[dlv] Newcomer registration is open, more information ...

[External Poster]

This is the Diva Las Vegas 2011 announcement mailing list.

If you no longer desire to receive this list, see list
removal instructions below.
. . . . .
In this mailing:

Diva Las Vegas 2011
Newcomer registration is open
Big Sisters
Se habla Espanol
Beginner Open House
Suggested hotels
Please consider
Rides and riders
Administrivia
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Only 78 days Until DLV 2011!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diva Las Vegas 2011:

Welcome to those who just joined the list. If you have any
questions or concerns, please let us know.

If you just joined the DLV mailing list, please review last week's
"kick-off" mailing on the web at:

http://www.geekbabe.com/dlv/mydlv/mainforum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1600

This contains a lot of very important information regarding the
upcoming DLV 2011!
. . . . .

A few notes moving forward:

This mailing contains several items which are often times
overlooked and misunderstood, which can really make a big
difference in your enjoyment of Diva Las Vegas. Please read
this mailing carefully. (It's good for you!) :)

Many who have not attended Diva Las Vegas assume and expect
something similar to FanFair/SCC/Be-All, etc. DLV is totally
different!

Diva Las Vegas does not have a central "headquarters" hotel,
and each day's schedule is different. Each day's activity
locations will be different.

There are also a lot of timeslots in which multiple activities
will be happening.

Prior to DLV, you will want to make plans in advance and have
a good idea of exactly what you want to do, where, and when,
and exactly how you are going to get there.

DLV tends to be very fast-paced, and those who are not aware of
how things work at DLV can easily get lost in the dust. No, the
world is not gonna slow down to let somebody catch up! :)

DLV is a lot of fun, but it can be very intense, and you will
want to be up to speed, so to speak, when things begin.

If you will be attending DLV as a couple or as a group, please
don't be compelled to be "glued" to each other. You'll most
likely enjoy things more if each of you will do things that
you find of interest.

One particular note is to be sure you pay very close attention
to the various deadlines and cut-off dates and times! Many
disappointments in the past have to do with failing to read,
or failing to heed the deadlines!
. . .

Newcomer registration (for MyDLV members and those on this list
via e-mail) is now open. See item and link below.

Returnee re-registration is open. If you attended previously
and did not receive a personal registration link (or, if you
just want to do things the hard way) use the URL:

http://www.geekbabe.com/dlv/registerdlv2011.html

MyDLV members can simply follow the link on the main screen.
. . .

Latest numbers:

As of this time we have 108 attendees signed up!

We broke the 100 mark much sooner in the year than we have in
any previous years, but it's really not an "apples to apples"
comparison due to our different timeframe this year.

It's still much too early for any kind of a final headcount
projection. Sign-up totals and projections will appear in
these mailings from time to time. (Don't worry, it ain't gonna
be a small group at all!) :)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Newcomer registration is open:

If you've never attended before and you received this message
via e-mail or if you're a member of MyDLV, you are now welcome
to register.

MyDLV members (newcomer or returnee) can register by simply
clicking on the link on the main MyDLV screen.

If you're not a MyDLV member and have not attended before, you
can register on the web here:

{link removed on web archive copy}

If you have any questions or concerns about registration, or
if something does not appear to be working correctly for you,
please let us know. E-mail: dlv@geekbabe.com

One very important note about registration: Very shortly after
you register you will receive a confirmation e-mail. This will
contain a personal link to your registration update page.

IN THE EVENT YOU RECEIVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING
VIA E-MAIL AFTER YOU REGISTER, SOMETHING IS
WRONG AND WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT!

Sorry for shouting, but each year we seem to have 1-2 cases of
issues with this! Please report any difficulties promptly.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Big Sisters:

It's natural to be nervous before heading to an event such as
Diva Las Vegas, particularly if you're new and don't know any
of the others yet.

The Big Sisters of Diva Las Vegas can help!

Big Sisters are volunteer DLV veterans who are standing by to
help as needed, either prior to DLV, or during DLV.

Big Sisters are intended mainly for those who are new and don't
have much public exposure, or those who may be feeling a bit
uneasy about the upcoming trip, but Big Sisters are available
to anybody who wants one.

If you haven't been out in public at all, if you're new to public
exposure, your exposure has never been in the mainstream before,
or if there's any reason you feel uneasy or uncertain about the
upcoming trip, the Big Sisters are here to help, either before
DLV, during DLV, or both.

Before DLV, if you would like to correspond with somebody
one-to-one about concerns regarding DLV, just send a brief
note to dlv@geekbabe.com and say that you would like to get
in touch with a Big Sister. Examples of concerns might be
questions that you don't feel comfortable asking on one of
the mailing lists, a request for an honest fashion critique,
etc.

