In this mailing:
Org List
Setting the groundwork
Daily activity strategy
Bare Minerals makeovers
Dining and buffets
Volunteer availability
Activity suggestions
Administrivia
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting the groundwork:
Our date vote has concluded to the apparent satisfaction of most of the
volunteers. The only specific comment so far was in the Discussion
Forum, stating that air fares from Australia are high that week,
purportedly due to Easter.
At the conclusion of our Call For Comments, we'll allow any objections
on the proposed dates, from the ORG members, to be heard.
. . . . .
Our next job is to start working on our overall strategy for what will
be our day to day schedule for DLV 2016.
Please comment on the discussion below.
We will be doing a survey on two topics shortly, as outlined last week.
That will give us some data points on how to best move on the topics of
hotels and some of the dining venues.
. . . . .
The activity suggestions received on our two most recent surveys appear
at the bottom of this mailing. Please review. :)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daily activity strategy:
Annie writes:
I would encourage all, both newer volunteers and long-timers, to add to
this discussion.
. . . . .
Strategy #1:
Personally, I think a rough day-to-day strategy such as the following
would be optimal for our Monday through Saturday event:
Monday: Big Bash opening evening.
Tuesday: Anchor activity and supporting activities.
Wednesday: Smaller multi-track ("Eating Out Night") activities.
Thursday: Anchor activity and supporting activities.
Friday: Big Bash closing evening.
Saturday: Smaller multi-track (wind-down day) activities.
The above strategy does place any "crunch" at the beginning of the
event, bit it may actually encourage early and on-time arrival for the
big opening bash, which has consistently held the most drawing power of
any of our activities.
. . . . .
Strategy #2:
If we truly determine that the Monday-or-prior arrival is not conducive
to a good turnout for our opener, we can go for something like this
which is very much like our 2010-2015 daily schedule except for the
"slide" of one day:
Monday: Smaller (soft opening) activities.
Tuesday: Big Bash opening evening.
Wednesday: Anchor activity and supporting activities.
Thursday: Smaller multi-track ("Eating Out Night") activities.
Friday: Anchor activity and supporting activities.
Saturday: Big Bash closing activity.
This does place our closing gathering in a place on the weekly timeframe
which in the past has generated complaints of weak endings.
. . . . .
Strategy #3:
Moving the ending gathering to Friday may help alleviate this, as such:
Monday: Smaller (soft opening) activities.
Tuesday: Big Bash opening evening.
Wednesday: Anchor activity and supporting activities.
Thursday: Anchor activity and supporting activities.
Friday: Big Bash closing evening.
Saturday: Smaller multi-track (wind-down day) activities.
During the 2010-2013 years, our people were very much indeed willing to
stay over Friday and these years held our strongest endings of all time.
. . . . .
Strategy #4:
If we want to time our two major gatherings to hit the top of the bell
curve of daily attendance, something like this would do it:
Monday: Smaller (soft opening) activities.
Tuesday: Big Bash opening evening.
Wednesday: Anchor activity and supporting activities.
Thursday: Big Bash closing evening.
Friday: Anchor activity and supporting activities.
Saturday: Smaller multi-track (wind-down day) activities.
Yes, there's only one day between our two major gatherings.
. . . . .
The group will need to think about the best strategy to use when
moving forward with our plans for the coming years.
. . . . . . . . . .
Let's introduce some sub-topics along the line of activity strategy
having to do with the various types of activities which we have.
1. Major gatherings.
We've traditionally had two major gatherings, one toward the beginning
of the event, and one toward the end. This is not written in stone, and
if the gang agrees that either only one major gathering, or more than
two major gatherings would be in our best interest, then that number can
certainly happen.
It's been shown over the years that our big opening gathering has the
most drawing power of any of our activities. Therefore, if we have a
stronger venue between two we're considering for our major gatherings,
the venue with the better drawing power needs to be used for the second,
or closing gathering.
We've talked about doing a two-part opening evening centered around the
Linq. (Or are they calling it The Quad this week?) Multiple dining
options and one common after-dinner gathering.
. . . . .
2. "Anchor" activities.
Historically our "anchor" evenings have been filled with one stronger
activity and other smaller supporting activities for those who for any
reason do not wish to do the big gun of the evening.
