so I sincerely apologize for the
+delay in my response. I've attached a proposal with rates for the five
+set of dates. Now, I didn't include Harrah's simply because I don't
+believe the room product will be up to your groups standards, but if you
+want it for a pricing reference and hotel location, I'm happy to revise
+and include it.
+The Linq is a hot commodity these days, the guestrooms finalized
+renovations a little over a month ago and the property looks better than
+ever! The pool is sensational!
+I can't tell you how much I appreciate you and your group avoiding major
+holidays and peak Vegas seasons this little fact alone makes you a
+seasoned hotel planner! My favorite kind of customer J
+Please review and let me know if you have any questions!
+Kindly,
+Katie (CET)
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Date comments:
Marisa writes:
Having lived in LV for 8 springs now, the chance of having consistant
pleasant weather is better on the earlier dates. We tend to get hot dry
wind and storms late April and well into May. The last 2 years of DLV
have been some of the best weeks of spring weather we've had. If you're
in LV when it rains by the strip, the road behind the Linq turns into a
violent river!
. . . . .
Cami writes:
I would vote for timespans 1 and 2 just out of my own scheduling issues.
The week of April 18th doesn't work for me as I go on a golf trip then.
Timespan 5 which is in May runs up on the back end of another TG event
and I think that will hurt attendance if they go first. They are
attracting well over 150 participants and headed towards over 200 coming
this year. Just saying... we have always gone in the past years in late
March or early April and it seems to work well.
. . . . .
Katie writes:
I am sending this in case I was the one who wrote a story along with my
vote. Sorry if that was the case. therefore my official vote is Sunday
April 3 thru Friday, April 8.
. . . . .
Vanessa writes:
I am good for the April Dates but the May date is a conflict and could
not make it out for DLV... April is cooler and much more enjoyable than
the heat.
. . . . .
Sara (no "h") writes:
Of these proposals,
> Timespan 1: Monday March 28 thru Saturday, April 2.
> Timespan 2: Sunday April 3 thru Friday, April 8.
> Timespan 3: Sunday April 24 thru Friday, April 29.
> Timespan 4: Saturday, April 30 thru Thursday, May 5.
> Timespan 5: Sunday, May 15 thru Friday, may 20.
My personal preference is for # 3, or even #5.
I already know of a few people who couldn't make the earlier dates (ie -
options 1 & 2). I think Easter has a lot to do with travel and other
family commitments around that time of the year.
#4 seems like a non-starter.
Personally, I hated leaving the day after Easter and if I had in mind to
attend pre-DLV on the Sunday before (which I've done twice), it'd be
impossible to get away due to family commitments.
#3 could be an ideal choice.
#5 doesn't scare me, the odds of heat by then are rather high but that'd
be a nice change of pace. We haven't had DLV in the serious heat in
about six years (when it was the first week of May). Great for the
suggested pool event (see below).
. . . . .
Dionne writes:
Hi All,
Sorry to say, I just picked up a conflict that knocks me out for the
entire week of April 3rd.
These dates work best (note: I changed order of preference);
Timespan 3: Sunday April 24 thru Friday, April 29.
Timespan 5: Sunday, May 15 thru Friday, May 20.
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Jenner at DLV:
This (possibility of Jenner at DLV) is generating a lot of attention.
To put a method to the madness, we've spun off the discussion on this
topic onto an ad-hoc list consisting of those who have been actively
involved so far.
The separate ad-hoc list is open to all of you who are interested in
participating in a meaningful manner regarding a possible Jenner
appearance at DLV.
Reports will be made here for anything of significance, and here's the
first report:
Cami has been given the "go-ahead" to contact the Jenner folks on behalf
of DLV regarding a possible appearance. Initial contact has been made.
No response of significance has been reported as of this time.
One good-faith pledge of funding has been received, should there be a
need.
The concerns that have been raised have mostly been along the line of
exposure and visibility, meaning that there are concerns that the public
and media exposure of such an appearance may exceed the comfort level of
a significant number of DLV attendees.
This group here (meaning you) is the final authority of what does and
does not go on our schedule, so you, the ORG group as a whole, have,
collectively, the final say on this matter.
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Admin Committee vote:
Katie writes:
Thanks to those who had confidence in me and cast their votes in my
direction. it is nice to be thought of in this way.
The temporary office was not something I would have ran for if I had not
been asked but I was so to make it interesting for the good of the group
I did! Thanks again.
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Limo Tour and Afternoon Tea:
JoAnn writes:
Limo Tour:
JoAnn would step-up to bring back the Limo Tour. Yes, there would be
limos. But the format would be different and fun. More discussion to
come.
