Diabetes Forum Gathering - Las Vegas

[JediSkipdogg]

There may be more of these polls like this but I'm trying to get an idea of an interest level for a gathering.

IF a Diabetes Forum Gathering (anyone have a better name?) were to be held in Las Vega would you be interested in attending?

I can't help with flights at all, so getting there would be up to you. For hotels I believe I could probably get them for $50-$60 a night per room. And in some cases, some people could share rooms if you are interested in sharing and splitting the cost with someone.

The event would most likely take place in the Summer of 2007, probably August as of the 3 summer months (June, July, August) it's the coolest out there. Remember, it may be 100 degrees out there, but that's 100 degrees with no humidity, so it's not that bad. And this is coming from a guy that hates being outside unless it's 60 degrees out.

The events that take place right now are totally up in the air. Maybe the girls can go see Chippendales while the guys go see Showgirls, lol. J/k. I'm trying to gain an interest level right now to see how much further to take this.

[Stuboy]

im out.

But im up for an Alton Towers trip for UK people! ? :D

[jen_slc]

Hey Jedi, I think Vegas is a good idea, but I'm wondering about the timing... August tends to be one of, if not the, hottest times of the year there. You're right, it's a dry heat, but I wonder if 100 might still be too much for some people? July and August both typically range from a low of 76 and a high of 102. I know we're trying to get a time when the kiddies are out of school, but even June would be better temp-wise than July/August. No idea how the prices look tho...

[JediSkipdogg]

Rates are actually about the same, if not the same, if the week of June 17th is used. I was waiting on a date though as trying to find interest levels first for locations. Then once a vacation is 100% set, those that would want to attend, woudl then pick dates and other items. The hotel I'm looking at is the Excalibur or the Stratoshere as directly on the strip, those are two of the lower cost hotels. I stayed at the Excalibur and that was a great hotel, so no problems there.

[Dewey]

Seeing as how it's approximately 12 hours from us, I'd be likely to go, regardless of time of year. We also can sometimes get decent prices on flights out of here. :)

[Tony]

Hey Jedi, I think Vegas is a good idea, but I'm wondering about the timing... August tends to be one of, if not the, hottest times of the year there. You're right, it's a dry heat, but I wonder if 100 might still be too much for some people? July and August both typically range from a low of 76 and a high of 102. I know we're trying to get a time when the kiddies are out of school, but even June would be better temp-wise than July/August. No idea how the prices look tho...
That is a concern I have also. We wouldn't want to spend the trip indoors because it is to hot to be outside. Alot haven't seen temp's in the 100's.

Another thing we should find out is how many people will be bringing their kids.

Do we know how many are in so far?

[Dewey]

That is a concern I have also. We wouldn't want to spend the trip indoors because it is to hot to be outside. Alot haven't seen temp's in the 100's.

Another thing we should find out is how many people will be bringing their kids.

Do we know how many are in so far?

I guess what I think of too (sometimes), is that many people tend to spend their time while there indoors, cause there's so much to see & do. For those who like to swim, June may be better than August, cause it may not be as scorching....they don't call them the dog days of August for nothing, lol.....But, remember folks, that applies to Florida as well & the heat there is heavier (due to humidity & such) than what we have out here.

[JediSkipdogg]

But, remember folks, that applies to Florida as well & the heat there is heavier (due to humidity & such) than what we have out here.

Which is why I think Vegas is better. The temp is about the same, but with no humidity in vegas, it's not that bad.

[jen_slc]

I voted "possibly" just because it will depend on work for me. I would like to go. If I knew I could go I would save some vaca time and then it's only a short flight or 10 hr drive for me too. I would want to do both indoor and outdoor things.

[lilituc]

I would not be able to go to Vegas if the hotel had too much cigarette smoke since I am allergic to it and also have asthma. I've been to Vegas once and stayed at the Plaza. They had "nonsmoking" rooms (mine still smelled like smoke), but the casino was attached to the lobby and smoking was also allowed in the lobby. Just that low level of smoke was enough to make me really ill the whole time and for several days afterward. I stayed at a hotel in Seattle where smoke was coming in through the vents from another room and if it weren't for the big fan, which we left on all the time, we would have had to move to another room because I was sick. As it was, I got sick every time someone forgot and turned the fan off.