During DLV, if you need some fashion advice, Big Sisters can
help.

If you are uneasy and can't get the nerve to walk out of your
hotel room (this has happened), phone us, we'll have a Big
Sister meet you, assure you, and escort you if necessary.

If you would like to be put in touch with a Big Sister, just
send a note to bigsister@geekbabe.com and we'll get you in
contact with one.

Also, if you have attended DLV in the past and would like to
volunteer to spend some time helping others, please say so and
volunteer to be a Big Sister. (Just reply to this mailing or
e-mail bigsister@geekbabe.com and state you would like to
volunteer to be a Big Sister.) The primary qualification is
the desire to help others.

You can also sign up to have a Big Sister, or volunteer to be a
Big Sister on the web as you register.

Big thanks to Nora for coordinating our Big Sister Program!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Se habla Espanol:

Bienvenidos! Si el espanol is su lenguage nativa y Ud. tiene
dificultad comprendiendo qualquier cosa sobre DLV, Ud. nos puede
mandar sus preguntas por correo electronico en espanol, y se los
mandaremos a uno de nuestros voluntarios que hablan espanol. - La
direccion electronica es: dlv@geekbabe.com - Muchas Gracias.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Beginner Open House:

On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of DLV week we have a very
special "Open House" geared primarily toward those who are new,
who do not have much public exposure, and may be a bit shy about
taking those very important steps out.

This will be held in a private condominium and will be hosted
by a supportive GG who has been active with DLV for several
years.

Changing facilities will be available at the Beginner Open
House, and even if you're not a beginner who just needs a
place to change, you will be welcome too!

For those who are a bit nervous, we're making arrangements
for a carpool and escort from the Monday Open House to the
Welcome Celebration. Yes, you're welcome to ride along even
if you're not new and nervous! :)

Thanks to Sarona, Cynthia, and Jane for coordinating the
Beginner Open House!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suggested hotels:

Unlike most other TG events, Diva Las Vegas is not centered
around a particular hotel.

We have no "headquarters" in a hotel, vendor hall or other
facilities which are common at many of the other TG events.

You, as a DLV attendee, are free to stay anywhere you wish.

We do make suggestions on where to stay, for those who want
to know where DLVers in the past have reported good service
and attitude, and for those who wish to stay in the proximity
of other DLVers.

Further information on these suggested hotels appear on the
web at:

http://www.geekbabe.com/dlv/2011hotels.html

Ratings and comments on some of these appear on our Big List on
the web at:

http://www.geekbabe.com/dlv/vendors/

The Las Vegas Monorail serves four of our five 2011 suggested
hotels. (Harrah's, IP, Paris, MGM) All hotels offer 24 hour
dining of some sort.

It is strongly suggested that those who will be needing rides
to and from DLV activities stay in one of our suggested hotels.

Here are our suggested hotels for DLV 2011 (in alphabetical order):

Harrah's:

Harrah's is a mid-price midscale casino hotel on the center
Strip. The "Flavors" buffet is excellent and will be used for
one of our daily lunches. The adjoining Carnaval Court provides
attractions and entertainment day and night.
. . . . .

Imperial Palace:

Large lower-priced casino-hotel dead-center on the Strip.
Location! Location! Location! DLV people stayed at the Imperial
Palace for each and every year of DLV since 1997. Low-rise
("Capri") rooms are available for those who may be a bit shy
of elevators and a crowded hotel lobby. Carnaval Court adjoins
the property to the north.
. . .

MGM Grand:

This is the first year we've used the MGM Grand as a DLV
suggested hotel.

The MGM Grand is a very large moderately-upscale casino-hotel
at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard (Strip) and Tropicana.

Several restaurants, bars, and shops are on the property.
. . .

Paris:

For those who wish a more upscale option, this is it! The
Paris is the first major casino-hotel to actively market
to the GLBT community. Again, Location Location Location!
Please be aware, however, that even though the staff of the
Paris promises tolerance and acceptance, it's still a very
large casino-hotel and the public areas can be very crowded,
and full of people of all backgrounds and all attitudes.
. . .

Rio:

The Rio is an upper-midscale hotel-casino located west of the
main Strip area. Brazillian theme with a Show In The Sky which
is indeed entertaining the first couple of times you see it.
Excellent buffet, two of them, actually. One regular buffet
and a special seafood buffet.
. . . . .

Specific suggestions:

If you want the absolute lowest-priced decent room: Imperial
Palace, "Capri" rooms. IP tower rooms are a bit nicer but not
that much more expensive.