Limo Tour (and the show/limo sequence), Night of the Soiled Doves, Pity
Party, etc., have been our legacy anchor activities. Erotic Heritage
Museum and Fantasy Ball have been anchor activities in recent years.
IMAO, the Limo Tour is overdue for a revival, and the time is right for
another Night of the Soiled Doves, as the one in 2014 was highly-rated
and well-attended.
Last year we did have a medium-size crowd for the Big Wheel. That would
place it in this category. This was a well-planned two-part dinner and
after-dinner activity. I do not know if the demand would be there for a
repeat this coming year.
IMAO, the Kings Of Hustler activity has run its course. This is my
personal opinion, and I'd be more than willing to listen to anyone who
disagrees.
What I think could work well, however, is to have an expanded EHM type
of activity similar to that we had in 2013. Something with the museum
itself, some light entertainment, possibly self-produced, a Dr. Victoria
session, and a cash bar. If such a thing could be arranged, I think it
would be a hit!
Shows used to be anchor activities so many years ago, but it's been at
least a decade since we've had 40-50 in attendance at a single show. It
seems like in recent years, the shows we've had on the schedule have
been higher end, and less in demand.
. . . . .
3. Smaller evening activities.
In recent years, shows have fit in this category.
My guess is that a replay of the Big Wheel would attract a smaller group
but would still be viable and highly-rated.
The Audrey Tour had a slow start in 2013 - LOL, nobody knew what it was
supposed to be. It had a great (5.0) rating in 2014 and a 4.83 with a
smaller group in 2015. IMAO, it's probably worth at least one more
go-round with maybe more info on what it's supposed to be. :) I think
the Audrey Tour is a good updated replacement for the Bar Crawl which we
regularly had in earlier years.
The field is wide open for additional general-interest and special interest
evening activities.
. . . . .
4. Daytime activities.
Golf has been our consistent big gun in the daytime, and there appears
to be a demand to have more than one session of golf. This is, of
course, a high-interest special-interest activity which does not appeal
to all.
The Lake Mead Boat Cruise is also, IMAO, overdue for a revival. I think
it's been close to a decade since we last had it. I think it would work
well to be paired with brunch/lunch in Boulder City as it was in the
past.
The Art Tour series is also one of our more long-lived daytime things.
There are many options for Art Tour type activities.
We've been fairly weak in the area of outdoorsy and touristy activities
over the past few years. I think the Shiloh Horse Rescue project could
use a re-visit, as well as nearby past favorites such as Red Rock Canyon
and Valley Of Fire.
Springs Preserve has been mentioned several times and has been visited
off-schedule. It's probably one which would be enjoyed by many of our
people.
We haven't had an organized shopping trip for some time. Do we want one?
I don't know, I'm asking. :)
Bowling is another often-suggested activity, which has not happened for
several years.
There's been some concern raised about the "commercial" activities of
recent years. I've been to several of these, and I've seen the survey
results from all of them. I don't believe they are in any way contrary
to our mission.
The Creative Wigs Seminar has been a true three-way win-win-win for the
past two years and I think it deserves a third shot. It's been well
attended and rated over 4.5 for enjoyment both years. The hair ladies
get the business, we get an enjoyable afternoon, and the bar gets the
business on an otherwise slow time.
The Bare Escenruals series has been very highly rated over the years, as
has the Macy/Nordstrom series. Ain't broke, don't fix it, at least from
our enjoyment/comfort perspective. See item below.
Pinball Hall Of Fame was a definite hit last year!
As with the above category, the field is also wide open for daytime
activities of all types.
. . . . .
5. Recurring activities.
This last year we had four (almost) daily recurring activities.
Katie's Koffee Korner.
Good ratings and good reports over the last few years. I do think having
it at a more reasonable hour helps. Again, ain't broke, don't fix it.
. . . . .
Lunch With Ginger.
This was one of our Shining Stars in the mid 2000s, but in the past few
years it seems to have moved into the Problem Child quadrant.
We had good turnouts this past year for all but one of the LWG sessions,
and the day of the poor turnout had multiple conflicting activities.
I think we need to balance consistency, variety, and factors such as
cost and popularity of cuisine for this series.
. . . . .
Afternoon Social.
This one clearly falls into the Problem Child quadrant. It had good
ratings but suffered from the volunteer standpoint. I (Annie) ended up
taking all sessions simply because we exhausted the supply of "voluntary
volunteers" to take this one on.