On the other hand, I probably couldn't afford the highest end hotels (with the best hvac) either. But other than that I'm ok with Vegas.

[camjen1]

Another thing we should find out is how many people will be bringing their kids.


NOT ME!!!!! Yippeee!:marchmell :marchmell

[Cyborg]

Unfortunately, every casino I've been to in Vegas allows smoking...

NOT ME!!!!! Yippeee!:marchmell :marchmell

Me neither!

[lilituc]

Unfortunately, every casino I've been to in Vegas allows smoking...

Oops, I forgot to mention that gambling has no draw for me. So I would be ok with avoiding casinos. It was just the setup of that hotel where you're standing practically in the casino at the front desk, not to mention the entrance from the parking garage is in the casino.

[JediSkipdogg]

Oops, I forgot to mention that gambling has no draw for me. So I would be ok with avoiding casinos. It was just the setup of that hotel where you're standing practically in the casino at the front desk, not to mention the entrance from the parking garage is in the casino.

That's every hotel. Heck, one even has a slot machine at each checkin window so while you are waiting for the clerk to get your room info processed you can start playing.

And I think everyone you have to go through the casino to get to the hotel section. It's to draw more players that way which is what Vegas is all about.

[Dewey]

Vegas has many reasons to visit. Yes, there are many casinos, but there's a lot of other things to do, as well...shopping, going swimming, playing in the arcades and much more.

[JediSkipdogg]

I'm a cheapie when it comes to gambling. If I were there for 5 days I'd only take say $200 with me and just watch what I spend each day. I'm very controlling that way and like Dewey said, there's alot of other stuff to do that could take up alot of time. Not to mention, I'd be happy to just relax and then go to a few of the lounges out there.

[Dewey]

I'm also a cheapie when it comes to gambling. It's not so much that I'm 'controlling,' it's just that I'm a sore loser, plain & simple, lol (at least I'm honest! ;)).

I've also been waiting for (& missing) EdnBama. I was wondering what his take on a gathering would be, and would love to see him at one!

[JediSkipdogg]

Nickel machines all the way. Oh yeah, and penny poker. But when you play 50 hands at once on penny poker, if you don't win fast, you lose fast.

[Cyborg]

Blackjack... Bring it on baby!

[camjen1]

Anybody down for camping? :D

[Tony]

Gee.. You guys keep talking about gambling, I'm going to head over to Foxwoods the worlds largest casino and play some roulette.... Come on black 24!!


I haven't been on a trip in years, so I'm game for any location.

[jeggeman31]

I am getting confused with all the **** polls we have going on. So for this poll. I would attempt to attend. We start picking our 2007 vacation pick November 1st and have to have our stuff turned in November 30th. So depending on the date it was, and if by some chance I picked the same days as vacation. If not I would have to attempt to find someone to work for me on those days.

[Lex4153]

Anybody down for camping? :D

Heck yes!!!

[JediSkipdogg]

I am getting confused with all the **** polls we have going on.

I agree, the polls are confusing and that is why I was hoping for a seperate forum. But Tony wants to see a huge interest before he spends the time making a forum for just this topic.

Post/Poll 1 (http://www.diabetesforums.com/chit-chat/13187-diabetes-forum-gathering.html) was a general interest topic with basic locations
Post/Poll 2 (http://www.diabetesforums.com/chit-chat/13197-diabetes-forum-gathering-pt.html) was a topic based on locations only taken from chat and post 1 discussion
Post/Poll 3 (http://www.diabetesforums.com/chit-chat/13214-diabetes-forum-gathering-pt.html) was interest if Las Vegas was the only option

I hope that helps some.