If you want to stay with the largest contingent of other
DLV attendees: Imperial Palace

If you want a "motel" type room, where you do not have to
take an elevator or traverse a crowded hotel lobby: Imperial
Palace and ask for a "Capri" room.

If you want a more upscale room: Paris or MGM Grand

Easiest in-out parking if you will be driving: Harrah's

Best management attitude toward GLBT folks: Paris

Best location: Imperial Palace, Harrah's, Paris

If you want an Off-Strip hotel: Rio
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Please consider:

Diva Las Vegas would not be possible if it were not for our
many dedicated volunteers. These volunteers have given their
time, effort, and in many cases their own money to allow DLV
to happen.

Please keep in mind that our DLV volunteers are just that,
volunteers, and not professional event promoters. These
individuals are unpaid, and in too many cases unthanked
for their efforts and contributions.

Although we do strive for consistency and excellence, it
is unrealistic to assume that everything at Diva Las Vegas
will always be "just so" and exactly to your liking.

Yes, if something is indeed wrong, we do need to know about
it, and the sooner the better, but please resist the
temptation to lash out at the nearest volunteer if things
don't seem to be going your way.

At DLV, you will see quite a variation of organizational
details and leadership styles among our many volunteers.
Some volunteers will take care of every last detail of
their activities, others will paint in very broad strokes,
so to speak.

Please be prepared for DLV! Please read the material very
carefully, particularly the Large Final Mailing, as quite
a few of the more vocal complaints in the past had to do
with basic misunderstandings about how DLV works, and items
which were fully covered in the mailings.

Please be sure to pay particular attention to timing,
scheduling, and any deadlines and cut-offs for sign-up
or payment!

Please remember that for our valued volunteers, it's their
vacation too! Please allow them to enjoy it!

Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated. :)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rides and riders:

Unlike most other TG events, Diva Las Vegas does not happen
in one central location. Most attendees will need to get from
their hotel to the locations of DLV activities.

For those who will not have a vehicle at DLV, there are several
options. One of these is to share a ride with others who will
be heading your way. (At the riders' own risk, of course.)

We are asking people who need rides to stay in one of our
suggested hotels in order to be near those who have vehicles
with available seats, or to arrange shared taxi rides, etc.
(Taking a taxi in Las Vegas is perfectly "safe", even for the
newest of beginners.)

You can use the Diva Las Vegas Discussion Forum, on the
web at:

http://www.geekbabe.com/dlv/mydlv/mainforum/viewforum.php?f=2

.. to exchange contact information between those who have
vehicles and those who need rides.

One thing we do need to mention, and this has been a trouble
spot from the very early days of DLV. Please do not expect
the DLV contact people to find you a ride. If you phone the
contact people and ask for a ride, you will be told to please
take a taxi. (Please don't get upset if this happens to you.
They're not being rude, they are simply following the
agreed-upon procedure.)

Another important note, and yes we hate things like this as
much as you do, but if you accept a ride from another, please
do so only under the condition that it's totally at your own
risk!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Administrivia:

This is the Diva Las Vegas 2011 Announcement mailing list.

This list is limited to announcements and other high-importance
items.

Replies to this mailing will be forwarded to: dlv@geekbabe.com
Submissions/questions should be sent to: dlv@geekbabe.com
Abuse/complaints should be sent to: abuse@geekbabe.com

Questions/answers and discussion items are redirected to the DLV
Discussion Forum, which may be subscribed to separately or viewed
on the web. To subscribe to the DLV Discussion Forum, send a brief
message to dlvdisc@geekbabe.com and state that you wish to receive
the DLV Discussion Forum.

To view the DLV Discussion Forum on line, visit the URL:

http://www.geekbabe.com/dlv/mydlv/mainforum/viewforum.php?f=2
. . . . .

One address for all items regarding this list, additions,
unsubscribe requests, changes, submissions, questions, etc.:

dlv@geekbabe.com <--- NOTE: all lower case

Archives of this list appear on the web at:

http://www.geekbabe.com/dlv/mydlv/mainforum/viewforum.php?f=4
. . . . .

Diva Las Vegas 2011
April 3 - 8, 2011
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
. . . . .

To unsubscribe: Simply reply to this message with the word
UNSUBSCRIBE in either the Subject: field or the first line of
an OTHERWISE BLANK message body. The word "unsubscribe" (case
is insignificant) should be the only item in the subject field
or the first line of the message, justified to the left.

To assure a successful unsubscribe, please be sure the "This was
addressed to:" line above is included in your unsubscribe request.

To send material to this list: Send submission as regular e-mail
to the address: dlv@geekbabe.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .