In this mailing:
Org List
Time to decide a few things
DLV 2016 date vote
Final date duscussion
Jenner alternative
Jenner comments
DLV experience
Hotel comments
PF Chang location
Volunteer 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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Time to decide a few things:
First of all, there was no ORG mailing last week. We were kind of in a
holding pattern so we decided to let it slide.
Thanks to all for the comments on such topics as hotels, dates, and the
Jenner situation.
Time to vote on dates - see below.
Likewise, turning point time on the Jenner item. See discussion below.
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DLV 2016 date vote:
Those of voting status can expect to receive a special ballot mailing
shortly. If you are of voting status and do not receive this by this
Thursday at the latest, please write in and let us know.
We're asking all of voting status to please watch the inboxes carefully
over the next several days, because if we don't get a majority, we will
have a second round of voting between the top two vote-getters.
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Final date duscussion:
Sherry writes:
I will attend DLV 2016 on any date unless it conflicts with or is too
close to the Wildside event.
. . . . .
Aleta writes:
I really feel the date selection should be approached with a matter of
urgency. The feedback of our DLV people is paramount. To me Caitlyn
seems like very much a long shot, especially with the likelihood of $$$$
being involved.
. . . . .
Katie writes:
I like April 3rd. It works best for me.
. . . . .
Thanks for the date comments, ladies and gentlemen. It's time to vote.
Hopefully the dates selected will be acceptable to all.
. . . . .
Robyn R. writes:
Dates, I'm open.
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Jenner alternative:
Vera writes:
First of all, let me say that I don't wish to sound like a stick in the
mud but this concept of a "keynote speaker" (whether it be Ms. Jenner or
someone of lesser popularity) is beginning to look like a convention.
I thought DLV was a Vacation Not a Convention!
Secondly, if we were to have a "guest speaker" why not look within our
own family. I'm sure that there are some Trans women among us that we
hardly know fully about and their whole and complete story.... I would
love to hear more about them rather than some television star, and we
could offer them a stipend to share and tell all that we desire to know
about their life and what they did to become fulfilled women. In fact we
can have several who would like to share their trials and tribulations.
That's why we come to Las Vegas once a year, right? To get learn and get
inspired by our own. I don't think Ms Jenner or anyone else is going to
share something that our own ladies could share. Just my two cents if if
worth that at all.
. . . . . . . . . .
JoAnn responds:
Interesting Point -- as an alternative to the Jenner or a "speaker"
platform, how about????
Using Vera's insight---
Maybe we have a panel with our "very own" at an afternoon get
'acquainted' at Wynn.
We establish a set of questions that will be part of our afternoon
social. I would be most happy to be the moderator (Dr. JoAnn whose
dissertation was on women architect barriers). We can have a panel...
let them be known by their assigned question on our schedule which they
will need to address,.
If things slow up during the session I can offer from the floor, as
moderator, questions with a "go for it" to the panel...
For a starter I would have Vera, Annie, Dr. Victoria on the panel.
We need to move forward, and away from 'habitual" scheduled thinking.
. . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
Thanks, ladies. :)
First of all, yes, JoAnn is now officially DOCTOR JoAnn, having
completed and successfully defended her dissertation! :) Congratulations
are most definitely in order here!
Now, a Big Burning Question to the gang here ... is something like what
Vera and JoAnn are proposing something that you, personally, would be
interested in attending and supporting?
Comments please.
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Jenner comments:
Sherry writes:
I mentioned before, I think the only way to her there is to have her TV
show film a segment there. To that end, a friend owns a large arena in
Vegas. It can accomodate 300 to 1000 people. They have roller hockey
leagues playing there a few evenings a week. The rest of the time it's
not used. It would a perfect place for a meet/greet session with Jenner,
her crew, and every DLVer in total privacy. There is an enormous parking
lot rite out front.
. . . . .
Aleta writes:
> Should Ms. Jenner not be available to us, due to any reason,
> should we pursue a "backup" or "alternate" for a scheduled keynote
I personally don't think it's necessary. If there is already such a
speaker in town at a venue such as the LGBT Center, then run with it. I
personally would not want to carry such a load myself to put something
like that together.