. . . . .
Afternoon Tea moves to Wynn:
We might combine the Volunteer Gathering and the High Tea into an
"Afternoon Social".
Maybe Vera [or ???] and I could work on this project with a "twist".
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
Thanks, JoAnn.
I (Annie) will volunteer to help out on the Limo Tour as well. :)
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Various topics:
Aleta writes:
> As you say, it's a long shot. My guess is that there will be some kind
> of appearance fee involved, plus expenses, for showing up in any
> capacity.
I am guessing $100K plus. And a heavy security and police detail. Let's
focus on who we are. We all have something to offer.
. . . . .
> IIRC, Don't Tell Mama is right next door to the Beauty Bar, which has
> been a semi-popular DLV downtown venue.
I've been to the Beauty Bar before, (2009, I think). Everyone was very
nice. I'm not much into late night but I can't foresee a problem.
. . . . .
> Assuming we have the same Sunday-Friday timeframe as we've had since
> 2010, I might suggest that we consider holding the second major
> gathering on the Thursday evening, to capture those who have been
> departing on Friday during the day.
I'm fine with that.
. . . . .
> I do not like the idea of using the same venue for more than one of the
> major gatherings. Too much of a "been there, done that" factor which can
> hurt the turnout at the second major gathering.
I am fine with using Bahama Breeze more than once. They have a diverse
menu so I can always try something different the second time around.
They've always given us great service especially the handling of
individual checks. I feel they are deserving of additional business from
us.
. . . . .
> If we are to have two major gatherings which include a single-track
> dinner, we need to begin searching for and vetting additional venues.
Good idea, it's always a good thing to have options.
. . . . .
Katie Koffee Korner:
> It's not the best-attended activity we have, but it's gotten a small but
> loyal and consistent following over the past three years. It's now at a
> more reasonable time. Ain't broke, don't fix it! :)
It works, but it's a bit pricey and the lines are long. I usually just
hang out and eat somewhere else. But it is on the monorail line.
. . . . .
> Pinball Museum:
> The sleeper of the year!
I really liked this one, well done.
. . . . .
> High Roller Big Wheel:
Due to my intense fear of heights I was not into doing the wheel,
however I enjoyed Flour and Barley and the general area. I'd do an
activity at the Linq again, and politely pass on the wheel.
Bowling anyone?
. . . . .
Lake Mead Cruise:
I did the boat tour for a few years. I don't have a vehicle anymore.
. . . . .
Volunteer appreciation meeting:
> Katie writes:
> Hi.
> I am not necessarily stuck on The Artisan but even though the service
> was abysmally slow the room was perfect for what we had to accomplish,
I've not been happy with the service at The Artisan. Something is very
wrong when you can't serve a large group in a timely manner. And a good
friend of mine experienced rude service when the bar person refused to
give her a glass of water. I'd like not to throw any more of my good
money after bad.
I would definitely do the Blue Ox on Sahara again. They've always been
good to me. It's right on the Sahara Express bus line.
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
A few notes on your talking points here.
The $100k figure you mention WRT a Jenner appearance fee is probably in
line with what celebs of that caliber charge for making a commercial
appearance. Obviously (even with our sugar-mommies) that is well out of
our ballpark. We are hoping for a much lower bottom line, perhaps
leveraging the nonprofit status of The Center.
Bowling at Brooklyn Bowl could work any day or evening. If we have our
"distributed" welcome at the Linq, it would be a good afternoon fit on
that day.
The Blue Ox West Sahara keeps coming up when we talk about major
gatherings, and it has been used for smaller affairs. Yes, it could be
possible to use it for a volunteer function. The only issue is that it's
not very centrally located.
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New Attendee Orientation:
Vera writes:
For me, as one of the coordinators of the New Attendee orientation, it
has always been my idea to have a separate (pre-BB activity which could
start say an hour and a half before the Welcome Event) where the new
attendees could feel at ease and just get the chance to mingle amongst
themselves and get to know each other with the two, or how many there
can be, coordinators facilitating the introductions or just going around
and introducing themselves to each new lady, without the class room
question and answer feel to the event.
For me that has become rather stale. Each coordinator could then even
take one group of ladies at a table and sit down with them, and through
a friendly discussion find out what it is they lack as far as
information or provide them with some moral support if needed to calm
sown the jittery nerves, if any.
At the end of the New Attendee Orientation we could even do a little
Fashion Show to show off everyone's outfit who wants to do it. There
would be no obligation to do so ... this would strictly be on a
volunteer basis and hopefully be a fun addition. Comments are welcome.