IMAO, the Afternoon Social is the most expendable of all of our daily
recurring activities, and we should place this on the schedule if and
only if we have the volunteers to handle it.
. . . . .
Dancing At Paris.
This was a clearly in the Shining Star quadrant!
The only tweak that's been discussed is to use other venues in addition
to Paris. IMAO, the first session and/or the session following our big
opener need to be on familiar turf. As the week goes on, people become
more at ease venturing out.
Cleopatra's Barge (Caesars), Carnaval Court, Bally's (status unknown),
and Mandalay Bay have been mentioned as possible alternate venues for
this.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bare Minerals makeovers:
Dionne writes:
Bare Minerals Makeover for DLV 2016
I visited the BM store in Fashion show Mall in August and met with the
store manager, Cindy. She related her 'Guy' had a heart health issue and
she was out for a while.
I was excited to let her know about the perfect 5.0 ratings her store
received for DLV 2015. I expected a positive reaction since this was her
stated goal for this year. Instead, she was not happy with this. So, I
probed further and discovered her metric was different. The total store
sales for this year was the lowest ever over the last five years of
working with DLV. Since she schedules the staffing level and etc, her
performance is measured by this.
She also made several comments about DLVrs;
- ALL of her MU artists enjoy work with DLVrs. (She now interviews MU
artists by asking diversity questions.)
- we need to learn about how to do eyebrows.
- She noticed we carry our makeup to the store in ziplock freezer bags.
(I'm not sure why this bothers her since most of us travel to Vegas for
DLV.)
I suggested offering makeup bags or some other option. She hinted she
might give a gift bag with our appts. in 2016.
I've been coordinating BM for 2013, 14 & 15. I plan to do so again for
DLV2016.
No Shows in 2014 were ~ 40%, so we changed the scheduling system. We had
half as many appts. in 2015, compared to 2014. For 2015 there was only 1
No show and one cancellation.
Cindy and I talked about how to improve the system for next year. I
wrote up this draft proposal and sent it to her for review.
Bare Minerals, Las Vegas store in the Fashion Show Mall congratulates
DLV on their 20th. Anniversary and continues their support for helping
our attendees look 'FAB'. The store Manager, Cindy suggests we simplify
the registration process and move to an Open Booking style for making
appointments during DLV week. The goal of Open Booking for appointments
is to better match the attendees schedules with MU artists availability.
This will help her with workload scheduling/balancing of her staff.
In addition she wants to offer classes such as Brows 101, Contouring,
Beginner and Intermediate MU application skills. She wants everyone to
make an appt. via phone and call the store. I suggested a separate email
for this but she said that would not work. She doesn't have email in the
store. Cindy needs to review this draft with her District Manager,
Brittany who is getting married in September So, it will not happen,
immediately.
This proposal requires some changes to the DLV event registration
process.
-how to motivate our DLVr's to call the store for an appt. and show up!!
-scheduling classes in Brows 101, Contouring and Beg./Int. MU Skills.
So, I'm checking with the DLV ORG to see if this direction makes sense
and we can support her requests to make these changes.
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
First of all, thanks for taking this on again. :)
A few comments on some of your points.
Our metrics are indeed different that those of the vendor. Theirs are
very much "the bottom line is the bottom line" and ours have to do with
the attendees' enjoyment of the activity and the comfort they feel in
the venue.
It may very well be the case that having looser sign-up criteria, with
the side effect of more no-shows, would indeed result in more overall
product sales and increased revenue/profit/commission.
Another factor that might be in play may be that in the early years of
our BE/BM exposure, many of our people were first introduced to the
product line and initially spent quite a bit. Then in subsequent years,
the regular users of the line bought only incidental items and the
number of "proselytes" diminished.
I'm very sure they are only counting their "spike" in sales during DLV
week and not the overall continuing revenue stream brought in by those
they introduced to the BE/BM product line. I know this is the case with
me, as in 2010 I bought quite a few items, well into three figures, but
have only picked up onesey-twosey items in the Las Vegas shop during
subsequent DLVs and other trips. I have a BE/BM shop at a mall nearby,
as well as a JCP which I visit frequently which carries most of the
BE/BM line. I'm sure this is the same as with other DLVers.
I think such things as a class in "doing eyebrows", particularly if
scheduled during the first part of the week, would be well-attended,
would result in sales of the products demonstrated, and would help drive
other sales to the shop from those who would not otherwise visit during
DLV.
