VEGAS *2*0*1*7* thread!

[GerardoG]

Calls made. Emails exchanged. So here we go! We now have a date, Friday, April 21, 2017!!!!

PLEASE do consider staying Friday and Saturday, I am working on agendas and activities with watch companies, it is a lot of work and they do expect a nice attendance. Looks like we will have to limit participants as there are quite a few expenses to cover as the group grows larger.

[GerardoG]

Current draft list is:

nyc2la-So. CA
Alexwwjd-TX
Rockrolex-DC
TheRolexKingofLV-LV
Rolexxxelor-MI
tomalf123-AZ
cdmorenot-NJ
ct.matt-CA
Hairdude1-IL
G8RPDM-SC
the_hunter-TX
BNALION-CA
kilyung-
Daryl-CA
Rodriguez Rolley-CA
SWISSAHOLICS-FL
Mishon-DC
droptopman-WA
mannyv11-MA
Thatguy-CA
.db-CA
Theken-CA
rebel_1-FL
incontrol-NJ
Arjan93-Amsterdam
GB-man-
Robb-
One Ping Only-WI
Eric Chan-Canada
kneedeep-
jpeezy14@hotmail.com-CA
lee2375-TX
Porter-Ibiza
WristEnvy-CA
dmb359-MN
returntorolex-GA
after Steve (former Runnin' Rebel)-NV
Ks6pd-CA
RKtudor-PA

[michael067]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Current draft list is:

nyc2la-So. CA
Alexwwjd-TX
Rockrolex-DC
TheRolexKingofLV-LV
Rolexxxelor-MI
tomalf123-AZ
cdmorenot-NJ
ct.matt-CA
Hairdude1-IL
G8RPDM-SC
the_hunter-TX
BNALION-CA
kilyung-
Daryl-CA
Rodriguez Rolley-CA
SWISSAHOLICS-FL
Mishon-DC
droptopman-WA
mannyv11-MA
Thatguy-CA
.db-CA
Theken-CA
rebel_1-FL
incontrol-NJ
Arjan93-Amsterdam
GB-man-
Robb-
One Ping Only-WI
Eric Chan-Canada
kneedeep-
jpeezy14@hotmail.com-CA
lee2375-TX
Porter-Ibiza
WristEnvy-CA
dmb359-MN
returntorolex-GA
after Steve (former Runnin' Rebel)-NV
Ks6pd-CA
RKtudor-PA

I'm in, can house 2, about 15 min from strip.

[VTM]

No problem with NRD . My party of three is in

[droptopman]

Sweet. Really looking forward to this.
My buddy is coming along to drive cars at the track and buy his first Rolex. Wife is coming too.

Thank you so much for putting this together. I bet it takes a lot of time and effort to coordinate.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Reservations made.

Thanks Gerardo !

[returntorolex]

Originally Posted by Runnin' Rebel

Reservations made.

Thanks Gerardo !

Time to pull out the acronyms

Vino
Explains
Gerardo's
Annual
Shindig

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by returntorolex

Time to pull out the acronyms

Vino
Explains
Gerardo's
Annual
Shindig

[BNA/LION]

O' Yes! This is gonna be Good!

[cda555]

I'm new to the watch game and was wondering what goes down at this event? I would appreciate a PM :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by cda555

I'm new to the watch game and was wondering what goes down at this event? I would appreciate a PM :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=467703

[RKTudor]

So excited. Wife and kids don't mind the trip they're getting out of it either ;)

[cda555]

Thanks Gerardo for the info. I have spent the better part of the morning vicariously reliving your 2016 GTG. That looks like such a wonderful experience. Do you all bring your SOs to these things?

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by cda555

Thanks Gerardo for the info. I have spent the better part of the morning vicariously reliving your 2016 GTG. That looks like such a wonderful experience. Do you all bring your SOs to these things?

Some do. It is up to you.

[GerardoG]

One TRFer Just sent me a copy of his reservation. As I always say, with one confirmation, I am IN!!!!

[Hairdude1]

I am in! I'll be there 21-23/24

[One Ping Only]

Consider me in!

