Las Vegas Meet and Greet

[WillyWump]

What about the local ASO, like we did in Boston?

[Basquo]

I was googling MCC and ASOs today. I didn't see anything about specific available facilities, but I can start calling tomorrow from the office, to see if someone has a room for us.  I too am thinking we need a special, separate venue for the Memorial.

[RAB]

Fri A.M.

3 members lost.  Ric, Lisa, and Moffie

3 members willing to jump.

3 members now soaring among the clouds.

3 members willing to honor them by doing the same.  (with a blessing from a certain certain someone)

Half of us on the platform.

Half at the base.

Expressing our support, remembering our fallen, and feeling the emotion.

Celebrating life by taking a chance.  Celebrating life by honoring those we've lost.  (Could there be a better honor?)

After all 3 have jumped, we gather at the base.

. . . . . . . .

not sure where we go from there.

Just some random thoughts I've been having.

RAB

Edit to ask:  Too kitchy?

[WillyWump]

RAB,

I dont have any words other than "amazing".

-Will

[Lou-ah-vull]

Nicely said, RAB... The Strat has something called the Chapel in the Clouds.  We can be absolutely certain that it costs money.  I will try and find out what an hour (I am sure you can't get it for less than an hour) would cost.  The view up there is quite stunning and it does give us the experience of rising up into the clouds without that hairraising bungee jump down (although I certainly want to be ringside when Will and Jan make the jump!)

I will investigate and report back.

I had already looked into the local ASO and there was no facility like we had in Boston.  Let's see what we can find out about our host hotel. 

I have another notion (this once would not cost anything, but would involve transportation) and yes, it involves Red Rock Canyon.

Gary

[Dennis]

If you want space in the hotel for a memorial I'm sure i can work that out with the groups manager.

[skeebo1969]

Fri A.M.

3 members lost.  Ric, Lisa, and Moffie

3 members willing to jump.

3 members now soaring among the clouds.

3 members willing to honor them by doing the same.  (with a blessing from a certain certain someone)

Half of us on the platform.

Half at the base.

Expressing our support, remembering our fallen, and feeling the emotion.

Celebrating life by taking a chance.  Celebrating life by honoring those we've lost.  (Could there be a better honor?)

After all 3 have jumped, we gather at the base.

. . . . . . . .

not sure where we go from there.

Just some random thoughts I've been having.

RAB

Edit to ask:  Too kitchy?

Wow.... I really like this.  Wish I could be there to share the moment.  You all have a safe trip and a great time.

[Basquo]

I just want to reiterate that Santi and I are up for whatever...Simon looks like a great place, especially if we can be in a private room.

I also like RAB's idea for the memorial service, and am willing to jump! (need bathrooms available at launch AND landing pads, please. Or else provide me with pads  )

[David_CA]

I think Red Rock Canyon sounds great.  Valley of Fire might be good, too, if I'm remembering correctly).  I don't recall which is closer, though. 

As to the Meet and Greet... something as informal as possible would be fine with me.  The setup we had in Montreal was nice with lots of space to move around, meet, and greet.  Hell, we could have it at just about any restaurant and I'd be good with it.  How about the nice buffets that most hotels have?  Perhaps they have a private room we could use (just a thought). 

Nicely said, RAB... The Strat has something called the Chapel in the Clouds.  We can be absolutely certain that it costs money.  I will try and find out what an hour (I am sure you can't get it for less than an hour) would cost.  The view up there is quite stunning and it does give us the experience of rising up into the clouds without that hairraising bungee jump down (although I certainly want to be ringside when Will and Jan make the jump!)

I will investigate and report back.

I had already looked into the local ASO and there was no facility like we had in Boston.  Let's see what we can find out about our host hotel. 

I have another notion (this once would not cost anything, but would involve transportation) and yes, it involves Red Rock Canyon.

Gary

[RAB]

As to the Meet and Greet... something as informal as possible would be fine with me.  The setup we had in Montreal was nice with lots of space to move around, meet, and greet.  Hell, we could have it at just about any restaurant and I'd be good with it.  How about the nice buffets that most hotels have?  Perhaps they have a private room we could use (just a thought). 

Good points David. 

My only concern is that we may be running out of time

At some point we have to make a decision.

The properties are going to require a minium count.

