Hey, anyone want to partake in an ATV adventure in the valley of fire? Its about $150 and would be an awesome adventure if someone wants to go.

Seems like an alright deal for all the rental, lunch, drinks, etc.

http://www.looktours.com/atv.html

Hey, anyone want to partake in an ATV adventure in the valley of fire? Its about $150 and would be an awesome adventure if someone wants to go.

Seems like an alright deal for all the rental, lunch, drinks, etc.

http://www.looktours.com/atv.html
Looks awesome. That would be great. :D

http://www.thegunstorelasvegas.com/rental.htm

im thinking I might have to take some guys to shoot some kick but machine guns since that is a hot topic on this board. play the video - looks like a fun time! http://www.thegunstorelasvegas.com/tourvideo.htm

the SAW looks particularly interesting.

They have another ATV tour that is 6 hours long and over 100 miles in distance(all the way to california). If I can't find anyone else wanting to go, I'll be taking the 6 hr atv extreme tour, as really there is nothing better than being out in nature on a 4 wheeler or dirt bike.

Sailor, I am on my treo and can't check out that video but it sounds like a fun thing.
I am not going to do any gambling, so I am looking for alternatives, that one sounds like a 'blast'

Looks awesome. That would be great. :D

They have another ATV tour that is 6 hours long and over 100 miles in distance(all the way to california). If I can't find anyone else wanting to go, I'll be taking the 6 hr atv extreme tour, as really there is nothing better than being out in nature on a 4 wheeler or dirt bike.
Looks like an awesome experience. I am seriously considering this. :)
I am not going to do any gambling, so I am looking for alternatives, that one sounds like a 'blast'
Same here. I'm not going to gamble, but just going for the experience. :)

Sailor - The Gun Store is a definite must-do activity. I personally recommend the Thompson - kind of gives you that whole Al Capone / Eliott Ness theme. The M249 SAW would of course also be great - it's pretty tough to go wrong with anything in that store :) Bring plenty of cash for ammo, you can launch $100 in lead in literally a few minutes at that place.

Bob - None of this is definite yet, but we are working on light snacks and beverages (adult or otherwise) for the tours. I wouldn't want to see you starve to death or anything :)

Since I'm local to Las Vegas, I'd be happy to recommend hotels or activities if anyone needs assistance planning their trip. If there is any interest, I'd be happy to start a new topic on "Rob's top 10 cheapo LV hotel List" or something like that - let me know if you'd like to see it, and I'll take a bit of time and do it if there is some interest.

OK sailor, let's go shoot some stuff up. I am in.

I have been to the desert on a ATV with no name,

already done that so I will pass on that trip.

Hmm... shooting stuff up does sound like fun.

Might even do a drive to the grand canyon.

If you want to do the whole Grand Canyon tour thing, I'd highly recommend spending a bit of extra $$ and do it via airplane or helicopter. The GC is about a 3 hour drive each way, and the scenery is better from the air anyway IMO. Unless you want to spend a day hiking or something like that, I'd do an air tour.

I don't want an air tour, it's not at good s ATVing in the desert fun-wise :) I will be flying over the GC two times from my 757, so I'll get to take a peek.

Edit: I see now you were replying to UH-Matt about driving to the Grand Canyon.

OK sailor, let's go shoot some stuff up. I am in.

Oh I'm certainly up for it too........ :uzi:

- Shooting stuff
- Grand Canyon
- Blackjack

Are my 3 things to do in Vegas.

Oh... and maybe some networking and hosting type stuff.

EDIT: Also looking to get a nice deal on a large colo contract, so a message to any colo providers attending - treat us well!

Hey Matt - I did mention that we would be giving DC tours in Vegas, right? :evilb:

Yes but thats the easy bit. You need to win our business over everyone else.

Im not looking for a quick and easy sale, im looking for the best.

:D I would take you on a trip to Miami, but its on the opposite side of the country

Nap of the Americas in Miami is pretty impressive.

Ok, back to the topic, things to do!

I have 3-4 people that are interested ATVing, I was planning to stay through the 20th, but one of the people wanting to go, it would have to be on the morning on the 19th, so this would cut out the last day of the convention, anyone up for that still?

Yes but thats the easy bit. You need to win our business over everyone else.

Im not looking for a quick and easy sale, im looking for the best.