Looking forward to #3!

[VTM]

I will be there again with my brother and son

[nyc2la]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Calls made. Emails exchanged. So here we go! We now have a date, Friday, April 21, 2017!!!!



PLEASE do consider staying Friday and Saturday, I am working on agendas and activities with watch companies, it is a lot of work and they do expect a nice attendance. Looks like we will have to limit participants as there are quite a few expenses to cover as the group grows larger.

This is the only event that can garner such a commitment from so many so far out, G! Your effort and generosity astound me...thanks once again for all you did to make the 2016 GTC so much fun, and I am looking forward to this 2017 INcoming!

[reloxt]

It's early due to potential work constraints, but (if allowed :-)) I am planning to be there! Will fly in on the 20th to leave on the 24th if all goes according to current plans. Will most likely bring my son. How to get on the list ?

[GerardoG]

Current draft list is:

nyc2la-So. CA
Alexwwjd-TX
Rockrolex-DC
TheRolexKingofLV-LV
Rolexxxelor-MI
tomalf123-AZ
cdmorenot-NJ
ct.matt-CA
Hairdude1-IL
G8RPDM-SC
the_hunter-TX
BNALION-CA
kilyung-
Daryl-CA
Rodriguez Rolley-CA
SWISSAHOLICS-FL
Mishon-DC
droptopman-WA
mannyv11-MA
Thatguy-CA
.db-CA
Theken-CA
rebel_1-FL
incontrol-NJ
Arjan93-Amsterdam
GB-man-
Robb-
One Ping Only-WI
Eric Chan-Canada
kneedeep-
jpeezy14@hotmail.com-CA
lee2375-TX
Porter-Ibiza
WristEnvy-CA
dmb359-MN
returntorolex-GA
after Steve (former Runnin' Rebel)-NV
Ks6pd-CA
RKtudor-PA
Danny83-CA
VTM-CA
reloxt-Netherlands

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Current draft list is:

nyc2la-So. CA
Alexwwjd-TX
Rockrolex-DC
TheRolexKingofLV-LV
Rolexxxelor-MI
tomalf123-AZ
cdmorenot-NJ
ct.matt-CA
Hairdude1-IL
G8RPDM-SC
the_hunter-TX
BNALION-CA
kilyung-
Daryl-CA
Rodriguez Rolley-CA
SWISSAHOLICS-FL
Mishon-DC
droptopman-WA
mannyv11-MA
Thatguy-CA
.db-CA
Theken-CA
rebel_1-FL
incontrol-NJ
Arjan93-Amsterdam
GB-man-
Robb-
One Ping Only-WI
Eric Chan-Canada
kneedeep-
jpeezy14@hotmail.com-CA
lee2375-TX
Porter-Ibiza
WristEnvy-CA
dmb359-MN
returntorolex-GA
after Steve (former Runnin' Rebel)-NV
Ks6pd-CA
RKtudor-PA
Danny83-CA
VTM-CA
reloxt-Netherlands

I'm in too G, looking for room deals now...

[GerardoG]

Well....only July and we are over 45 (due to SOs and/or friends/family). As we add dealers and watch industry people, I would say list is over 50!

I have been struggling with ideas and need your help (I have consulted with some members and I am back to square one!):

As the group grows larger, the logistics are not the same. Reserving for 10 people is easy, doing so for 30+ requires deposits, menu selections, minimums to be covered, signed agreements...you get the picture. My personal experience is that, unfortunately, we have a 15-20% 'no show' typically. If we want (well, we need) to cap the event (no place can hold a place for 20 or 50, we need a definite max number) this would mean that some members would be left out while we have some no shows....or empty seats.

Some have suggested using a non refundable deposit to confirm, using those resources to help secure location and cover some expenses (if used for location deposit, this would be applied to, say, the dinner bill or towards meeting restaurant minimum consumption)...however, this is where I struggle.

I have always done this for fun, and the idea behind TRF GTGs is not to make money, but to provide a nice experience for everyone, but by the same token, it might be fair so we know exactly how many people to expect...see, I am torn!