They are going to require a certain guarantee.

We are now looking at an event that is literally 3 - 4 weeks away.

The Meet & Great is certainly one of the signature events of these gatherings.

I'm not sure that throwing another option into the discussion is a good idea.

I know that at $85.00 this will be the most expensive meet and greet we've ever had.

But I think we need to balance that against the fact that we'll be spending the lowest hotel costs we've ever spent.

If I'm not mistaken the best price we've ever paid is something like $125.00 per night (Mexico City being the possible exception given the exchange rate--which I'm not certain of.)

But I think Dennis has given us an option that is certainly worth considering.

Getting back to my original point.

We are running out of time.

This has to be nailed down.

Whatever option we go for, they are going to want a guarateed count.

Getting back to my original point, I just fear we are running out of time.

So we have to find someway to move this forward and look toward the goal of a positive gathering.

RAB

[anniebc]

I can't do Ric's memorial outside..that's why I suggested we think about doing it at the Meet and Greet.

Thinking about it I don't think it will put a downer on the Meet and Greet, apart from the "official" memorial servise (that can be done outside) this was the time Ric loved most, mingling with his friends.

I still think Simons is the best bet, and I agree with RAB we need to get the numbers so we, or rather Dennis can get this organised for us.

So get your names down folks.

(need bathrooms available at launch AND landing pads, please. Or else provide me with pads   )

You can have some of mine Basquo..

Hugs
Jan
P.S..Jen will follow me...

[Dennis]

I have to reiterate what Rab stated. We are running out of time. And unfortunately, the personal time I have to work on this is minimal.

First off, we need audiovisual equipment for the meet and greet. Simon and Buddha are restaurants. Therefore, these two establishments cannot meet the needs for the memorial.

Reviewing the website for Simon, the space is not particularly casual. Although, we will have our own private space with a terrace leading out to a pool. With less than 20 people, I think this should suffice the space to move about request, with room to invite 150 of your closest personal friends. Jeans and a nice shirt would suffice for those that don't care to dress up. I have always tried to make our meet and greet unique to the destination our event is held. I think Simon fits this. A descent dinner buffet on a Friday night in Vegas is upwards of $50 or more. At least by my standards. There are cheaper, but you get what you pay for. Paying an additional $30 for the Simon space with cocktail service is worth the extra price, I think. As Rab stated, the room price is next to nothing. The $85 for Simon plus your total room budget would barely cover 2 night hotel at past AMGs.

So, from my point of view, we have two options. Pay the outrageous price for a banquet room at the Stratosphere where we can have both the meet and greet and memorial. Or, go with Simon and request space at the Stratosphere for the memorial.

Please try to decide by Wednesday.

Thanks
Dennis

[Robert]

Simon sound good to me.  jan, you mentioned you need to be inside so I take it you need some audio/visual stuff.  Is there someway we can do it without the a/v?  Like maybe hand out small cards/pix (kinda like prayer cards) and hold them(kinda like candles).  I don't think it would be a downer either.  And I like rab's idea of celebrating their lives by jumping off a roof.  No disrespect in that.

count me in on the meet/greet.

robert

[RAB]

I'm in for the meet and greet also (not sure I said that officially before).

RAB   

[pozniceguy]

count me in   Simons  sounds great    the overall cost including the hotel is OK 


 BTW  the hotel are pretty stuck on charging for Internet service...   think you can talk them out of that Dennis ??/      even Starbucks  and the sandwich shops dont charge anymore......most of the local places never did charge  ( Motels/ Hotels)

Nick

[weasel]

      Not sure if it is free ?
     
       The   THE  CENTER     GLBT  in Comercial Center   ( Sahara & Maryland Pky )

        They have an events   room  !

       It is  almost across from  the   MCCLV .  ( almond tree lane )

     

                                                                              Carl

[Buckmark]

Since I've had to change my plans and won't be going to Las Vegas (see my update in the arrivals / departures thread), I obviously won't be attending the meet and greet or the memorial service.  But I will still be happy to contribute some funds.  I'll miss seeing all of you.

