Kitten Gathering - Las Vegas - Feb 2003

[MadeinNZ]

Rally - I sent you an email with my responses. Let me know if you don't get it. Thanks.

[WiccansIllusion]

As for a websight....don't you think it should read Kittens DO Vegas? hehe

Tara nodded in agreement "She has magic fingers." TheWisdom of War, Chris Golden



You don’t really think this is like… Psycho Buffy Cheer Squad central, do you?-Xita ala Julia "Lessons Parody"

[xita]

Rally , just going to reply here in case people missed reading the first post! Come on kittens! We'll have fun!





I am contacting the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority about setting up some meeting space for us. So I need the following info, from everyone either here in the thread or at the above email address.



1) You are attending, how many are in your party?



one



2) Nights you will want to book a room at the main hotel, if you are planning on the cheapest alternative, just say you won't be staying at the main hotel. (applicable dates are Thu 2/13, Fri 2/14, Sat 2/15, Sun 2/16, Mon 2/17).



13-16 Monday is a holiday right? What holiday is this.. damn maybe just through the 16 if it isn't a holiday I have off.



3) Do you want to participate in a formal Kitten gathering, ala a convention style meeting room? If so, would you like it be a catered type event, which would involve some measure of cost?



Yes for one day I think it would be a great idea and yes I would help with the cost.

-------------------------------

Buffy?

Let's change it, the Discovery channel has koala bears.

Edited by: xita  at: 10/29/02 10:02:39 am

[Triscuit7]

Hey Rally - Replying here because it's easier somehow.



Here's our info



1) You are attending, how many are in your party?



Two (Darcy and Triscuit7)



2) Nights you will want to book a room at the main hotel, if you are planning on the cheapest alternative, just say you won't be staying at the main hotel. (applicable dates are Thu 2/13, Fri 2/14, Sat 2/15, Sun 2/16, Mon 2/17)



We'll be staying at the main hotel. Flying in 2/13, leaving 2/17 (or 2/18), so we need rooms for Thursday thru Sunday (possibly Monday).



3) Do you want to participate in a formal Kitten gathering, ala a convention style meeting room? If so, would you like it be a catered type event, which would involve some measure of cost?



A formal gathering for one day would be fun. We’d pitch in to help with the costs.





Thanks, Melissa

**********************




I brought marshmallows!

Edited by: Triscuit7 at: 10/28/02 7:42:10 pm

[Rally]

Hey again everyone, following up in the thread is fine or email either way. Just please try and get me your response by say, Wed. In case I wasn't entirely clear, by going this route, the Tourism Authority creates a press release for our group and sends it out to a bunch of hotels. The hotels then contact me with what they can do for us. As Xita and I had discussed the probable need for a real gathering space, rather than trying to cram into a restaraunt, with such a potentially large group. This seemed the best way to go, also there is possibility for a special room rate.



So once more, 1) how many in your party, I know some mentioned bring their significant others, I need numbers for meeting room sizes. 2) nights in the main hotel, if you are planning on the cheapest alternative, than skip this question as we will probably be going with a major hotel as the "official" hotel. 3) assuming we are going to be arranging for meeting space, do we want to have it catered by the hotel in some manner, possibly incurring some cost (bit more on that down below).



So get that info asap. The holiday is Monday, presidents day for you U.S. residents. I plan on arriving as early as Thursday and probably stay over Monday night, I know MadeinNZ plans on getting their Wed, because of jet lag. We also have quite a few Vegas Kittens, so there are going to be people around a lot of that week.



A bit more on the meeting room, by the initial response, I gauged that we might have in the range of 50 Kittens attending. We had around 35 at the dinner in Bama, and it was crazed. So really an organized meeting is really the best way to go, for getting out info. We figured we could meet early in the weekend, give out information on places to visit, etc, parties that will definitely taking place, etc. This will probably be ala convention style and we were actually thinking about doing badges for the event as well. Assuming we get the turn out that we feel is going to happen. So with that in mind, when do people want to meet, what type of meeting, I mean, no host bar or brunch or just a room to pass out info. Until I get some quotes from hotels and get idea of the cost, I will dream big. Suggestions are of course welcome, I finally see the horizon in my schedule and anticipate having the entire month of November to dedicate to this project. A lot of you have offered to help, and help will be needed, I will know more on that in a couple weeks.



Guess that is it for now, end ramble.

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Well officially, of course, I have to say that I have no idea what you're talking about.

Edited by: Rally at: 10/28/02 8:37:01 pm

[AlexisMQ]

1) You are attending, how many are in your party?

One



2) Nights you will want to book a room at the main hotel, if you are planning on the cheapest alternative, just say you won't be staying at the main hotel. (applicable dates are Thu 2/13, Fri 2/14, Sat 2/15, Sun 2/16, Mon 2/17). Fri, Sat, Sun



3) Do you want to participate in a formal Kitten gathering, ala a convention style meeting room? If so, would you like it be a catered type event, which would involve some measure of cost?



Sounds great! Don't mind helping out with the money, either.

[La]

I would really like to come, but I don't know if I can commit for sure for sure this early on since I don't know how school things will be then. But if I come, I will probably be by myself, unless things go really well with the woman I'm dating now ... and I would be wanting to stay in cheaper accomodations, and I think a conventiony type thing would be awesome. Funds are limited though, for me, blame it on being a student again.

~La



Our bodies are on loan from chaos; the integrity of our selves is but a fleeting moment between womb and tomb.

~David Gordon White

[MadeinNZ]

Quote:

---

when do people want to meet, what type of meeting, I mean, no host bar or brunch or just a room to pass out info.

---

I've never been to one of these things before so my experience is limited. I thought it might be a good idea to meet for drinks on the first night for a general get together. I think name badges are a great idea (with our posting name and first name or something).



I'm not sure about how you want to run the actual meetings. I suppose there could be a mix of organised events and free time. Maybe there could be a roster so that there are a couple Kittens at a central location all the time as a kind of information booth so there's somewhere to go for questions etc.



Not sure how lame those ideas were but I gave it a shot.

[sparrow]

Thanks for the info Rally.

Here's my info...

1) one in my party

2) arriving Thurs and probably leaving out Tuesday morning

3) an offical gathering would be cool and would have no problem helping out with some extra costs

And yet, I just can't seem to care
What no hug

[LeatherQueen]

Ok, here's my info:



1) You are attending, how many are in your party?



Two



2) Nights you will want to book a room at the main hotel, if you are planning on the cheapest alternative, just say you won't be staying at the main hotel. (applicable dates are Thu 2/13, Fri 2/14, Sat 2/15, Sun 2/16, Mon 2/17).



Fri 2/14 and Sat 2/15. We'll have to leave late Sunday so we won't be staying over that night.



3) Do you want to participate in a formal Kitten gathering, ala a convention style meeting room? If so, would you like it be a catered type event, which would involve some measure of cost?



Great idea. I'd love a formal Kitten gathering and we'd be happy to help defer the cost.



God... this sounds like so much fun!

"We've got the only librarian who can rip off your arm with his leg. People respect that." - Terry Pratchett

[tiyodragon]

Ok, here's my info:



1) You are attending, how many are in your party?



...one.



2) Nights you will want to book a room at the main hotel, if you are planning on the cheapest alternative, just say you won't be staying at the main hotel. (applicable dates are Thu 2/13, Fri 2/14, Sat 2/15, Sun 2/16, Mon 2/17).



Fri 2/14 and Sat 2/15. We'll have to leave late Sunday so we won't be staying over that night.



3) Do you want to participate in a formal Kitten gathering, ala a convention style meeting room? If so, would you like it be a catered type event, which would involve some measure of cost?



Yes, a formal gathering would be fun. Paying would be okay.

‘My girlfriend is a goddess,’ Willow thought again. ‘She is so gonna’ kick his ass.’ She almost smiled as she heard a song in her mind. ‘My girlfriend’s back and you’re gonna’ be in trouble…" Willow cleared her throat and looked around the room. ‘Okay,’ she thought. ‘I have lost it. -Tears of the Goddess by Lisa Countryman

[Rane018]

sam, are you still flying?



i want to go but maybe for two nights (fri/sat) unless i can find a cheaper place to stay. what hotel are you booking and what are the rates? if it gets too expensive for me i think i have a step cousin out there i may be able to crash with but he's got kids...



as for a kitten gathering... gosh, i'm blushing just thinking about it. i will attend but i need to help out!!!! it's the only way i wont be all spazzy and shy. i have experience working conventions (music/film, etc...) and i love being involved. as for paying it depends on the cost. i'm poor and currently in between jobs so...

[sparrow]

Rane, still planning on flying, Soutwest and Jet Blue are running $19 each way, basically coming in at around $58 total but am waiting for money cause hello broke now. Also, I may be convinced to share a drive but still flying as of now.

As far as hotels, I've looked into a few that I would like to stay at. Luxor prices are as follows Thurs $119, Fri $169, Sat $179, Sun $179, Mon $179. Belagio is $283 nightly, The Mirage is at $191 nightly. Still looking into other places and waiting to hear if there are any special deals to be had especially if we get the help from the convention people. Anything I can help you with just holler and I will gladly do what I can.

And yet, I just can't seem to care
What no hug

[Rane018]

sam! if you're going to book a flight let me know so i can book it with ya and you can hold my hand when we take off and land. lol.



maybe we can get a group of LA kittens to go together. and is it possible to maybe rent a van there or is PT all good in vegas?



btw- last time i was in vegas the rooms were like $50 bucks at the Rio and such! i'll gladly stay in cheaper cheapy hotels cause there is no way i can afford over that. hell, i may even look into hostels. hehe... um, maybe not vegas is so shady already...

Edited by: Rane018 at: 10/29/02 12:48:38 pm

[sparrow]

You got it. A few of us have already talked about a party flight to the gathering. I'm even looking into whether a group rate can be offered to us, depending on how many so cal kittens plan on flying. As for the hotel room, considering that it's a holiday weekend I really don't think cheap rooms will be had. I figure the prices will be on the high end and that sucks considering that this past summer I only paid $59 a night, but that was during the week. Don't worry I will keep you posted on all I find out and you can e-mail me anytime with any questions you have.

I plan on drinking at heavily for this party plane to lessen any stress that may occur due to all the security checks you have to go through now.

And yet, I just can't seem to care
What no hug

[jamboree]

Here's my info...



1) You are attending, how many are in your party?

...one.



2) Nights you will want to book a room at the main hotel, if you are planning on the cheapest alternative, just say you won't be staying at the main hotel. (applicable dates are Thu 2/13, Fri 2/14, Sat 2/15, Sun 2/16, Mon 2/17).

...Fri to Sun



3) Do you want to participate in a formal Kitten gathering, ala a convention style meeting room? If so, would you like it be a catered type event, which would involve some measure of cost?

...Yes.



Kay

[sparrow]

The more I think about it the more i get the feeling that we wont be able to get any special rates from the convention board. I mean, when I use to set up conventions for my old job there had to several houndred people attenting before they would even talk to us. There reasoning is that if they are not going to recoup there money it's not worth it to them. Then you factor in that it is a holiday weekend, higher prices for rooms, and they are certainly not going to give that revenue up to a small group. Just thinking out loud here folks.

And yet, I just can't seem to care
What no hug

[Rally]

The convention association simply issues a press release on the groups behalf to all the hotels. The hotels are then free to contact the group with how they might be able to accomodate said group. The association does list small (as few as 25) and large groups alike. It just an easier route, having hotels contact me with rates then calling them all individually checking on prices and availability. Once I submit the information, we will have the info within two weeks. If no one can accomodate us as a group, we will still have plenty of time to make individual arrangements.

------------




Well officially, of course, I have to say that I have no idea what you're talking about.

[xita]

Yeah what's the timeline on that? I worry about booking a room somewhere especially at the better deals because they might be gone quick because it is a holiday weekend.

-------------------------------

Buffy?

Let's change it, the Discovery channel has koala bears.

[Rally]

Ten days - two weeks once I submit the info which I am doing either Thurs or Fri, thats why I asked everyone to get me the info by tonight. We should have the info by mid Nov, that is still three months prior to the weekend.

------------




Well officially, of course, I have to say that I have no idea what you're talking about.

Edited by: Rally at: 10/30/02 6:42:29 pm

[Iamyouknowyours]

1) You are attending, how many are in your party?

I'm 99% sure I'll be there. One in my party. Just me.



2) Nights you will want to book a room at the main hotel, if you are planning on the cheapest alternative, just say you won't be staying at the main hotel. (applicable dates are Thu 2/13, Fri 2/14, Sat 2/15, Sun 2/16, Mon 2/17). Fri, Sat, Sun. Do you have a price on that though? Because I was wondering if someone maybe wanted to split a room, or should I be looking for a cheap hotel elsewhere?



3) Do you want to participate in a formal Kitten gathering, ala a convention style meeting room? If so, would you like it be a catered type event, which would involve some measure of cost?

Most definately! I'll start saving them pennies, in case that measure of cost is involved.



Let me know the rest of the details.



eltonsgod@aol.com

Sex always leads to bad things on Buffy. Angel turned evil, Willow turned evil, Tara got shot, Buffy ended up dating Riley...

[La]

Okay, I really want to go, airfare so far isn't too bad from Boston, but hotel is worrying me, I would so love to split a room with another person. That will defray costs, and also help to get me to make an actual comittment.

~La



Our bodies are on loan from chaos; the integrity of our selves is but a fleeting moment between womb and tomb.

~David Gordon White

[Rally]

Don't fret too much La, I have the minimum numbers we need for most nights to gain hotel interest, its just the subsequent nights, Thursday and Monday I am holding out for. But I do need a head count, serious head count to figure out if we need meeting space or not.

------------




Well officially, of course, I have to say that I have no idea what you're talking about.

[Rally]

Sorry for the double post but need to update, since submitting our numbers I have received proposals from 10 hotels. There is still a chance for more to come in, I will be reviewing these and posting some of them very soon.



