Basenotes 2012 Meetup Las Vegas - Preliminary interest thread

[matildaben]

This thread is to gather interest and suggestions from the Female Fragrance Discussion board for the upcoming 2012 Basenotes meetup in Las Vegas. There is also an interest-gathering thread on the male forum at http://www.basenotes.net/threads/292...et-Up-Interest.

Mike Perez and I are posting these threads to generate interest and to hear what other Basenoters would be interested in attending. The proposed dates will be some time in the first three weeks of October 2012 (to avoid the worst weather, hopefully).

Please let us know:
* If you would like to attend, what dates work best for you?
* If you are a local or otherwise familiar with the area, what suggestions would you offer to make this a great meetup?
* Spread the word to all of the Basenotes members that you know, even those who perhaps don't post as frequently anymore.

Las Vegas offers many high-end perfume boutiques such as Chanel, Guerlain, Hermes, and Dior, as well as Barneys, Neiman Marcus, and Saks. Indie shopping options are much fewer than in New Orleans, but there will be lots of options for those who like the classics and the larger lines. We are also looking into options for guest speakers or other perfume-related events - your suggestions are welcome!

[knit at nite]

October is good timing for me! What about trying to work it around the Columbus Day weekend, which many folks already have off work??
LV is a good location with plentiful flights and "other entertainment" available as well.

[matildaben]

What about trying to work it around the Columbus Day weekend, which many folks already have off work?

Just for future reference, this is October 6/7/8.

[knit at nite]

Oh well then, it is also my Birthday Weekend, even more appealing! LOL

[Warum]

So far looks like nothing on these dates, yay!
I told already that no R*** or D***** can get married this year to keep Warum's travel dates wide open

[mrcologneguy]

Vegas has its charms. Full of great shopping, and the whole city is set up to cater to the whims of meetings and conventioneers. Huge variety of accommodation. Lots of flights. Entertainment to suit all tastes. It's brilliant. Great suggestion.

[Leesee]

If I can, I will, 'cause I wanna! I concur --great suggestion!

[Haunani]

If I can, I will, 'cause I wanna! I concur --great suggestion!

What Leesee said! :-)

Oh well then, it is also my Birthday Weekend, even more appealing! LOL

Mine, too!!!

[matildaben]

Vegas has its charms. Full of great shopping, and the whole city is set up to cater to the whims of meetings and conventioneers. Huge variety of accommodation. Lots of flights. Entertainment to suit all tastes. It's brilliant. Great suggestion.

Mike gets all the credit for the suggestion.

[lilybelle]

I think it's a great idea.

If I can, I will, 'cause I wanna!

Me too.

I doubt I'll be able to do both this and the BN Retreat in KC.

[Quarry]

Lilybelle (and everybody), I'm wondering whether we should push the Kansas City retreat to 2013 -- which I thought would be good for a California meet-up, but a retreat seems to offer something wonderfully different.

While I'm not inclined to do LV, I'm excited for all those who would go.

[OVincze]

Love Vegas, used to go there at least twice a year, wonderful memories but sadly I no longer live in the US, who knows though, maybe I could attend, I guess just put me on the interested list.

[petruccijc]

October is good timing for me! What about trying to work it around the Columbus Day weekend, which many folks already have off work??
LV is a good location with plentiful flights and "other entertainment" available as well.

I'd like to know where these people work......

[lilybelle]

Lilybelle (and everybody), I'm wondering whether we should push the Kansas City retreat to 2013 -- which I thought would be good for a California meet-up, but a retreat seems to offer something wonderfully different.

While I'm not inclined to do LV, I'm excited for all those who would go.

I agree the retreat is a different type of thing entirely. Whether or not to push it to 2013, I leave it up to general consensus on that thread. I don't know if I can get Billy-belle to go to LV. He's not much interested in it as a destination, but I think it sounds like fun. I just can't commit to anything at this time. Will have to see how things are a little further down the road.

[rtamara41]

trust the process" as they say - I am unsure about any of these options at this point in time, but let's see what happens further down the road. I'm the kind of person who likes to read a good book several times, and I kinda sorta wanna go back to New Orleans. there. I said it.
This year will be hubby and my ten year anniversary (not marriage, but from our love at first sight moments) and I'd love to be in NOLA with him.
It may be that I'd jump into the 2013 meetup in that case....with a multi generational household like mine, there is much to consider before getting on an airplane to ANY destination!

[knit at nite]

I'd like to know where these people work......

LOL! I have it off; I work for a non-profit. Banks, schools, courts, local and federal government agencies are always closed on Columbus Day (the observed Monday not the actual day Oct 12). I'm luck now- before I started working here I never had any holidays off, as I worked for years in an assisted living facility which never shuts down for any reason, and as a property manager where water heater break down regardless of what day it is.....stories for the meet-up LOL

[knit at nite]

Just curious what is it about LV that would makes it un-destination worthy in the minds of some of our esteemed colleagues?