"Let us win at the high limit poker table and you got our business" :D

I'm also interested in the ATVing - we're going with at least 3 people so could be fun with a group.

- Shooting stuff
Is there anywhere there that we could blow stuff up too? :nuts:
Oh... and maybe some networking and hosting type stuff.
Oh yeah, there's a hosting thingie there too. Almost forgot. :D
EDIT: Also looking to get a nice deal on a large colo contract, so a message to any colo providers attending - treat us well!
I can be bribed with gifts too. I'm easy. :angel:

:dgrin:

I am still debating on staying in vegas a few extra days or going over to cali after hostingcon for a few days. If I don't go to cali I will be down for the ATV trip with the spare funds sounds like it would be a blast.

For those of you who have not been to vegas before I suggest going downtown to check out the light show which is pretty impressive and I don't think you will ever see anywhere else or at least not now that I know of.

The "Fremont Street Experience" as it is called is pretty cool. They recently completed a bunch of upgrades to it as well, so it's definitely worth checking out. It's a 10 minute trip by car from the Mirage to downtown, so it's very easy to get to. I'd recommend going just a bit after dark.

For the adventure seekers, I'd recommend a stop at the Stratosphere on the way back from Fremont Street, since it's right between Fremont Street and the Mirage. They have rides built on top of the 1000+ foot tower that are lots of fun - my personal favorite is the "Big Shot", which shoots you up like a rocket approx. 150 feet or so. Go at night and get a seat facing south - you will never get a better view of The Strip.

Rob, Thanks for the tips you are giving :)

The really can be helpful for those of us that have never been to Vegas

You all should visit the Valley of Fire State Park. It's only 15 miles away from Las Vegas. Do some offroading with a AWD or 4WD rental. Here are photos from the last time I went there: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vinayselvaraj/sets/1356661/

For the adventure seekers, I'd recommend a stop at the Stratosphere on the way back from Fremont Street, since it's right between Fremont Street and the Mirage. They have rides built on top of the 1000+ foot tower that are lots of fun - my personal favorite is the "Big Shot", which shoots you up like a rocket approx. 150 feet or so. Go at night and get a seat facing south - you will never get a better view of The Strip.


ah - yes - I am going to do this as well. for those that are not scaredy cats - we can do a group trip over there.


that is after we get the suntan oil washed off from hanging at the pool and drinking my free beer.

Salior is giving away free beer? Im in... I am beginning to wonder if we want Salior if we wont have to goto "Glitter Gulch" downtown.... LOL Anyone wanna go break into Area 51??? Its only an 1 1/2 Drive to the main gate... LOL

Tony,

I found a place to rent some dirt bikes (aka fast action vehicles) :D
Should make getting into Area 51 easier, just build a dirt ramp and jump in :P

ah - yes - I am going to do this as well. for those that are not scaredy cats - we can do a group trip over there.


that is after we get the suntan oil washed off from hanging at the pool and drinking my free beer.

When I was there last April, the rides were either always closed for maintenance or wind. Very annoying.

Stephen,

The only problem is I dont know a dirt bike that will out run an AK-47, gotta remember those guards have shoot to kill orders.. LOL

I think you mean an AR-15/M16/MP5 :)
Stephen,

The only problem is I dont know a dirt bike that will out run an AK-47, gotta remember those guards have shoot to kill orders.. LOL

Tony,

I found a place to rent some dirt bikes (aka fast action vehicles) :D
Should make getting into Area 51 easier, just build a dirt ramp and jump in :P

Should be fun to get deported!

A lot more 'activities' in Las Vegas than in Chicago. Good Good!

No deporting for me....

But, beyond the crazy talk, are people more interested in ATVs or Dirt bikes? Personally, I prefer dirt bikes :)

Was hoping to get to see AvenueQ but looks like it might have finished its Vegas run by then :(

The last time I was in the Glitter Gulch it smelled like someone had died and was decaying in a pool of their own vomit. There are plenty of opportunities for "Adult Entertainment" here, and almost any of them are better than that place.

Ok..being as I've been there 3 years in a row..here's some of the things I've done..

Attractions:

- Freemont Experience (FREE)
discussed already..great fun, was there for Vetern's day..maybe I'll post the footage I shot.

- Sirens of TI (FREE)
in front of Treasure Island...try to hit it up on a not-windy day..or it may get cancelled..happens if the wind kicks up for safety of cast.