I have only looked at once so far, and I want to run the hotels by some Vegas Kittens, but hopefully one of them will give us a good deal.

------------




Well officially, of course, I have to say that I have no idea what you're talking about.

[xita]

oh goodie!

-------------------------------

Buffy?

Let's change it, the Discovery channel has koala bears.

[AmberEyedDragon]

Yeesh...ya know....for an (as of now) unemployed student who just spent over 700$ for the MR convention, hearing about this kittie gathering is KILLING me. I have family of in Vegas that I might be able to us an excuse to come...but hey, is anyone goin from the general New York-ish area that doesnt mind an amazon of a 17 yr old taggin along? *big cheesy gryn*



I dont bite....too hard I promise



Sara

[Rally]

Ok I have a lot of info to get through here, so it is going to take few passes to edit it all in. I will then also post it in the top of the thread so please bare with me.



I am going to list the places that contacted me, with the recommended ones going first, but I will list the others just to give everyone a good idea of the responses we received. We need to decide if we are going via this method fairly soon, so I can make contact with the Sales Directors. I received two more contacts today, and will probably have a few more to add in the upcoming week. One of the contacts today is one of the more competitive bids, so though we need to make a descision, I would not rule out any late minute entries. They told me two weeks, this was only day one of the second week, but I want to get this info up.





Worthy Canidates



Alexis Park

Rates: $119 SGL / $129 DBL

Features: All suites, pool, spa, free parking, across from the Hard Rock Hotel / Casino, near gay bars and restraunts, but a few blocks off the strip, also not a casino, strictly a hotel, meeting space available.



Embassy Suites

Rates: $149

Features: All suites, also across from the Hard Rock, free shuttle to and from Airport, free cooked breakfast, free Managers Reception daily, meeting space available. Again this is a hotel only, not a casino.



Hawthorn Suites

Rates: $119

Features: All suites, free breakfast buffet, Manager Reception Mon-Thr, on the strip near the MGM, Luxor and Tropicana. Meeting rooms available, hotel only, not a casino.



New Frontier

(though I am told the locals only call it the Frontier, not the New Frontier )

Rates: $65 (Sun, Mon) /$105 (Fri, Sat) (Standard Room) or $95/$105 (Atrium Mini Suite) Sng or Dbl Occ

Features: On the strip near the Convention Center, Treasure Island and the Venitian. Very Tex Mex place, a lot of restraunts, meeting room available, this is a casino.



Palace Station

Rates: $69 (Sun, Mon) / $89 (Fri, Sat) (Tower Rooms) *Suites available

Features: A bit off the strip, but they have a free shuttle, newly renovated, 4 restraunts and 5 food outlets, 2 pools, salon, casino w/ players reward club. Meeting room available.



Sahara Hotel & Casino

Rates: $79 (Fri-Sun) / $37 (Mon) Sng or Dbl Occ

Features: They have different style rooms, they didn't list if they were a particular tower or not. Rollercoaster, lots of restraunts including the Nascar Cafe (I know a bunch of you are big Nascar fans). Also Charro is playing there currently. Their meeting space is available but a bit $$$.



Places We Ruled Out



Boardwalk Hotel - This one is iffy, decent mid week rates but the place is supposed to be a bit run down.

Casablanca Resort - Not actually in Vegas

Hawthorn Inn (yes this is different from Hawthorn Suites) - Not actually in Vegas

Hilton Grand Vacations Club - $$$

JW Marriot & Spa - Not actually in Vegas

Oasis Resort - Not actually in Vegas

Venetian Resort - $$$$



Places That Were Unable To Accomodate Our Dates



Caesars Palace

Mandalay Bay

MGM Grand

Imperial Palace (though they made a lovely offer for another week)

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Well officially, of course, I have to say that I have no idea what you're talking about.

Edited by: Rally at: 11/12/02 1:25:36 pm

[xita]

I have never heard of those places, are any of them on the strip? Have you considered Tropicana? IT's right off the strip near many of the main hotels and it has really competitive rates. And I'd really like something with a casino.

-------------------------------

Buffy?

Let's change it, the Discovery channel has koala bears.

Edited by: xita  at: 11/11/02 11:14:40 pm

[Rally]

Like I said let me get all the info up, I am simply listing places that have contacted me saying they can put the group up. I am simply listing them alphabetically the first three are not casinos the second two are, and the second two have the best rates. I have a lot of info I have been sorting through, again we don't have to go this route. I have been double checking the room rates against their websites and they are generaly $10-20 cheaper a night than they give the going rate.



I also will not be suprised to hear from additional places this week.

------------




Well officially, of course, I have to say that I have no idea what you're talking about.

[xita]

thanks, i was just giving a little input in the things I'd like to see. I look forward to more , thanks again.

-------------------------------

Buffy?

Let's change it, the Discovery channel has koala bears.