[Cyborg]

Anybody down for camping? :D

I love to camp, but I'm not so sure it would appropriate for a DF get together. I certainly couldn't fly with all my camping equipment. We'd have to rent some cabins or something...

[Dewey]

I love to camp, but I'm not so sure it would appropriate for a DF get together. I certainly couldn't fly with all my camping equipment. We'd have to rent some cabins or something...

KOA Kabins are pretty cool & not too expensive. :) I love camping! :D

[JediSkipdogg]

No thanks on the camping. Takes me back to my old baby and the accident that killed her (my Aztek.) I miss that, although I did keep the tent package, not sure why, since it fits on nothing else, lol.

[Tony]

I prefer a hotel when on a vaction. If we want to have an afternoon with Reps. the odd of them going camping is slim to none.

[jen_slc]

There's plenty of outdoor stuff to do in the Las Vegas area, you don't have to spend the entire time gambling! :wink:

There's the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Red Rock Canyon, Mount Charleston, Valley of Fire State Park, ghost towns. Plenty of red rock country for those who've never seen it!

[Cyborg]

Plenty of golf courses too!

[Stumpkins]

I've got a name:

Sugar-Free Summit 2006

[JediSkipdogg]

I've got a name:

Sugar-Free Summit 2006

I somehow picture us climbing the side of a huge mountain. Or maybe the side of a huge hershey kiss and when we get to the top alive we showed the world we need no sugar. LOL

[BriOnH]

Plenty of golf courses too!

Totally :). I will be bringing my clubs and maybe two other diabetics. Texas hold em in my room too. We can do low stakes games(20$ buy in 25cent/50 cent blinds). Good thing this is next summer cause I need to save for it :). Gotta open a new special vegas trip account lol.

Can we stay on the strip? Ballagio facing the fountains would be sweet :). It'd be great if we can all stay at the same hotel.

[jeggeman31]

And we can get t-shirts with our screen name on them so we know who the **** everyone is.

[spike]

There may be more of these polls like this but I'm trying to get an idea of an interest level for a gathering.

IF a Diabetes Forum Gathering (anyone have a better name?) were to be held in Las Vega would you be interested in attending?

I can't help with flights at all, so getting there would be up to you. For hotels I believe I could probably get them for $50-$60 a night per room. And in some cases, some people could share rooms if you are interested in sharing and splitting the cost with someone.

The event would most likely take place in the Summer of 2007, probably August as of the 3 summer months (June, July, August) it's the coolest out there. Remember, it may be 100 degrees out there, but that's 100 degrees with no humidity, so it's not that bad. And this is coming from a guy that hates being outside unless it's 60 degrees out.

The events that take place right now are totally up in the air. Maybe the girls can go see Chippendales while the guys go see Showgirls, lol. J/k. I'm trying to gain an interest level right now to see how much further to take this.


I'd probably stay at the Luxor or one of the other hotels on the strip from Sunday tthrough Friday morning. Fri and Sat nights are much more expensive that sun-thurs nites. My wife and I can meet up with the rest of the gang for dinners or other activities.

getting there for us depends on vacation time allowed by employer...

[JediSkipdogg]

I'm not 100% sure Vegas is the place yet. I might be starting this exact same poll on the St. Augustine location to see what people say on that.

I unfortunately won't be bringing my clubs because my dad and I have horrible luck with clubs on planes. We have a 100% success rate for losing or damaging clubs. Heck, they even managed to crack one of those hard plastic cases once.

The hotel would definitely be on the strip though. The option in order of price from low to high is.....

Excalibur - $65/night
Riviera - $71/night
Bally's - $90/night

Those are the rates for the week of June 17th for 5 nights. If people want cheaper, we could all get a HUGE suite and all share a room, hahaha. Seriously though, the other option is some of the older hotels down on Freemont Street. They seem to be in the $30-$40 range a night.

I'm just not sure how easy it would be to book the rooms together or near each other. I know in the same building/wing/tower might be easy. But on the same floor might not. So in a place like Vegas, that is something to consider.