What are your thoughts? Play it by ear? Use a deposit? If so, how much?

To mods: this is a sincere question, and not a justification to make a profit out of an event that I love organizing. TRFers: comments welcome!

[nyc2la]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Well....only July and we are over 45 (due to SOs and/or friends/family). As we add dealers and watch industry people, I would say list is over 50!

I have been struggling with ideas and need your help (I have consulted with some members and I am back to square one!):

As the group grows larger, the logistics are not the same. Reserving for 10 people is easy, doing so for 30+ requires deposits, menu selections, minimums to be covered, signed agreements...you get the picture. My personal experience is that, unfortunately, we have a 15-20% 'no show' typically. If we want (well, we need) to cap the event (no place can hold a place for 20 or 50, we need a definite max number) this would mean that some members would be left out while we have some no shows....or empty seats.

Some have suggested using a non refundable deposit to confirm, using those resources to help secure location and cover some expenses (if used for location deposit, this would be applied to, say, the dinner bill or towards meeting restaurant minimum consumption)...however, this is where I struggle.

I have always done this for fun, and the idea behind TRF GTGs is not to make money, but to provide a nice experience for everyone, but by the same token, it might be fair so we know exactly how many people to expect...see, I am torn!

What are your thoughts? Play it by ear? Use a deposit? If so, how much?

To mods: this is a sincere question, and not a justification to make a profit out of an event that I love organizing. TRFers: comments welcome!

G, you're salt of the earth, and I realize you don't want to put anyone out, but keep in mind this could get expensive, and you should take on ZERO risk in this.

I suggest a $100 non-refundable deposit (NRD). Without a NRD, you could be left holding the bag...and that is NOT acceptable! You should not be put in a position where you could lose one penny. For this to work, I think it's totally reasonable (IMHO) to ask people to make a $100 NRD to secure a spot. You are doing the lion's share of the work out of the goodness of your heart. If someone doesn't want to make that commitment, well, then they don't get to participate. This is just my 2-cents, and this is just me trying to look out for you, fine Sir!

G, as we discussed offline, to allay any concerns of the $100 non-refundable deposit going to “waste”, anyone who sends in the $100 NRD will be entered into a "giveaway" to allow them a chance to win "something" even if they don't attend the 2017 LV GTG. The "giveaway" raffle would be drawn at one of the events during the GTG.

A side note to all: I attended the 2016 LV GTG, and G did a majority of the legwork to make the event extremely fun, engaging, informative, and inclusive. Others certainly contributed a lot as well, and a BIG THANKS go out to them, too! We should remember that it's easy to just show up, have a good time, and then go home. However, having attended the 2016 LV GTG, it's obvious there is A LOT of time, effort, coordination, and even some $$ that goes into planning this. The 2017 LV GTG already appears to be a larger group, and given the likely need for "money up front" to reserve rooms, etc., a non-refundable deposit seems totally appropriate.

To the Moderators: I apologize in advance if my suggestion bends or breaks any of the Forum rules. My intention is SOLEY to ensure Gerardo takes on NO risk. This NRD idea is in no way intended to be a for-profit exercise.

Best regards to all, and bring on the LV GTG!

-Steve

[returntorolex]

I've got no problem with a NR deposit.

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by nyc2la

G, you're salt of the earth, and I realize you don't want to put anyone out, but keep in mind this could get expensive, and you should take on ZERO risk in this.

I suggest a $100 non-refundable deposit (NRD). Without a NRD, you could be left holding the bag...and that is NOT acceptable! You should not be put in a position where you could lose one penny. For this to work, I think it's totally reasonable (IMHO) to ask people to make a $100 NRD to secure a spot. You are doing the lion's share of the work out of the goodness of your heart. If someone doesn't want to make that commitment, well, then they don't get to participate. This is just my 2-cents, and this is just me trying to look out for you, fine Sir!

G, as we discussed offline, to allay any concerns of the $100 non-refundable deposit going to “waste”, anyone who sends in the $100 NRD will be entered into a "giveaway" to allow them a chance to win "something" even if they don't attend the 2017 LV GTG. The "giveaway" raffle would be drawn at one of the events during the GTG.