On another thought- add Penhalighans to the list of available lines in LV

[cello]

I'd probably be up for a Vegas weekend trip. It's a cheap flight from here.

[lilybelle]

Just curious what is it about LV that would makes it un-destination worthy in the minds of some of our esteemed colleagues?

I think my hubby has an idea of it as a *cheesy* place, just casinos and not much else. Of course, that is a totally biased pre-conception. And no offense meant here to anybody, just being honest. I think I have an idea in my head about LV being very Disney'ish. Hmm...or surreal carnival-esque. Which I would enjoy. Also, in years past it has actually been more affordable for us to travel to Europe than to destinations in the western USA from the east coast. That is probably no longer the case. I don't have a problem with LV as a destination, just hope I can make it happen.

[AutumnLeaves]

Las Vegas would be PERFECT. Just a short drive for me. A very short drive if you take into account how fast I drive. As fas as dates are concerned, my schedule is very flexible.

[mikeperez23]

I am posting this simultaneously on both the Male and Female threads

So, I wanted to recap who's interested in the meet up. I've got 23 names (which coincidentally is my lucky number - wow!)...they are:

matildaben
petruccijc
knit at nite
Nersh
Warum
Grottola
mr. cologneguy
drseid
Leesee
Brian Chambers
Haunani
gabeinstyle
lilybelle
YEAHBUDDY
OVincze
rubegon
cello
Redneck Perfumisto
AutumnLeaves
Al Gae
greycaptain
Jawill101
lionheart

We discussed the DATES and after doing a casual check with hotel prices over a few different weekends, we came up with the FIRST WEEKEND IN OCTOBER, which would be October 5th, 6th and 7th 2012.

We got our rates from Las Vegas Advisor which offer many other deals.

Hotel rates vary - when matildaben selected one 3-star, one 4-star, one 5-star and researched the prices both on Kayak.com and on the hotel's web site the first week does not seem to be distinctly higher, in fact it is often lower. It may also be even cheaper if the person checks in on a Thursday instead of a Friday, according to guidebooks she has read.

I'm hoping that this post will generate even more interest, since now that we have DATES to work with it might encourage more people to join us.

In addition, now we can start working on coordinating with shops and perhaps planning non-shopping events also on Sunday or Friday.

Also, if you live in Las Vegas, and would be available to help us, please post here or feel free to PM me.

[MonkeyBars]

Count me in.

Also, I'd like to start a convo about carpooling from LA. Who wants to drive?

[kalli]

Crap, this sounds fun! 200 bucks it looks like for a flight though..mmm..I've never been to Vegas(never really wanted to go there really) but this sounds like a reason to go! I will have to see.. I will definitely think about this though, definitely.

For future reference..I would be interested in a Northern California or San Francisco meet up sometime.

[FrouFrou]

I agree with Rtamara, I want to go back to New Orleans! But I think LV would be feasible. Although the Q does not want to go because he is allergic to most scents, and a perfume shop drives him nuts.
I never wanted to go to Las Vegas, I thought I would hate it, but I was forced to do so on a road trip and I thought it was hilarious. I never had the time to go shopping though.

I like the rea\treat idea better though and care not how soon we can make it happen!
But I think I would be there at LV too.

[Kiliwia]

---

[Warum]

For future reference..I would be interested in a Northern California or San Francisco meet up sometime.

NST (Now Smell This blog) readers have a bi-annual meetup in San Fransisco -- do you want me to put you in touch with Tama who coordinates this event?

[kalli]

Yes! Warum, that would be awesome!. Do you attend this?

[Warum]

Yes! Warum, that would be awesome!. Do you attend this?

So far I've had a really lousy luck with this event (as well as the New Orleans BN meetup). Family issues came in and I could not go. But I know that May San Fran Sniff was a great success and folks had a blast. PM me your email and I will put you and Tama in touch.

[jacona]

Las Vegas is a great place to go sniffing! Between the designer boutiques, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Sephora and the smaller shops, you can stay busy sniffing for hours and hours. I think it's a great idea! Not sure I could make it, but I will keep it in mind. I occasionally go to conferences there and that's what I spend my free time doing since I'm not much of a gambler.

[Leesee]

I am excited to see so much interest in LV as a destination! Cheese-factor aside (and I do not deny that LV is high on the cheese-o-meter) the city offers shopping, dining, and lodging choices to fit most budgets and the weather that time of year will be fairly mild, I think, so getting around on foot should be a comfortable experience for many. Or at least I hope so.

[mikeperez23]

I totally agree Leesee, that's one of the reasons we chose it.

[lilybelle]

I never thought I'd get excited about planning a trip to LV, but I soooo want to go to this. I hope I will be able to join you. NOLA was great, not just because it's a great city, which it is, but because meeting other Basenoters in real life, sniffing together and getting acquainted, was just so memorable and fun and a bonding experience that meant a lot to the people who went, even though it all went by in a whirlwind and some of us are even now probably still digesting it. I can't make a commitment to the LV sniffa right now because of various kaleidescopic things going on in my life...however, where there is a will there is a way. Don't count me out.