- Fountains at the Bellegio (FREE)
Very spectacutular...go at night, differnent showing every 15 mins.

- Star Trek Experience (MUSEUM & RIDE COSTS)
At the Hilton for all you Trekkies or Trekkers...2 different 'rides', museum, Quarks Bar serves food and drinks that put you in the DS9 world, actors in full makeup and character...and they DO NOT break from their roles..fun.

- HOOVER DAM (BUS TOURS FROM $30-80 or so)
Went on this last year finally...was a half day bus tour..it's only like 40 mins from Vegas if you have a car...You've seen it in pics, but there is nothing like seeing in person...it just impressive and you get the scale and understand what it took to build. (Lots of security and checkpoints before you get near it....be prepared, leave the weapons back at the hotel..:) ).

- GRAND CANYON (BUS TRIPS or DAY LONG CAR RIDE)
Flew over it on way home...and it's hella bigger then you think..lol. They have helicopter trips available for $200-$250. Note that there is a weight limit..lol..that's why I didn't go. :(

- GONDOLA RIDES (at the Venetian)
Great romatic ride while being crooned to with Italian love ballads. :)


Shows I've attended:

- Blue Man Group (http://www.lasvegas.com/searchagent/event/SearchResultView.do?id=190&vc1=49&vc2=prod_txt_bmg)
This is one you should NOT miss..funny as heck and great music. One of my favorites

- Erocktica (http://www.lasvegas.com/searchagent/event/SearchResultView.do?id=12271)
Rock and roll and topless women...in a cozy nightclub atmosphere..doesn't get any better...lead female singer is build like a brick..well, you get idea.

- Penn and Teller (http://www.lasvegas.com/searchagent/event/SearchResultView.do?id=1372&vc1=49&vc2=magc_txt_penn)
Funny funny guys...amazing magic...even when they let you in on the secrets, it's still funny and amazing.

- Folles Begere (http://www.lasvegas.com/searchagent/event/SearchResultView.do?id=463&vc1=49&vc2=prod_txt_berg) - Tropicana
Classic Las Vega Showgirl Review. They have two shows..matinee and evening (topless).

More shows.. (http://www.lasvegas.com/shows/?vc1=1&vc2=txtl_txt_shw_2b)


And lets not forget the gambling..lol. Stay away from the main strip for that. You'll get better odds at the smaller casinos off the strip...but if you're on the strip. Strip casinos are for suckers and high rollers. Locals gamble at the lesser traveled casinos like the Orleans.

Food, well, buffets are big. Best one I ate at was at the Rio, but there are tons to choose from for low budget eating.

Drinking...pricey in hotels, but cheap if you are gambling (aka free..lol). I used to sit at the bar at the Venetian and play the card machines for hours and drink..if you get lucky you can drink all night and not spend much.

Hint on shows...DON'T pay full price for show tickets. EVER EVER EVER.

You can get same day show tickets at Tix4Tonight and other simular vendors..you can find them up near the MGM grand for one and I think one is down across from teh Wynn. Tickets can be a much as 50% off and usually can get any show...but they are same day tix. You can get discounted Canyon and Dam tour tickets too.


Here's a list of FREE (http://www.lasvegas.com/searchagent/event/SearchShows.do?categories=ALLCATS&prices=FREE&page_action=page_new&orderBy=WEIGHT&vc1=49&vc2=lhsn_txt_freev_17) shows and events as well..

As for "adult" entertainment...well, you'll find plenty of (most likely illegal) immigrants handing out little business size cards all up and down the strip for that..lol...it's a REAL annoyance to be honest. And if you spend enough time in any Hotel bar by yourself, I'm sure that eventually some young lady will start chatting with you...for a price...lol..another one of those "annoyances". Be careful there is all I have to say.

All in all, one can visit Las Vegas and have a great time without spending a fortune and you don't even have to gamble..there is TON'S of things to do...

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, definitely going to look into some and maybe calling up a tour guide for some pointers :)

Just thought I'd say:

"- Star Trek Experience (MUSEUM & RIDE COSTS)
At the Hilton for all you Trekkies or Trekkers...2 different 'rides', museum, Quarks Bar serves food and drinks that put you in the DS9 world, actors in full makeup and character...and they DO NOT break from their roles..fun."

That is excellent. Really really surprising how well they've put it together, the whole lot is just one amazing experience.