ANY MOD - Can you change the name of this from Diabetes Forum Gathering pt 3 to Diabetes Forum Gathering - Las Vegas?

[spike]

I'm not 100% sure Vegas is the place yet. I might be starting this exact same poll on the St. Augustine location to see what people say on that.

I unfortunately won't be bringing my clubs because my dad and I have horrible luck with clubs on planes. We have a 100% success rate for losing or damaging clubs. Heck, they even managed to crack one of those hard plastic cases once.

The hotel would definitely be on the strip though. The option in order of price from low to high is.....

Excalibur - $65/night
Riviera - $71/night
Bally's - $90/night

Those are the rates for the week of June 17th for 5 nights. If people want cheaper, we could all get a HUGE suite and all share a room, hahaha. Seriously though, the other option is some of the older hotels down on Freemont Street. They seem to be in the $30-$40 range a night.

I'm just not sure how easy it would be to book the rooms together or near each other. I know in the same building/wing/tower might be easy. But on the same floor might not. So in a place like Vegas, that is something to consider.

ANY MOD - Can you change the name of this from Diabetes Forum Gathering pt 3 to Diabetes Forum Gathering - Las Vegas?



I might have missed it, but what days of the week were u thinking of having this shindig in vegas? I don't think it's all that important that everyone be at the same hotel. it's gonna be tough enough just to get everyone to agree on a city and dates

[JediSkipdogg]

I'd probably stay at the Luxor or one of the other hotels on the strip from Sunday tthrough Friday morning. Fri and Sat nights are much more expensive that sun-thurs nites. My wife and I can meet up with the rest of the gang for dinners or other activities.

getting there for us depends on vacation time allowed by employer...

If the trip definitely happens in Las Vegas it will be a Sunday-Friday thing. No weekens for the exact reason you mentioned.

Here's the link to the Excalibur hotel calendar. It shows how much different nights are for different month periods and every hotel out there has one. So if someone else wants to find a better week or hotel at a reasonable rate, go ahead....

https://reservations.mgmmirage.com/bookingengine.aspx?pid=exc&nights=08&ad=05/9/2007&guests=01

Most places you have to act like you are selecting a reservation, then select the view Calendar link.

[camjen1]

I have one question, are we leaving one person in charge of reserving hotels and such or are we indivduals responsible for doing that. The reason I ask is because I also have to start a DF vacation savings account and wouldn't have money to give to anyone until at least the end of Dec. I'm not poor but with Christmas right around the corner and all my bills that's where my money is now.

[JediSkipdogg]

I'm not 100% sure how Vegas hotels handle things like that. I'm also not sure what they consider a "group" discount and I'm waiting to hear back on that from them.

If we don't get any group discount, then it may be a you pick your hotel and pay your way thing. If we don't all stay in the same place, we don't, but people can if they want to. Then when we want to do something together, we can all meet somewhere. Not really sure on that part yet. My planning stages outside of college consist of a car rally where it was easy to say where to meet.

If the hotel DOES give a group discount. Then there are two options depending on how they require that to be honored. Option one is they just tell you to call in or register online with some promotional code. Then you can register and pay yourself. Option two is they say they need a certain percent down to reserve all the rooms, at which point, someone would have to pay that percent and be out for a little bit. So who makes the most on here? LOL, j/k.

[lilituc]

I was part of a group trip to Vegas. One person had to act as group coordinator even though we all just called with the group code to make our own reservations. The hotel said if they didn't receive a certain number of reservations (with one night deposit) by a certain date they would cancel the group reservations. So that's how it worked out there.

[spike]

I'm not 100% sure how Vegas hotels handle things like that. I'm also not sure what they consider a "group" discount and I'm waiting to hear back on that from them.

If we don't get any group discount, then it may be a you pick your hotel and pay your way thing. If we don't all stay in the same place, we don't, but people can if they want to. Then when we want to do something together, we can all meet somewhere. Not really sure on that part yet. My planning stages outside of college consist of a car rally where it was easy to say where to meet.