[kumquat]

Is this instead of Kansas City or in addition to?

[lilybelle]

Kumquat, I think KC Retreat has been pushed to 2013.

[kumquat]

Ah, ok, then I might consider going. I always thought it would be a fun trip. Cheap air fare!

[rtamara41]

oohhhhh....I'm hovering, hovering....non committal hovering....no matter what happens, I can live vicariously

[matildaben]

rtamara, I really hope you attend - I would love to hang out with you in person again.

[matildaben]

FYI, Rhayban has posed an updated LV Boutique list on the Las Vegas city guide thread.

[knit at nite]

oohhhhh....I'm hovering, hovering....non committal hovering....no matter what happens, I can live vicariously

Girl, you betta show up! I did NOT get enough face time with ANYONE in NOLA.

[rtamara41]

matildaben, knit, I feel the same way! time will tell....what is that saying? if wishes were horses we'd all go for a ride?
can't tell if LV is in my future yet or not...

[BetsyMeszaros]

Just curious what is it about LV that would makes it un-destination worthy in the minds of some of our esteemed colleagues?


On another thought- add Penhalighans to the list of available lines in LV

I've been there done that -- many times. I live close to NYC so those same perfume houses have boutiques that are only an hour away for me. Would rather spend the time and money some place else.

That being said I think this is a great idea for those that live on the West Coast.

[kumquat]

One of the main reasons I have wanted to go to LV was to see Liberace's museum. Now it is closed! WAH!!!!

[Redneck Perfumisto]

One of the main reasons I have wanted to go to LV was to see Liberace's museum. Now it is closed! WAH!!!!

Look on the bright side - the machine gun range across the street is still open!

[knit at nite]

One of the main reasons I have wanted to go to LV was to see Liberace's museum. Now it is closed! WAH!!!!

When I was 8, my parents took me to a Liberace show and I got to do the twist with him...fun memory!

[mikeperez23]

look on the bright side - the machine gun range across the street is still open!

lol

[Leilahdancer]

Sounds lovely! I am penciling it in my calendar. It's only a nine hour drive, and out here, that ain't bad!

[kalli]

I still want to go, not sure if I will be able to yet.

[KarmaLee]

Latecomer, but so interested. And since that is my birthday weekend, well! I am doing some prelim checking for maybe attending.

[meowmo]

eeeehhhhhhhh, something about LV just weirds me out. Maybe one too many childhood trips there watching my drunken parents gambling away my inheritance? Oh, yeah, that's probably it.

BUUUUT 2013 in KC is going to ROCK!!!!

And I'm looking for an excuse to go to NYC this summer....anyone? anyone?

[knit at nite]

Latecomer, but so interested. And since that is my birthday weekend, well! I am doing some prelim checking for maybe attending.

well well.... It is also MY Birthday weekend! Surely, we must party!


meowmo- How long has it been since you were in Sin City??

[Primrose]

I think my hubby has an idea of it as a *cheesy* place, just casinos and not much else. Of course, that is a totally biased pre-conception. And no offense meant here to anybody, just being honest. I think I have an idea in my head about LV being very Disney'ish. Hmm...or surreal carnival-esque. Which I would enjoy. Also, in years past it has actually been more affordable for us to travel to Europe than to destinations in the western USA from the east coast. That is probably no longer the case. I don't have a problem with LV as a destination, just hope I can make it happen.

If you ignore the casinos, which I did, the shopping is wonderful: Tom Ford, Hermes, Chanel, Guerlain.

[FrouFrou]

i do want to come! But I really cannot say if I can. The Q doesn't want to come, he cannot bear another couple of days in perfume shops. He said he loved the people he met at NOLA but the perfume shops ruined it for him. He really cannot deal with almost all fragrances, and a perfume shop really makes him ill.

[Adonna]

Sounds fun! I'd like to go too.
A~~

[OVincze]

I still really want to go to this one, I hope that we can find a lot of people who are interested and able to attend, I would really love to meet my fellow BNers. Such a great idea. Do we have any ideas for activities?

[kalli]

Just wanted to say, glad to see ya Ovincze!. After more thought, Vegas really doesn't sound like my cup of tea, I really have no other interest in going except to sniff, lol. I will think about it more.

[mikeperez23]

OVincze, we will be posting more information very soon - we hope you and more people can participate!

[knit at nite]

Can't wait for the details Mike. My accommodations and my leave time are already reserved. Looking forward to sniffing, shopping, lounging, and some nice meals with lovely Basenoters. Avoiding the casinos, is very easy to do.

[Leesee]

This is still a trip I am interested in -- I hope I can go!

[knit at nite]

This is still a trip I am interested in -- I hope I can go!

would love to meet you, Leesee!

[lilybelle]

If I win this $184 million powerball lottery I'll treat everyone on this thread to a trip to Las Vegas AND the shopping spree!!