Grand Canyon is yet another amazing experience if you fly over it - definately the best way to travel. We hired a helicopter just for us :) and flew over Grand Canyon, Las Vegas strip and the Hoover Dam. We flew with: http://www.maverickhelicopter.com/

I didn't gamble once when I went. :)

A few revisions of ArtieFishill's suggestions (which are pretty good btw)


- Fountains at the Bellegio (FREE)
Very spectacutular...go at night, differnent showing every 15 mins.


The ABSOLUTE best place to watch the fountains is by going up to the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas at about nightfall. You get to watch the entire water show from above, since the tower is directly across the street from the Bellagio fountains.


- Star Trek Experience (MUSEUM & RIDE COSTS)
At the Hilton for all you Trekkies or Trekkers...2 different 'rides', museum, Quarks Bar serves food and drinks that put you in the DS9 world, actors in full makeup and character...and they DO NOT break from their roles..fun.


DO NOT buy your tickets directly from the Hilton, which will cost you ~$35 for both rides. Right next to the MGM Grand there is a giant "Coke Bottle" - go in the building with the Coke bottle. There is a ticket broker there that sells tickets for the Star Trek Experience for 1/2 price nearly 100% of the time, as well as many other shows. My favorite characters are the female Klingon warriors that walk around - they are awesome.


Hint on shows...DON'T pay full price for show tickets. EVER EVER EVER.


This isn't completely true. If you plan to go to any of the Cirque Du Soleil shows on the strip, plan on paying full price - I've never seen discount tickets at any ticket broker for any of those shows, as well as a few other high end shows that always sell out, like Celine Dion, Elton John, Mama Mia, and a few others. There are a few other shows that you will find discount tickets on sometimes - but don't count on it - those would be shows like Penn & Teller, Danny Gans, La Femme (adult), and others.

It never hurts to check the brokers for any show in town, especially if you are going to a mid-week show, but there are some that just never seem to go "on sale", even same day tickets.

My preference for "adult" entertainment would be some of the various "Gentlemen's Clubs" and "Cabaret" Clubs in town. Probably not appropriate for further discussion here, but feel free to email me and I can give you suggestions on a few of the classier establishments.

Tickets for ST The Experience can be bought online as we did from Paramount Parks direct for a price of $33.99.

http://www1.paramountparks.com/shop/startrekexp.cfm

Or you can call: 888-Go-Boldy :)

I personally would feel safer buying tickets from an official source. Not sure whether that source is official or not that you mention above?

Hostingcon is geeky enough without introducing star trek... come on guys!

It's the experience - not the TV show... just a bit of fun! :)

You should all checkout www.AllVegasCritic.com. It's new.

Was hoping to get to see AvenueQ but looks like it might have finished its Vegas run by then :(

I was in Vegas a month ago and if I recall correctly it was playing in The Wynn hotel. We did not see the show but we did see Fantasy at the Luxor. Although I advise not to stay at the Luxor, since it is in terrible shape and the entire building smells like smoke the show was definitely worth the money.

I would love to go see Avenue Q. Bought the whole shows album on iTunes. :P

What's wrong with Star Trek? LOL.

Where else can you actually get beamed aboard the Enterprise during a Klingon attack or actually caught in the middle of a Borg invasion, complete with phaser fights and ppl being yank into the ceilings right next to you?

Rob T's right though, some shows can't be gotten at discount, but for the majority you can. The giant Coke bottle by MGM is the place to go for them.

There is also a "Las Vegas Visitor's Bureau" booth down by the as well. I got a couple tickets to some shows from them for free..lol.

I am still debating on staying in vegas a few extra days or going over to cali after hostingcon for a few days. If I don't go to cali I will be down for the ATV trip with the spare funds sounds like it would be a blast.

For those of you who have not been to vegas before I suggest going downtown to check out the light show which is pretty impressive and I don't think you will ever see anywhere else or at least not now that I know of.

OKI Paul,

If you come out to California definitely give me a call! You will get tired of Vegas after two days or so and Los Angeles is definitely a good area to go to continue the fun. :usflag:

I envy you guys for being able to attend this year.

Once again, I'm out of the loop, but hopefully I can go next year.