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
Let's consider Vera's note as the opening of this topic for discussion.
I would like to hear from those of you who attended our various New
Attendee functions in recent years as to how effective you feel the
session you attended was in introducing you to our event.
Of the goals of a new attendee session, I would think the following
would be of prime importance:
1. To introduce and welcome, to help feel comfortable.
2. To address any unanswered questions or concerns.
3. To disseminate information necessary to effectively participate.
4. To clear up frequently-misunderstood items WRT our event.
We should make the New Attendee session as convenient as we can, and we
should do all we can to encourage all new attendees to attend. I daresay
that in recent years, it's been those who have needed it the most who
did not attend it! :(
Comments, ladies? (Gentlemen?) :)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Afternoon Social:
Katie writes:
Hi
> Afternoon Social: This was an experiment for 2015.
I must apologize for being absent without leave so to speak @ DLV 2015
on this one. It was my nominated event and I planned to do at least one
of them this past March but unfortunately I had to back out due to other
commitments.
I am glad it worked out though because I thought it would be a good way
to kick off most evenings for attendees in general and the Linq
esplanade is so central, and sociable and easy to find.
However, that being said, I do promise to hostess one of them in 2016. I
think a different hostess each night would be nice too but that is up to
the ones who step for(ward).
. . . . . . . . . . .
Thanks, Katie.
I (Annie) will also volunteer to host(ess) one session of an Afternoon
Social for DLV 2016.
Any other volunteers? (This is an easy one! Easy ticket to voting
status!) :)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Major gathering:
Marisa writes:
For one of the major gatherings we could do as good or better than the
Drink and Drag gathering, by choosing 3 or more dining options near the
Linq promanade, with Brooklyn Bowl being one of those dining options and
for the ending large group social venue (its not nearly as loud as Drink
and Drag either!).
Brooklyn Bowl has a big bowling area, a big concert area, a nice
socializing bar area and several areas to open up for dining, but I
would not try to use this venue for everyone to dine at.
There have been too many problems and complaints with large group dining
the last two years or so. By using 3 or more dining venues close by, the
mandatory big tip, the limited menu, slow service because of the sudden
huge number of orders at the kitchen can be eliminated and different
dining price points will be an nice option too.
. . . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
Thanks, Marisa.
Brooklyn Bowl and Yardhouse (same ownership as BB, or so I've been told)
come to mind immediately as venues which may be receptive to us wanting
to give them a lot of bar business on an otherwise slow night. I'm
speaking in terms of these, as you say, for a common gathering following
a multi-track HH and dinner.
There are countless dining venues in the vicinity and I'm sure that
there are several which would be appropriate for smaller group DLV
dining. As you say, this eliminates many of the issues we've seen with
large group dining.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activity comments:
Sara writes:
Regarding Caitlyn Jenner, nice gesture but I'd be shocked if it
happened. And don't forget, where she goes, so goes the paparazzi. I'm
not sure our group is equipped to handle THAT much public attention.
. . . . .
Cami, I like all of your ideas. Using last year as an example, I could
see being able to do the pool party at the Flamingo as we'd have to gain
access for everyone not staying there. Maybe it could be done with
something like a two-drink minimum as admission to make it a plus for
the hosting hotel.
As for any dinner you put together, just don't conflict with Wednesday's
PF Changs!!! :)
. . . . .
Finally, as for the "enigma"...
+ Fragrance Seminar, Nordstrom's FSM, Friday: 4.50 (4 responses)
I may have responded on that one but I don't remember. I "attended" all
by myself but I was already there for the Nordstrom makeovers. Those who
signed up for this one really missed out.
That's all, for now!
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
We've indeed had cases before where a Coordinator said that nobody
showed but we got hits on the survey item showing attendance. The most
recent was a fashion show at FSM and I do not doubt that we had people
in attendance.
With 1-2 responses I could say it may be a fluke, but with four, I'm
sure that there were some people discussing (buying?) fragrance in the
vicinity at the time.
IMAO, these various "personal improvement" sessions might work out much
better if scheduled toward the beginning of the week rather than on the
last day.
I know you (or somebody) has said that you want to have these on the day
of the final major gathering. There is some movement (if we do have the
same Sunday-Friday timeframe) toward holding the final major gathering
on the Thursday of the week, so if you want to leverage the occasions,
it may be best to follow the day of the ending major gathering.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Administrivia:
This is the Diva Las Vegas 2016 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 2016
(Dates to be announced)
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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Received on Wed Aug 12 2015 - 07:10:02 CDT
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.2.0 : Wed May 11 2016 - 05:54:23 CDT