A side note to all: I attended the 2016 LV GTG, and G did a majority of the legwork to make the event extremely fun, engaging, informative, and inclusive. Others certainly contributed a lot as well, and a BIG THANKS go out to them, too! We should remember that it's easy to just show up, have a good time, and then go home. However, having attended the 2016 LV GTG, it's obvious there is A LOT of time, effort, coordination, and even some $$ that goes into planning this. The 2017 LV GTG already appears to be a larger group, and given the likely need for "money up front" to reserve rooms, etc., a non-refundable deposit seems totally appropriate.

To the Moderators: I apologize in advance if my suggestion bends or breaks any of the Forum rules. My intention is SOLEY to ensure Gerardo takes on NO risk. This NRD idea is in no way intended to be a for-profit exercise.

Best regards to all, and bring on the LV GTG!

-Steve

Noted, thank you.

Originally Posted by returntorolex

I've got no problem with a NR deposit.

Noted, gracias.

TRFers: what do you think?

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Well....only July and we are over 45 (due to SOs and/or friends/family). As we add dealers and watch industry people, I would say list is over 50!

I have been struggling with ideas and need your help (I have consulted with some members and I am back to square one!):

As the group grows larger, the logistics are not the same. Reserving for 10 people is easy, doing so for 30+ requires deposits, menu selections, minimums to be covered, signed agreements...you get the picture. My personal experience is that, unfortunately, we have a 15-20% 'no show' typically.

What are your thoughts? Play it by ear? Use a deposit? If so, how much?

Standard practice on events is +3% on event counts here. So the Chefs standard should always be a 3% overage on plated dinners, but that's for a banquet at a hotel not a resturant. Banquet facilities always need a more exact count due to the amount of people, food quantity and time restraints.

Menu is picked out in advance of course and all the meats are usually partially cooked the day before and then finished off right before the event. Except large steamship rounds, prime rib, poultry and pork, that's done the same day as there's no way you can reheat those without really drying the meat out.

Most garde (garmache) or Pantry Chefs handle the cold items, cheese, vegetable, dip platters and are made the day before. Payments are prepaid and you have up to 72 hours to make any count changes or menu changes. Also there is mostly a minimum you must spend not including tax and gratuity. If you don't meet the minimum you pay the difference. Example would be you say you'll have 55 guest and only 45 show up your charged for the extra 10 people at whatever the per person price was. I don't think it would be fair to pay gratuity on the no show charges since no service was provided. Maybe tax is paid because everything was bought and paid for.

I don't know if what I just wrote is any help. But I'll add more later on deposits and resturant dinners as I have to go now.

I might have wording from a actual event order that covers what I just posted if I can find it.

[GerardoG]

Dear TRF family:

I have asked Steve (Lol-x) about this, and he has authorized a non refundable deposit if this is something we decide to do. He made clear that this would be for the event in discussion.

Once again, your comments are very valuable.

Steve (Lol-x): Gracias for your message.

[Porter]

I can imagine the effort and lot of work to do for the 2017 GTG. I'm planning the trip with my family if its possible for us if not I'll go alone. Now starting a new project and lot of risk cannot attend. Anyway! If there's the opportunity to go and meet some of the fantastic TRF members in a fantastic experience, 100$ non refundable deposit is totally justified. I'm in with the idea.
Thanks Gerardo! Hope planets will be aligned and will be able to enjoy such amazing event!!

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by Porter

I can imagine the effort and lot of work to do for the 2017 GTG. I'm planning the trip with my family if its possible for us if not I'll go alone. Now starting a new project and lot of risk cannot attend. Anyway! If there's the opportunity to go and meet some of the fantastic TRF members in a fantastic experience, 100$ non refundable deposit is totally justified. I'm in with the idea.
Thanks Gerardo! Hope planets will be aligned and will be able to enjoy such amazing event!!

Pull the trigger Carlos !! It'll be a real treat to sit down with you. If you come alone you won't be alone