IMAO, purse-size cosmetic bags would be a great promotional item, and
would again drive traffic. I know that Macy's, has give-aways like this
every so often. LOL, maybe a large photo of a baggie filled with
cosmetics and a circle-slash icon. :) :) :)
It's really Cindy's call if they want to go with open booking and forego
any sign-up via DLV.
My hunch is that they will have a disappointing response if they simply
ask DLVers to phone for an appointment. Historically, our people have
been very shy about doing such things.
Things such as Brows 101 could be "sign-up for headcount" on the main
sign-up screen, and this would give an approximate number of people to
expect.
We could add a general note to the sign-up screen giving the phone
number and such. Another thing would be to take appointments in person
at a Brows 101 session and such.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dining and buffets:
Delaney writes:
For the general interest, this article cites 5 of the top 14 buffets in
the country are in Vegas - and one in Chicago for the Pinkfest girls !
So if anyone is looking for a volunteer event, any of these should be a
good choice.
The 14 Best All-You-Can-Eat Buffets in America
http://www.thedailymeal.com/eat/10-best-all-you-can-eat-buffets-america-slideshow
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
Thanks, Delaney. We have used a couple of these over the years.
Those listed which are in Las Vegas are all higher-end, and therefore
probably would be better suited to smaller group evening dining than for
a Lunch With Ginger type of thing.
I know where that one in Chicago is, and coincidentally it's within
walking distance (assuming you like to walk) of an AirBnB place that (at
least) one of our people will be using. We may consider it next year
since. All of our dining venues for this year appear to be set.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Volunteer availability:
Dionne writes:
I am relieved that DLV2016 week is March 28.I was conflicted for Apr.
3rd. and hope no one is conflicted for Mar 28th.
I was thinking that we might consider placing more weight on the
availability of the volunteers during the voting process. This would
result in the largest workforce.
For example, Apr. 3rd was the only week I was conflicted, any other
works OK. If the voting were inverted (or some other Math function), I
would note that conflict instead of picking a random week that someone
else was conflicted. The results would show what weeks are then
available for the final vote and have the largest support.
. . . . . . . . . .
Annie responds:
Volunteer availability (and lack of same) is one factor we've used since
the very early days when deciding our week of choice.
We've always agreed that volunteer availability is one thing, among
many, to consider when setting the dates, but does not trump any other
factors.
We always announce any known conflicts prior to the date vote. Here is
what went out this year during the date discussion, part of my thoughts
on dates:
+ However, we have two volunteers, both of whom actively
+ coordinated nontrivial activities in multiple recent years,
+ who have reported participation-killing conflicts on two of
+ the considered weeks:
+ Sunday April 3 thru Friday, April 8.
+ Sunday, May 15 thru Friday, May 20.
+ We also have a third active volunteer lock-out reported, but
+ for a week not in serious consideration as of this time.
+ I will not be voting for any timespan which locks out a recent
+ active volunteer and I would encourage all to take this into
+ consideration when the vote happens.
I think all we can do is to make those of voting status aware of any
conflicts, and encourage them to please consider it when casting the
vote.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activity suggestions:
To refresh everyone's memory, here are the activity suggestions
presented to us on the post-event surveys for 2014 and 2015.
No comments, just a listing. Please review and see if anything appeals
to you.
. . . . . . . . . .
Perhaps more golf outings.
. . . . .
Need to come up with new day-time activities to keep things fresh. I
would like more dance lessons, voice lessons, etc.
. . . . .
let's find other places to dance than Paris every time.
. . . . .
Less TG friendly venues and much more mainstream stuf. Also cut the
vendors out they are taking over the time we used to spend going out.
. . . . .
We would really prefer dinner activities that accept separate checks.
Too confusing to figure out with drinks food etc.
. . . . .
better desscri0ption of whaat happens or what kind of event it is.
would like to do bowling again
. . . . .
Bag the fantasy ball for a more inclusive party or bring back old
standards like NOSD and the limo tour. Perhaps the show "Pinup" at the
Stratosphere would be a good event, especially if we would be encouraged
to dress in pinup style.
. . . . .
A return trip to Jill Curtis' Shiloh Horse Rescue Ranch.
. . . . .
don't tell mama piano bar 517 fremont street www.donttellmoma.com
702-207-0788
. . . . .