Looks like we are going to arrive in Vegas the evening of Sunday July 16th and leave the afternoon of Thursday July 20th. Shooting off some machine guns and driving an RV sounds like a bit of a laugh. Certainly couldn't go about shooting off AK-47's in the UK, although I am not sure that is such a bad thing... :Dthat is after we get the suntan oil washed off from hanging at the pool and drinking my free beer.I sense another wild party in the works Jeff.... ;)

- Chris

Well now if we could get the AK-47's mounted on the ATV's that would be a lot of fun.

Was there a party last year?:)

OKI Paul,

If you come out to California definitely give me a call! You will get tired of Vegas after two days or so and Los Angeles is definitely a good area to go to continue the fun. :usflag:

Will do for sure, We are going to have to make up our mind soon because there seem to be less and less available flights as the weeks go on so it's time to make a move and book some flights.

Party? Did anyone party in Chicago? Wait we were in Chicago right?? :-p Flights are not getting any cheaper as oil prices go back up for summer. If you are gonna go, you better get your tickets now. And dont forget about the association meeting sunday evening when you book your flight. :-)

Ok, quick question. If we want to take in one of the 4 (four?!?!) Cirque du Soleil shows when we are in Vegas, which one should we hit?:

Mystere
Zumanity
O
Ka

I'd love some recommendations. Also, where is the best place to snag tickets?

-Christian

Will it end up like the Dhakkar Rally :-p Is this your plot to kill off the competition ? :D

"Ka" was an excellent MUST see show! My husband and I enjoyed it very much. We opted for the expensive seats and were about 8-10 rows front and center. Well worth the money for a great show :) We plan on seeing "O" the next time we go to Vegas. Mystere has been there for a while, I'm sure it is good as well. As for Zumanity.......it has interesting subject matter.

Well now if we could get the AK-47's mounted on the ATV's that would be a lot of fun.

Was there a party last year?:)

Not with AK's! Semi-auto ban!

Thank god for the lifting of the semi-auto ban.

Well, and maybe the republicans. :usflag:

What's the point in a ban on guns for law-abiding citizens, when Mexicans can bring them over the border illegally.

Zumanity is a very cool show if you plan to go as a "couple". Very sensual and stimulating. I'd highly recommend stepping up for one of the sofas near the stage if you plan to go. It's like the best of what you see at a Cirque show, plus the extra bonus of nekkid people doing some of the cool stuff.

Just as an FYI, here are the Cirque shows and their locations:

'Mystere' - Mirage - This is the oldest Curque show, but there is a reason that it has been on the strip for over a decade.

'Ka' - MGM Grand - this is the newest Cirque show. Very cool, lots of pyrotechnics. (in my best Beavis voice) Fire! Fire! Fire!

'O' - Bellagio - this is an amazing show, but it is expensive and you really need to get the even more expensive "unobstructed view" seats to really appreciate it. The entire show is done in water, but if you are in the wrong seats, you can't see half of what is going on.

'Zumanity' - NYNY - rightfully advertised as "the other side of Cirque du Soleil". Very sensual and sexy, but still very much a Cirque show. Seriously amazing to watch. Not recommended if you are "out with the guys", this is much more of a "couples" type experience.

There is also a "Cirque Style" show at the Wynn called 'Le Reve' that is supposed to be very cool as well. It was created by Franco Dragone, the same guy that created 'Mystere' and 'O' as well as Celine Dion's show.

To correct the previous poster, Mystere is at TI, not The Mirage.

However, Cirque du Soleil is opening a brand new show called LOVE - based on the music of The Beatles this summer at The Mirage.

Details:
http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/showstickets/love/intro/intro.htm

Thanks sirtwist - with everything else going on at the Mirage, I guess I had Mirage on the brain when I was writing up my little review. Mystere is in fact at TI, which is right next door to the Mirage.

ATVing and Guns sound like a lot of fun! I'm most probably going to join you guys for that. I'll be coming in solo for this trip, so if there is a group to go with, that would be excellent.

I am going solo as well, still considered driving until a new low-cost airline came to town.

I can tell you this now, if you go ATVing take some water and be prepared to get caked in sweat induced sand-mud, it's gunna be hot out there!

So,
About this ATV adventure... Can you bring your own?

http://rackmountsetc.com/pics/desert/DSCN0819.JPG

Eat my dust...