Regards,

Henry

[next2u]

i have not thoroughly read this thread but will in the near future. i think i can do whatever the majority desires...including the (eek) $85 meet & greet.

seeing as how i really havent put my weight in i will sit back and enjoy whatever it is when i get there ...like voting in elections i believe that only those who voted (not those who are affected) have earned the right to speak their minds at said outcome.

with that said, looking forward to seeing you all wherever we meet.

best,
d

[Dennis]

I will be confirming Simon within the next 48 hours for 15 persons, unless I'm told differently.

[Lou-ah-vull]

I think this is the best choice and I am looking forward to dining at the Palms.  It will be a challenge to get everybody over there, but I am certain we will work that out (to quote Jan, this is not a "wee walk".) 

Gary

[aztecan]

I think Simon will be fine. Count me in.

HUGS,

Mark

[HippieLady]

I would love to attend the meet & greet Friday evening, if there's still room.  I will be arriving that afternoon.  Whatever the price is cool with me...I'll swing it.

[alliance]

I realize Im jumping in kind of late here - but please count me in for the Friday evening event as well - if there is room. If not I understand.  The price is ok.  Im up for anything - thats when Vegas gets fun!
As I mentioned on the the other thread - I'll be arriving Wednesday afternoon and leaving town Monday morn.  
See y'all soon!

[WillyWump]

Slight hijack..

ummm, it was 112 today in Vegas. This pansy white boy doesnt do well in the heat... and dont give me this "dry heat" crap cause you can stick your head in an oven and that's a dry heat also, and that's no walk in the park.

*sigh* gonna have to find an anti-wrinkle cream that doesnt melt.

-Will

[Hellraiser]

*sigh* gonna have to find an anti-wrinkle cream that doesnt melt.

-Will

(I love you Will please forgive me)

Perhaps you could try a nice spackle?

[alliance]

dont give me this "dry heat" crap cause you can stick your head in an oven and that's a dry heat also, and that's no walk in the park.
-Will

All you have to do is remember  to stay hydrated.  It's actually a very enjoyable pastime!  I'm sure we're all pretty good at it, but practice makes perfect.   

[WillyWump]

All you have to do is remember  to stay hydrated.  

So your saying I should go from drinking doubles to drinking triples while in Vegas? This should be fun.

-Will

[weasel]

Slight hijack..

ummm, it was 112 today in Vegas. This pansy white boy doesnt do well in the heat... and dont give me this "dry heat" crap cause you can stick your head in an oven and that's a dry heat also, and that's no walk in the park.

*sigh* gonna have to find an anti-wrinkle cream that doesnt melt.

-Will

OH it will be lovely for any of us coming from hummid places !
Las Vegas August nights Are so nice ! No BUGS !
 I can't wait to enjoy what ever  it is you guys do   
                                                                                 Carl

[lforsyth]

I'd like to participate in everything that's planned if possible. 

[RAB]

I'd like to participate in everything that's planned if possible. 

Absolutely you must!

To everyone attending:

Dennis and I have been in communication and it looks like a change is going to be required.  He'll probably post something today and it'll be crucial (because of the time crunch) that everyone try and respond quickly.  So everyone--please pay attention to this thread over the next few days.

RAB

[WillyWump]

Absolutely you must!

To everyone attending:

Dennis and I have been in communication and it looks like a change is going to be required.  He'll probably post something today and it'll be crucial (because of the time crunch) that everyone try and respond quickly.  So everyone--please pay attention to this thread over the next few days.

RAB

Okies.

-Will

[alliance]

So your saying I should go from drinking doubles to drinking triples while in Vegas? This should be fun.

-Will

That sounds like a great desert survival tactic. I'm sure we can find a way to get quadruples out there, in case of emergency dehydration!!  Fun indeed!

[Dennis]

Hey everyone,

I went to reserve the the Simon space and it was taken from us.  Someone rented out the entire restaurant.  So...here are our options.

Little Buddha...space is not completely private.  You would be in the back room with private access to the patio/pool area.  Cocktail service available.  You can have the menu I posted above.  Or, they are willing to minimize the menu to reduce costs to around $45 per person.

The sedond option is a private room at the Stratosphere buffet.  The cost of the room rental and buffet would be aproximately $42.00 per person.   

Basically you need to decide between convenience and cost vs atmosphere.  Personally, I would go with Little Buddha.  The Strat has not been the easiest to work with.  However, I'm not going my vote doesn't count.

Dennis

[WillyWump]

Little Buddha.