> Would you, personally, attend a "reception and keynote" featuring a
> non-Jenner speaker?
Maybe not not likely.
> Would you be willing to pay a modest amount (no more than $20)
> to attend such a function?
It would really depend on the total package. If there's some nice high
end foods and beverages (I choose not to consume alcohol.) I'd see
reason to pay. If just a speaker with no food or drink, probably not.
. . . . .
JoAnn writes:
> Should Ms. Jenner not be available to us, due to any reason, should
> we pursue a "backup" or "alternate" for a scheduled keynote address
No
> Would you, personally, attend a "reception and keynote" featuring a
> non-Jenner speaker?
Doubtful
> Would you be willing to pay a modest amount (no more than $20) to
> attend such a function?
Doubtful
. . . . .
Aejaie writes:
For the five years I've been involved with Diva, I have been told over
and over again this is not a conference, it's a vacation.
With that said a vacation does not have a reception with a key-note
speaker.
I would not attend the reception, as a matter of fact, it just might be
reason enough not to attend dive 2016 at all.
. . . . .
Katie writes:
I would not cross the street to see Kaitlyn Jenner or any of her friends
either, Let alone paying for the privilege.
And I fail to see why we are still investigating this. I think DLV is
great without any speeches or presentations. (Oops The "C word" comes to
mind here). If Kait' wants to see me she is more than welcome to step
right up and say "Hello Katie. .... Hey, we almost have he same name"!.
Otherwise I am not interested.
I am not worried about the exposure as much as most of might be but I
have zero interest in celeb's. I think some of our girls are much better
looking and much better company too..
. . . . .
Robyn B. writes:
Jenner
Do not count me in. I will not spend 2 cents to help get her there and I
will not attend DLV if you put a surcharge on registration. Just my
opinion she is a travelling road show.
. . . . .
Ginger writes:
I will attend a Jenner presentation and am willing to help support the
cost of reasonable expenses for Jenner with my paid admission or with a
small contribution.
. . . . .
Annie writes (DLV organizer's hat off):
The whole intent of a Jenner appearance at DLV was to generate some
"buzz" and to boost attendance. The original plan was to invite Jenner,
to be part of the group, tell her story, which I admit is novel and of
interest to many of us.
There was never an intent to create a media frenzy or to have the
appearance degenerate into a 5-6 figure boondoggle.
From a personal standpoint, yes, I would attend a (non-media-circus)
Jenner session and yes, I would probably be willing to pay a modest
amount to attend.
I don't think a one-shot activity of this type would break our "not a
convention" model.
However, spending the quoted amounts, even if we could raise the funds,
is not money well spent!
Do I think we should pursue a non-Jenner keynote speaker: NO!
A "usual suspect" TG lecturer is not what DLV is about.
I suggest we put the Jenner item on the way-back burner and turn our
attention toward doing what we do best, and that is planning the best TG
event that currently exists! :)
. . . . .
Vanessa writes:
Kudos to those of our group that are pursuing Jenner... who knows with
her new reality show she might pick up some viewers going to Vegas to
attend a TV/TS event.... and I'm sure she will be the target of the
paparazzi..... time will tell.
. . . . .
Robyn R. writes:
I'm with the others who vote no on a visit form Jenner. This is solely
for the possibility of receiving unwanted attention related being a
celebrity.
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds (DLV organizer's hat on):
Here's where things stand WRT the Jenner situation ...
The informal contact has repported that it is doubtful that Ms. Jenner
would be willing to participate for any compensation significantly less
than the quoted book rate.
A second informal contact is now in the works.
This "book price" we've been quoted for a Jenner appearance appears to
be two orders of magnitude greater than our range of affordability.
The comments received in recent weeks appear to point to the following
attitudes of our volunteers, as representatives of the attendees as a
whole, regarding a possible Jenner appearance:
1. The enthusiasm shown toward getting Jenner as a featured guest at DLV
2016 is only lukewarm at best.
2. There is very little, if any, desire to have a "second choice"
featured guest, one of the usual TG lecturers, should Jenner not be
available.