(Note : It has sand tires on at the moment) :P

If I can find a small trailer for my car I'd bring my own bike :D

I have looked into rentals there, and also an extreme tour, where it is more about riding than the tour, I have 3 confirmed at this point then Aussie Bob and WiredHub want to go as well, but I need to firm up the plans for it I guess before getting anything firm from them.

http://www.looktours.com/atv-las-vegas-primm-nevada.html

Was looking at the bottom tour, doing the Extreme version for $179

Of we could rent and blaze our own trail:
http://www.vegasatvtours.com/rental.htm

I just called the rental place, they said they don't recommend ATVing in July, instead they say to water ski or jet ski, what does everyone else think?

Personally being from Texas, 120 degree is nothing :D

I just called the rental place, they said they don't recommend ATVing in July, instead they say to water ski or jet ski, what does everyone else think?

Personally being from Texas, 120 degree is nothing :D

If you're used to the heat then go for it, otherwise just bring your own water bubble with you. http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=1910804&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

:)

best thing in vegas is strip clubs

Last thing I want to do..........one reason I am looking for alternatives to the gambling and strip clubs, I think they are waste of time, money, and brain.

I'd rather go out and crash and break arms and legs on ATV going over the grand canyon than be in a casino gambling or at a strip club. :D At least you could say you ALMOST jumped the grand canyon then, just falling 100's of feet short...........

best thing in vegas is strip clubs

best thing in vegas is strip clubs

I went on a leisure trip with the boys -- Gambling, Partying, Comp'd Buffet's and Strip Clubs were the highlight of the trip.

Stephen, what is the Nap of the Americas? I've been to Miami a few times and love the town, but never heard about that. Also, what clubs do you think are the best? I'm planning on heading down there sometime in the winter months. Only one I've been to is the Red Lounge on Washington....

That ATV thing sounds great, I'd get in on that if I was going to hostingcon

i just came back from there this weekend. Played poker @ Caesars, MGM, Luxor and Mandalay Bay. Checked out the show 'KA' which was outstanding (it's @ MGM)

http://www.ka.com

HI! All
I am working with HostingCon and will be finding outside of the conference things to do besides gamble. I see that some want to go ATVing and will be finding the BEST place to do that.
Are any of you thinking of this as a vacation and bringing along a non conference participating guest? I would love to be able to have options for both adults and children that may be traveling with you, if needed.
This could be a (as we put it) double bubble, Vacation/Business Trip. There is alot more than just gambling in Vegas for people of all ages. Please let me know so we can make this conference a great experience for all who will be joining us. Also let me know when you will be coming in, so that we can hopefully get some good pricing for you
Sue Church - Conference Planner/Marketing

Sue,

Whats the feasibility of going to the Dam, I am sure there is a tour company that does that, I just havent looked. I have been to it before, but it was 10+ years ago, not that it has changed, but I forgot what I did last week, much less 10 years ago. :-)

I was thinking of taking a trip to the Dam too ;)

Ermm... yeah... the dam... ditto on that too :)

What about the canyon as well? What is the best way to do that?

I am looking at putting together a dam tour. The best rate I have so far is an 8 hour trip to the dam,the choclate factory, desert gardens including lunch for about $40. They will pick you up and drop you off at the hotel. If we can put together a group we may be ab;e to get even a better trip.

I am working on one tour company for all trips.

Sue

Honestly the canyon is a drive... LOL It would be best for those that want to do that, to do a helicopter tour.. :-)

HI! All
Also let me know when you will be coming in, so that we can hopefully get some good pricing for you
Sue Church - Conference Planner/Marketing

We're planning to come like 10 days before the conference and do some touring around the area.

Just wondering whether I can rent a chopper in Vegas

Hello,

Sue, thank you for finding some alternative events!

I have spoken to some people about the ATVing, and after telling them it would be 120 degrees, some don't want to do that anymore :D

I'd be willing to do some group event as long as it was not overly boring and had some substance. The Dam tour looks interesting, but I would like the government(I think it is government that runs) the educational tour of the dam where you can learn about some of the functions of the marvel.

I'd love to see some sort of tech related tour being most of us are in the high tech computer industry, but that is not something really advertised around Vegas, maybe you could find something?

I am personally still consiering a dirt bike or ATV rental and ride, but not sure anyone wants to go in the heat. Maybe Aussie Bob can use his skills from the outback here in Vegas and suffer through the high temps with me on some trails.