If the hotel DOES give a group discount. Then there are two options depending on how they require that to be honored. Option one is they just tell you to call in or register online with some promotional code. Then you can register and pay yourself. Option two is they say they need a certain percent down to reserve all the rooms, at which point, someone would have to pay that percent and be out for a little bit. So who makes the most on here? LOL, j/k.


I've gotten reservations "on my own" and still gotten a group discount. you just have to mention the group...

[Cyborg]

Those are the rates for the week of June 17th for 5 nights. If people want cheaper, we could all get a HUGE suite and all share a room, hahaha. Seriously though, the other option is some of the older hotels down on Freemont Street. They seem to be in the $30-$40 range a night.

I always stay on Freemont Street. Plenty to do, better odds and you can catch a cab or the new tram to the strip. I generally stay at the Golden Nugget which is a great hotel/casino. They should be just about finished with their new pool in April, which from the pictures I saw while there this summer, looked like it was going to be awesome.

[spike]

I always stay on Freemont Street. Plenty to do, better odds and you can catch a cab or the new tram to the strip. I generally stay at the Golden Nugget which is a great hotel/casino. They should be just about finished with their new pool in April, which from the pictures I saw while there this summer, looked like it was going to be awesome.

that area is crime ridden and 2 far from the strip.

[JediSkipdogg]

that area is crime ridden and 2 far from the strip.

So that's why I found one hotel for $25 a night? That's cheaper than any Motel 6. I don't mind going to Freemont street, but staying there. I'll definitely be bringing weapons.

[Cyborg]

that area is crime ridden and 2 far from the strip.

You obviously haven't been there recently. If you stay on Freemont street and don't go wandering off down the side alleys, you are completely safe.

[spike]

You obviously haven't been there recently. If you stay on Freemont street and don't go wandering off down the side alleys, you are completely safe.

While you escaped unharmed, the north end of Las Vegas is notoriously crime infested. No way would I voluntarily hang out there for days. BESIDES, it's too far from the Strip. period.

[Cyborg]

I go to Vegas just about every year and I've never had any problems. Being away from the strip and the tons of tourists is fine by me...

[spike]

I go to Vegas just about every year and I've never had any problems. Being away from the strip and the tons of tourists is fine by me...

I like being where the 'action' is and being there in Sept is a different experience than being there at the height of the tourist season, which is from Memorial Day to Labor Day. However, I think we'll just have to accept some tradeoffs in order to get the most people to attend. Staying at the north end of Vegas can only best be described as a mistake. It's not a pleasant place to spend a week, or walking around at night. The strip is safe and fun. North vegas is a seedy, run down area.

[Cyborg]

I 100% disagree with you Spike. For some reason, you have the wrong impression of what the Freemont Street Experience is...

But... If we all choose to stay at the same place, I would gladly stay on the strip. The purpose of the trip is to meet everyone and to socialize.

[jeggeman31]

I would pay for Cyborg and Spike to share a room:)

[Cyborg]

:rofl: That would be interesting, eh?

[JediSkipdogg]

I would pay for Cyborg and Spike to share a room:)

On the strip or around Freemont?

[Cyborg]

On the strip or around Freemont?

If somebody's paying, it the Salon Suite (http://reservations.wynnlasvegas.com/salon_suites.htm) at The Wynn... ;)

Actually, that might be a great place for a party if we meet in Vegas. :hmmmm:

[LauRa Lu]

I wanna go to vegas :bawling:

My answer would be 'Yes if you pay for my flights'

[BriOnH]

If somebody's paying, it the Salon Suite (http://reservations.wynnlasvegas.com/salon_suites.htm) at The Wynn... ;)

Actually, that might be a great place for a party if we meet in Vegas. :hmmmm:

Any idea on how much that sweet is? I'd love to get a suite and do it up, but a lot of places charge over 1k / night.

[spike]

I 100% disagree with you Spike. For some reason, you have the wrong impression of what the Freemont Street Experience is...