3. The most frequently mentioned concern is along the line of unwanted
exposure.
4. The breaking of our "Vacation Not A Convention" model has been cited
multiple times as a concern of significance.
In light of the situations described above, and the various responses
received, unless someone says "STOP" within the next list cycle, I will
recommend to the ad-hoc "Jenner Committee" that we put efforts along
this line on the back burner, to be resumed only if new and different
circumstances appear.
And, if there is any serious concern along this line, for the record,
again, DLV will only have a registration charge over my dead body!
Period!
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DLV experience:
Jean writes:
First I have only attended one DLV the last one. It is what you want it
to be. It can be a vacation, week long party, learning experience or a
combination of all three.
For me I was on a quest to find out more about myself by talking to
others one on one about their life and then latter think about how it
may relate to mine. Some of the conversations only lasted a few minutes,
there was one girl I spent an entire afternoon with. I'm comfortable
being out in public and have many GG girlfriends. At the time I was not
out but Ibm now out to everyone including work.
I have been watching a few of the Trans. Shows including I Am Cait. A
lot of these shows are "ok whatever", I watch because they interest me.
I would not pay anything to hear her speak, and if I attended I would
not want my picture on national TV. I applaud what she and others are
doing, but I would rather hear form the girls that attend DLV (I did
talk to some of these girls) about their lifes like Annie, Sue and any
of a number of the other girls.
Oh and I know that Trans is perceived as a bad word. I don't think it
should be and instead of not using it we just need to change the
public's perception, these shows and people being out in public living
their lives will do that.
Cost of attending. There are three travel, room & entertainment.
I'll address two of them. First rooms. I stayed at the Four Queens on
Freemont Street. It was around 60 a night. I could have shared the room
but as it was my first time. They have free parking and you walk out the
front on to Freemont Street where it's a party every night.
On Friday I moved to the Blair House Suites where the weekend rates were
the same as what I was paying at the Four Queens during the week. The
Blair House is half way between old town and the strip. They are like
little apartments. There is a bedroom, Kitchen, dining area and living
room. This is where I will be staying next year. There is also a pool
and Bar.
There are lots of things to do that are low cost or no cost things to
do. By yourself, one on one, or in a small group. Some of the things you
had on last year's seclude. Maybe someone that knows Vegas could put
together a list. Having fun in Vegas on the cheap. The girl I spent the
afternoon with took me on a tour of Casino gardens.
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
Thanks, Jean. :)
Your report is the second I've heard of our people using the Four
Queens, despite no responses on the survey. Depending on how things
continue to evolve, the 4Q may indeed be on our list again this year.
We've had people stay at Blair House off and on over the years. There
have been no issues that I'm aware of.
Please be thinking (you and everyone else) of some inexpensive things to
do, such as those cited above, which could be used as activity options
on our schedule.
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Hotel comments:
Katie writes:
A Super 8 motel at the north end of the strip Oh goody!
Sorry gang but staying anywhere North of The Stratosphere and South of
Fremont Street would be in a bad neighborhood. Take the bus to Downtown
sometime and look out the windows (Both sides) after you pass The
Strat'. I suspect if anyone new to DLV or to Vegas would never come back
again if that was their first Vegas experience.
I am not rich by any stretch of the imagination but $35 / night kinda
tells it like it is.. So if you stay there and see a unrefined lady in a
dress sauntering past your ground floor window and think it is one of
our group, Hesitate a tad before dashing out and saying hello then take
another look it might well be and Unrefined lady or nearest facsimile.
Nudge, Nudge.
Sorry if I am raining on someones parade here but I like to see success
every time I do a DLV week and this would not be one.
I will be staying at the Flamingo because it is where I want to be for a
week long stay and I will not be afraid to walk 100 yards or so away
from my Hotel and the good thing is there are plenty of safe and upbeat
places right next door and across the street. This will not be the case
at a Super 8 North of the Stratosphere.
A cheap vacation is never the best choice girls. Never! It is however
Your vacation though and not mine so far be it for me to talk you out of
staying cheap if it is so that important for your once per year Vacation
lodgings.
. . . . .