Oh, I will be coming in friday night/Saturday morning before.

Have any group plans come together?

Have not heard anything else from Sue, so I don't know. I hav enot gone further with the ATV trip, as I am not sure anyone wants to go ATVing in the extreme heat.

I have spoken to several companies in the Vegas Area. I am setting up registration for tours of Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon and some for the spouses to attend while sessions are taking place. I should have all information out within the next few days. The ATV trips would be very early morning as the heat will exceed 100+ degrees by noon. Announcements on trips and how to signup will be to you shortly. Sue

Thank you for replying Sue, will you post here with an update, or will this be on the hostingcon site?

The information will be posted in both places. I think I have found several tours that will be fun for all.

Have not heard anything else from Sue, so I don't know. I hav enot gone further with the ATV trip, as I am not sure anyone wants to go ATVing in the extreme heat.

Personally I thought everyone was a bit off their rockers for wanting to go ATVing in desert, in the middle of summer :) I'm glad to hear, however, that Sue is putting together a list of tours

we just booked up a helicopter half day trip to the dam, canyon, lunch and then along the strip :)

Just going to throw my two cents in..

A few years back I was standing in the middle of death valley at a gas station and everyone around there was complaining about how hot it was at about 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lets just say that dry heat (no humidity) and moist heat (high humidity) are quite different. Going into the desert at 90 - 110 degrees Fahrenheit might not be as bad as you think it would be.

What to do in Vegas ?

When visiting Las Vegas one thing that is definite is that you are wearing comfortable shoes. Anywhere that you will be going is a distance. This includes the interiors of the hotels.

Here are some of the highlights and happening in Vegas during the week that HostingCon guests will be in town.

Car Rental
You may rent cars at the Airport or at The Mirage by calling 702-791-7425
There is a desk at the Mirage for Dollar Rent All. You will need to be 25years old and have a valid drivers license

Motorcycles on Street
www.escapeeagles.com (http://www.escapeeagles.com/) or call 877-321-8687
Available are Harleys, Choppers, Hondas
By Day or Hour

Tours

Arrangements have been made with Gray Line Tours of Las Vegas
Please visit the website at www.graylinelasvegas.com (http://www.graylinelasvegas.com/)

Sunday, would be a great day as a kick off
Deluxe Hoover Dam Tour or the River Raft Trip
During the conference
Monday, Deluxe City & Red Rock Tour
Tuesday, Lake Mead & Hoover Dam Combination
Wednesday, Grand Canyon Deluxe South Rim

You may book these tours at anytime, but in designating these date Gray Line will give HostingCon its own bus for events that have over 25 attendees.

When making reservations on line, please use (HOSTINGCON) following your name as to designate that we are a group. If booking other tours at other times, please do the same.

ATV Tours
ATV Tours are done early AM in July. Hotel pick-up would be 6–6:30 AM (there is a 45 minute ride to the trails) and return at Noon.
You may visit www.rockytrails.com (http://www.rockytrails.com/)
When making reservations on line or by phone 1-888-867-6259, please use (HOSTINGCON) following your name as to designate that we are a group. If booking other tours at other times, please do the same.

At the Mirage

Love – Cique Du Soleil this is the newest show
Shows are Thursday thru Monday at 7:30 & 10:30 PM
Jay Leno – July 21 & July 22 8 PM
Wayne Brady – July 15th 10:30PM
For tickets call 800-963-9634
MORE TO FOLLOW Sue

Hi Sue,

Thanks for sorting all of this out! :)

Is that tour company able to do tours of the Grand Canyon via Helicopter?

I have heard from several people now that is really the only way to do it. Seemingly seeing the Canyon from the air in a chopper is a much better experience. I wasn't able to see any information on their site related to choppers but maybe I missed it.

- Chris

I am working with another company to do Air tours, some are plane into the area and then land in the canyon, some just over the canyon. Should have all arrangements worked out soon. I will be posting daily from here until the conference the many different options for Vegas and tours that can be done in groups.
Sue

Hi Sue,

Some of us aren't quite 25 yet, but might need some sort of transport.

