30 replies to this topic

[JimG]

NEVER too early to plan a Happy Hour! And yes we need some good suggestions...I did not really spy anything that would have been better...did anyone else?

I've only been to Vegas a couple of times, so don't know the city that well. My impression however, is there is not really that many choices within easy access of the Convention Center. Hopefully some more knowledgeable folks can chime in here with suggestions.

-JimG

[JimG]

Any updates on the DEMA Happy Hour? I am trying to work out my travel arrangements for DEMA this year and want to make sure I carve out time for a HH if there is going to be one.

I am planning to arrive on Wednesday evening or (more likely) Thursday morning (Nov 17 or 18), and will be staying at least through Sunday morning, Nov 21.

-JimG

[WreckWench]

As you know every night of DEMA has a party we have to go up against. We usually go up against the Awards Banquet held towards the end of the week. Lets confirm when that is and set the HH for then. -ww

[JimG]

I will be there Thu-Sun, staying at the Convention Center Hilton. Prefer Thursday or Friday however, since Mrs JimG will be joining me on Saturday, and we will probably make other plans. I will have a car, so any place is fine for a venue.

-JimG

[sharktracker]

I will be at DEMA representing SRI (Shark Research Institute) and will have extra time so I can help out.
would like to tala about putting some research trips together that woiudl be a win-win for everyone...

put me down a a dive profession.

talk to you later.

Mike Tichenor (Sharktracker)

[WreckWench]

IMPORTANT UPDATES:

Hey gang...DEMA is right around the corner so lets start getting things going!

1. Since I am doing 2 back to back trips prior to DEMA and actually flying into DEMA from Indonesia...we will have a non-manned booth this year. Basically we'll have lots of signage but no one actually WORKING the booth. I just won't have the energy as I also have to walk the floor and get everything done I need to do as a 'buyer' so will put the 'selling' part on autopilot!

2. That now frees us up for the business of getting our Happy Hour finalized! Mike aka sharktracker has been really doing some legwork behinds the scenes to find us not only a great place but a fun venue as well. He has come up with 2 basic strategies but we need your input!!!

a. Get-Away-To-Where-The-Locals-Go which would be Frankie's Tiki Bar! They are significantly cheaper for drinks and they offer specials on top of that! The only downside is that it is about 15minutes from the convention center.

b. Find a bar in the host hotel or in a hotel next to the hotel.


So let us know WHO is going and if you'd like to try something different ie. Frankie's or more traditional i.e. bar in the host hotel or hotel next to the host hotel!

[JimG]

So let us know WHO is going and if you'd like to try something different ie. Frankie's or more traditional i.e. bar in the host hotel or hotel next to the host hotel!

I will have a rental car that week so I can do either. DiveGeek and I are rooming together, so he could ride with me if he goes and the HH is off Strip. We are staying at the Hilton though, so I would personally prefer someplace in or near the Convention Center, even though I could drive if necessary. The place where we did the HH two years ago was not so great, so I'd suggest a different venue if possible. There are several bars in the Hilton, so surely we can find a different place there. Someplace close to a monorail stop might work too.

-JimG

[WreckWench]

Thanks JimG...

Since we have a small number of people potentially going it may be easier to find something close by. The reason the place we had a few years ago was not so great was because all the places in the host hotel were so packed with people that when we finally found a place in walking distance and nearby that wasn't crowded...well thats when we discovered it was basically just nearby and not crowded if you know what I mean!

Any suggestions for either a bar IN the host hotel (hopefully not too crowded) or at one of the hotels next door? (I have not looked at a map...are their hotels next door like on the strip or does the Hilton have a monopoly?

And finally we have been invited to hang out with the Mel Fisher folks on Friday at the Hilton...I will get the details if you all like and we could tie our Happy Hour in with theirs if you all like!

[ev780]

Hey just a suggestion but you can hop on the monorail and be anywhere along the strip in minutes. Last I remember it was $6 or $7 per day.

[WreckWench]

That's an option too...

Looks like we have SharkTracker, myself, JimG, divegeek, ev780 and OTWDiver.

Anyone else planning to join the party???

[dolphinswimmer]

Hey, I just booked my flight I'm going with my dive shop! We will be getting in on Weds. Nov 17 @ 9pm. So hopefully we will be able to join the party!!!

[panamdiver]

I will be there! And always ready to party. Panamdiver, aka Kathie, will be there to help if needed. To meet and get to know people better for sure! Since the booth is going unmanned, is there a hook up location arranged? Looking forward to the fun.

Edited by dive_sail_etc: I removed your last name Kathie, we try to avoid full names on the board postings as added personal protection for you and all members. Have fun at DEMA and the upcoming HH!

[WreckWench]

Yikes we still gotta choose the final date for OUR PARTEE!!!

But the good news is it is growing!!! Does anyone have a night they CAN'T make it like Sat for JimG?

[JimG]

Any developments on this? I have another social invitation for 7:00 PM on Friday, also at the Hilton. It's a very informal thing so depending on timing I might be able to do both. Just thought I would check on the status of the SD HH to see where things stand.

-JimG

[WreckWench]

Hey gang I am at the hotel and OTWDiver and I checked out possible venues last night. Currently we have chosen the Star Trek bar RIGHT NEXT TO THE MONORAIL access point as it has several large areas nearby where we can sit and congregate as a group and actually be able to talk to each other. The downside is no food but we can hop the monorail and find food or hit one of the restaurants in the hotel. We will ALSO check out another option for a pizzaria and bar AS YOU WALK OUTSIDE THE CONVENTION CENTER...this would be ideal so we could eat and drink with very little effort.

Currently the party is set for Friday night starting at 6:30 right after the show ends. I will finalize the venue today!

See you all soon!