Cami writes:
I would prefer the Flamingo lodging option. I enjoyed it last year
. . . . .
Sara (no "h") writes:
> 1. What will your personal plans for DLV 2016 most likely involve:
My first choice would be to book Flamingo. I stayed there last DLV for
two of the nights and it was terrific.
While I understand the price allure of a Super 8, part of the DLV
experience to me is the casino, whether simply walking through or doing
a bit of gambling. I therefore prefer to stay at a hotel with a casino.
> 2. With the availability of this lower rate, how likely are
> you to "jump ship" from the Flamingo to Super-8 due to the lower cost?
See number 1, not a chance.
. . . . .
Sherry writes:
I would stay in either hotel/motel. Depending on which one has the
largest # of DLV'ers staying there.
. . . . .
Aleta writes:
Being local I'm probably not likely to use a hotel. However, I like
having the option available. I might see fit to use a hotel during my
time at DLV for taking a midday nap, and being in the center of activity
when I wake up.
I'm inclined more toward the Flamingo. True it does cost more. But for
me, convenience is very important. The Flamingo is center strip and on
monorail and bus lines.
I'm not real familiar with the Super 8 so I can't comment on it. But
given the location, it seems a little inconvenient.
> Mardi Gras
Something to keep in mind, but for me it's way off the beaten path.
Without a car, it's a cumbersome trek. Two buses to get to The Strip.
The monorail station at Convention isn't too far away, but still a bit
of a walk.
. . . . .
Robyn R. writes:
I really enjoyed the Flamingo. For me personally the rate was quite
acceptable and the amenities at the hotel were sufficient. All
activities were easy to get to hailing a cab.
. . . . .
JoAnn writes:
> a. Take advantage of group rate at Flamingo, $60-ish (plus resort
Probably
> b. Take advantage of group rate at Super-8, $35-ish (no resort fee)
No
> d. Other Las Vegas accommodations.
Possibly
. . . . .
Aejaie writes:
I would stay at another hotel.
. . . . .
Ginger writes:
Will likely "take advantage of group rate at Flamingo, $60-ish (plus
resort fee).
. . . . .
Vanessa writes:
The Flamingo was OK this year.... in past years I have stayed at both
the MGM and Paris and though both are more posh their current rates are
simply riduculas.... so Flamingo it is for me in 16.
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PF Chang location:
Sara (no "h") writes:
> PF Changs ... has two locations and I understand the menus are
> the same except the prices are better at the Paradise location.
I'm not inclined to consider the Paradise Rd. location. There is a bit
of history going on with the Planet Hollywood location in that we have
been doing this for five years or so (I've lost count). The staff which
I deal with knows me and I don't have to reinvent the wheel every time
the event is booked. The semi-private room we have is ideal.
And this is the first I've heard of anyone seated adjacent to us
behaving with any disrespect. Last DLV I recall engaging i conversation
with two young couples who were sitting in a booth and they couldn't
have been more charming. Regardless, adjacent disrespect is a function
of the persons involved rather than the venue and can happen anywhere we
go.
As for price, any difference must be negligible because I find the
prices at PH to be in line with the PF Chang's locations I go to in
SoCal. In fact, this ends up being one of the more inexpensive meals for
me during the entire DLV week. The bar inside the room allows for drinks
to be ordered with happy hour pricing and I'd bet the bartender could
also get anyone happy hour food if they were so inclined to save even
more $$$.
And finally, the walk from parking to the restaurant...it's through a
mall. I thought that would be a plus with our group!!!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Volunteer comments:
> There is a lot of room for newer and innovative ideas to make our
> DLV experience better. The possibilities are endless!
Aleta writes:
I appreciate all of the hard work that our volunteers contribute toward
DLV. I am unfortunately unable to commit to any projects myself.
Recently I was offered a chance to put something together for a TG event
not at all related to DLV. However, due to various personal reasons I
later had to decline. Some things are just beyond my reach. It's not
easy for me being on the sidelines. My gift to DLV is being there.
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Received on Wed Sep 09 2015 - 07:10:21 CDT
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.2.0 : Wed May 11 2016 - 05:54:23 CDT