However have we decided whether to do the memorial with the Meet and Greet? if so we need a place where we can do Audio Visuals, and I think Dennis mentioned Little Buddha could not accomodate that.

Can Strat Accomodate Audio Visuals?

Are we going to do the memorial with the meet and Greet? Weasel had a good idea in using the local LGBT's room. See Weasel's post above.

-Will

[HippieLady]

Little Buddha is my vote.  I've never been there but it's looks nice.   

~Hippie

[aztecan]

I would vote for Little Buddha. The ambiance seems nice and we have done quite well in the past with semi private.

HUGS,

Mark

[alliance]

I'd be happy with either.

[Basquo]

Santi and I vote for Little Buddha! Love the pics of that place.

[Lou-ah-vull]

I am flexible and willing to go to either place.  While we have not made a final decision, there seemed to be consensus that combining the Memorial with the Meet and Greet would not work at Simon.  It most likely would not work at Little Buddha.  I do not know if we could accommodate Jan's needs at Stratosphere.  So...we are probably still assuming a different time and place for the memorial.  If the local LGBT space is available (and we can figure out transportation) that may be our best option.  If not, something at the hotel is probably best.  In any event, I do not know if we can get the A/V equipment Jan wants.

We always work out something and everyone finds the time meaningful.  I am guessing the same will happen in Las Vegas.  Any help with "nailing down" a location will be greatly appreciated.

Gary

[WillyWump]

In regards to the memorial, I looked up the LGBT center and their hours are Mon-Fri 11a-7pm. closed Sat and Sun. So we would most likely have to do the memorial on Friday if we wanted to use the center. Also, its about 10 blocks from the Strat, so not sure if we would have to use cabs or the bus. If we use the bus we would need to transfer once.

I can call them tomorrow if yall like.

-Will

[RAB]

Either option is fine with me.

RAB   

[lforsyth]

I'm easy... Or that's what I've been told.

[weasel]

              Little  Buddha   sounds nice 

             

[RAB]

I'm easy... Or that's what I've been told.

And you were nervous about not fitting in?  LOL 

RAB   

[Robert]

either one is fine by me too.   I'm just along for the ride.

[aztecan]

either one is fine by me too.   I'm just along for the ride.

Hey Robert, I have only one word for you - Montreal!

Nuff said, you little tramp!

HUGS,

Mark

[Dennis]

Little Buddha is reserved from 6pm - 9pm.  The patio and pool deck are yours exclusively for the evening should you decide to carry the party on later.

Please choose a menu.

$45.00

APPETIZERS

Beef Lettuce Wraps
Kurobuta Potstickers
Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls

ENTREES

Chinese Orange Chicken
Mongolian Beef
~~~
Fried Rice

DESSERT

White Chocolate Cheesecake

$50.00
APPETIZERS

Wok-Fried Calamari & Shrimp
Kurobuta Potstickers
Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls

SALAD

Chinese Chicken Salad

ENTREES
(For groups of 30 or more please choose 2 entrees)

Choice of

Shrimp Chow Mein

Char Grilled Salmon

 Angry Roasted Jidori Chicken
~~~
Fried Rice

DESSERT

“Liquid” Centered Chocolate Cake

$60.00

APPETIZERS

Wok-Fried Calamari & Shrimp
Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls
Kurobuta Potstickers


SALAD

Chinese Chicken Salad


ENTREES
(For groups of 30 or more please choose 2 entrees )

Choice of

Broiled Misoyaki Black Cod

Chinese Orange Chicken

Grilled Filet Mignon
~~~
Fried Rice

DESSERT

Banana Almond Tart

[WillyWump]

I'm gonna have to go with the $50 menu...Shrimp Chow Mein, YUM!

"Angry Roasted Jidori Chicken"- what is that? Does this mean we have to piss off the Chef before he makes it?

-Will

[RAB]

I'm voting for either #1 or #3.

(I can't eat shrimp or salmon)  But the idea of having an "angry chicken"  might interest me.

Actually I'm casting my vote for #1 now that I've reviewed the menu.

RAB   

[Lou-ah-vull]

I like menu 2 or 3 especially because of the calamari.  Slight preference of 2 over 3.  More than willing to go with 1 if that is the group consensus.

Gary