But... If we all choose to stay at the same place, I would gladly stay on the strip. The purpose of the trip is to meet everyone and to socialize.

Been there...and everyone else i know thinks it is creepy. and it's STILL to far from the Strip!

[spike]

I would pay for Cyborg and Spike to share a room:)

We don't EVEN want to go there...we can't even agree on which pump is best. LOL!!!! j/k

[Cyborg]

Any idea on how much that sweet is? I'd love to get a suite and do it up, but a lot of places charge over 1k / night.

It's 800$ a night. If we go to Vegas, I think we almost have to rent it for a party...

[Tim_Roy]

that area is crime ridden and 2 far from the strip.

I live in Las Vegas. What you say might have true ten years ago. Fremont St right between Main and Las Vegas Blvd is actually quite nice and safe nowadays. They wouldn't be building high rise condo projects if it weren't.

The main advantage to the downtown properties is that you can actually walk from one property to another in a matter of seconds.

There's also the Fremont St Experience. A canopy over the "street" (closed off and filled in with sidewalks for a few blocks). On the canopy they have what is probably the world's largest video screen. Once an hour or so, there's a different show up on the screen. There's plenty of booths with fun stuff to see and buy.

Binions cafe probably has the best steak specials of any casino in town. Main St Station has just about the best buffet anywhere. Main St Station is a BEAUTIFUL place, as well.

[Tim_Roy]

Ballly's is a nice place, has a great buffet. It used to be the MGM Grand back in the seventies (since majorly rebuilt).

The Riviera is one of the oldest major resorts on the Strip. Ever seen "Casino?" Our Mayor played himself (mob lawyer) in that one. It was based upon the Riviera's management/owners.

I'm not quite so crazy about Excalibur. It's got a bit of a hokey Disneyesque theme to it. There tends to be more kids staying there than your average Strip casino (but it's nowhere near as bad as Circus Circus in that regard). On the other hand, there's a tram in the back that'll take you next door to the Luxor. Both are spitting distance from Mandalay Bay (where the House of Blues is) and New York New York.

[spike]

I live in Las Vegas. What you say might have true ten years ago. Fremont St right between Main and Las Vegas Blvd is actually quite nice and safe nowadays. They wouldn't be building high rise condo projects if it weren't.

The main advantage to the downtown properties is that you can actually walk from one property to another in a matter of seconds.

There's also the Fremont St Experience. A canopy over the "street" (closed off and filled in with sidewalks for a few blocks). On the canopy they have what is probably the world's largest video screen. Once an hour or so, there's a different show up on the screen. There's plenty of booths with fun stuff to see and buy.

Binions cafe probably has the best steak specials of any casino in town. Main St Station has just about the best buffet anywhere. Main St Station is a BEAUTIFUL place, as well.

I gotta strongly disagree with your comments about that area. Please cite me crime statistics for the last 12 months supporting your contention that the area is "pleasant".

BTW, I've been there during the last few years, so I'm not recalling ancient history when I comment on what goes on there. There are parts of my town I wouldn't want to hang out in, either. :)

Yeah, right, no developer in the history of the world has ever put up condos in a high crime area. LOL! That's a hoot!!!!

[JediSkipdogg]

Can we not agree or disagree until we get to the hotel stage which is the next step? Then, you can do all the hotel bashing statistic showing you want. Gotta get through picking an exact date first.

[spike]

Can we not agree or disagree until we get to the hotel stage which is the next step? Then, you can do all the hotel bashing statistic showing you want. Gotta get through picking an exact date first.

I didn't see anyone bash a hotel recently, jedi. Did I miss something? Did someone post a derogatory comment in .5 font and I missed it?

[JediSkipdogg]

I didn't see anyone bash a hotel recently, jedi. Did I miss something? Did someone post a derogatory comment in .5 font and I missed it?

Just an area of town. :whistling

[Tricia452008]

If it is July or August 2007 like you say then i would love to try and go....no guarantees though :-)