Bring back the boat trip.
Bring back the limo tour.
Bring back soiled doves.
Voice lessons. Voice lessons. Voice lessons. Voice lessons
. . . . . . . . . .
New venue suggestions:
Back stage Tour of Jubilee, 4:00 Wednesday at Bally's.
. . . . .
I a long with several others played golf 3 days.
. . . . .
I would like some swimming related activity.
. . . . .
Ocha Thai restaurant
. . . . .
The Cromwell Lounge. The Bally's Backstage tour, Supper Buffet t the
Mirage and The Terry Fator show.
All of these would work for small groups I think.
. . . . .
Shopping trips to Marshals, TJ Maxx, Macy's, Dress Barn, Ross - I went 4
difference times with combinations of the same 5 T-gals who all have
experience in stores, and changing/fitting rooms, and we always go
either in pair or 3 of us, but never 4 or 5 which attract too much
attention.
Also, saw 2 movies, very fun to dress casual, get popcorn/snacks and act
like women in somewhat more gal/girlie movies.
. . . . .
Absolutely have one or two nights at Don't Tell Mama on Freemont..
Perfect venue for just us gurls. Also recommend St Louis courtyard in
Magic mile for luncheon.
. . . . .
Container Park
Valley of Fire
. . . . .
I went to the Eifel tower dinninr room. It was wonderful. The service
was top as well as the food. It was nice to be out dressed and being
received as lady. I was ask to make sure that the next time I was in
Vegas to please come back. That was great.
. . . . .
Winery was fun and Diva's Show
. . . . .
Yes, Hash Hash au Go Go
. . . . .
We went to see the Frank Marino at the Lin-Q show and the Le Rave show
at the Wynn
We also went to eat at a Chinese restaurant in chinatown but I forgot
the name.
. . . . . . . . . .
do what we need to do to get back to margaritaville as it was and still
is a great place to go
. . . . .
Yes, the big wheel.
. . . . .
Bring back the boat ride
Bring back the limo ride
. . . . .
Fashion Bootcamp (how-to look realistic)
LV Strip Excursion (Bellagio fountains
Paris Eiffel Tower, animals, etc)
Ponytails, Tshirts and jeans How-to seminar
Fashion show
Boutique shopping
Mani-pedis
Evening gown/wedding try-on and photo shoot
Tai chi in a park
Movie
Paradise Bakery
Horse riding
. . . . .
Not sure if anyone has checked into it, but the Redrock hike gave me
the idea of possibly visiting the Springs Preserve next year
. . . . .
DLV Bowling Night
. . . . .
More downtown
. . . . .
Burger Brassiere and Toby Keith. High Roller Ferris Wheel.
. . . . . . . . . .
Morton's With some dear friends
. . . . .
McCormick and scmick
Morton's
Claim jumper
. . . . .
Burger brasserie in Paris--yummy!
. . . . .
The Australian Bee Gees- Music show in Excalibur Buffet and show around
$60.00
. . . . .
Elton John was great!
. . . . .
shopping
. . . . .
Criss Angel Show at Luxor....
Nocturne at Cosmo...
maybe do a night of shows
. . . . .
Defending the Caveman- Flamingo
. . . . .
Badlands and Spotlight are both alternative bars close to each other
that were a lot of fun with a fun crowd.
Harrah's outdoor music carnival would have been a fun place for the
group to go.
. . . . .
Elton John (may be too expensive for most unless there are group
discounts.. seats are available midweek) X Burlesque
. . . . .
Charlie's had drag bingo night and lots of room to dance.
. . . . .
Mob Museum
. . . . .
enjoyed going back to the blue ox
. . . . .
Carrabbas
Gordon Ramsey Burger
. . . . .
The new Mexican restaurant at the Quad. I don't remember the name. It
has outdoor seating on the Linq and they were very nice and
accommodating. They also have a mechanical bull. Might be nice to see
some of our cowgirls riding. (Hope they don't lose their wigs.)
. . . . .
Maragrutaville for dinner. Great place to go
. . . . .
A couple friends and I went to see Elton John at Caesar's Palace on
Sunday evening. Not that he is likely to be there during our next DLV
but a nice show is good for the schedule.
. . . . . . . . . .
Impressed with golden nugget and grotto. Good place for meals for larger
groups
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Received on Wed Sep 30 2015 - 07:24:43 CDT
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