Short of buying a car (which is easier than renting one from what I've seen) are there any good options? :)

LP-Trel,

AVIS and Budget will rent to anyone over 21 in most states(maybe vegas is different). I have rented from them without any problems. However, I did notice that avis charges $30 PER DAY fee for over25 under 21 in Vegas, on their website. SO you pay more for "under 25 fee" than for car rental. Cheaper to rent a limo :D

There is a Tram to the Treasure Island and if you cross the street there is a tram that runs behind the hotels there also. You really will do alot of walking. And the sights are just fantastic. The night shows at Treasure Isand,Mirage and the other hotels on the strip are a must. I will have maps available to the area when you arrive.
Sue

I've been to Vegas several times over the last year and I've never rented a car. It's much more convenient to take cabs when you need to get around, in my opinion. It's only about $15 cab ride to The Mirage from the airport.

When you rent a car you have to worry about parking wherever you're going or using valet parking, which then costs you more money. :) When parking yourself, you end up walking quite a bit to get into the property you're going to because the garages can sometimes be far away from the caninos.

Unless you're planning on doing some long drives outside the city, I'd recommend just sticking with cabs.

It's only about $15 cab ride to The Mirage from the airport.

Or you can take a shuttle bus (http://www.vegas.com/transportation/shuttles.html) from the airport to the Strip hotels and back. :)

Lois

HELICOPTOR & PLANE TOURS !!!
Adventure tours
I have contacted www.papillon.com (http://www.papillon.com) they offer a wide variety and types of air and water tours. Please look at the site and then CALL them and make your reservations. Please mention HOSTINGCON as your group. They will then try to put us together in groups and will also uphold then the internet pricing. (Pricing has gone up but the web has not been updated) So the lower price will be given to you. If you have already booked with this company, please call and have them know your group. Thanks Sue

Here are some pages I bookmarked about things to do in Vegas:

Las Vegas: Sights and Places of Interest (http://www.destinationcoupons.com/Nevada/Las_Vegas/Reference/sights.asp)
Information on lots of things to see

Entertainment for Nothing (http://www.bigempire.com/vegas/freetosee.html)
An entertaining description of freebie entertainment in Vegas

Las Vegas Coupons (http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/las-vegas-coupons.htm)
Free coupons for various things to do in Vegas

Downtown walking tour (http://www.lasvegasinsider.com/html/downtown.htm)
Self-guided walking tour of downtown Vegas with descriptions of what to see

Lois

An entertaining description of freebie entertainment in Vegas


Wow, is there anything good for free? :D

Wow, is there anything good for free? :D
Could be interesting enough if you want to get away fom the heat outside and into air conditioned comfort :P

Wow, is there anything good for free? :D

Hey, it's Vegas. It's supposed to be cheesy. :P

If you go to other sites about Vegas, you can find sanitized promotional descriptions, if you prefer those. :angel:

Entertainment for Nothing (http://www.bigempire.com/vegas/freetosee.html) describes everything in the same non-serious tone. I'm interested in seeing some of what they list. Only in Vegas, as they say. :spiny:

A place that isn't free but is cheap ($12.50) and recommended is Liberace Museum (http://www.liberace.org/). It has mostly good reviews (http://las-vegas-hotels.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d102882-Reviews-Liberace_Museum-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html), and a friend of mine recommended it. A free shuttle (http://www.liberace.org/museum%20information/hours/index.htm) runs between it and The Mirage and some other hotels, and you can print a coupon for $2 off (http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponliberace.html).

According to the home page (http://www.liberace.org/), it's now closed on Mondays.

Lois

A lot of casinos give you free drinks if you gamble enough ;)

I would hit up every casino I possibly could, and win as much as I possible could, and then I would invest that money into more servers for my hosting company.

I would hit up every casino I possibly could, and win as much as I possible could, and then I would invest that money into more servers for my hosting company.
That would not happen, your job is to lose money, in addition if you win too much in multiple sites, they will start talking and stop you at all of them....

really looking forward to this now ;)

We've booked our heli tour to get the Canyon, Dam and Strip done in a few hours and then we'll just be hanging about town for the week seeing where the next drink takes us... Who knows we may even do some work and network with a few people ;)

Or you can take a shuttle bus (http://www.vegas.com/transportation/shuttles.html) from the airport to the Strip hotels and back. :)Just be sure to leave plenty of time if you take that approach. And remember that some of the shuttles make more than one stop, so you might not get taken straight to your hotel.

Getting around on the strip there are also shuttles between some of the casinos. For example, the Rio runs them back and forth to a few other places. But again... don't count on a quick trip. My girlfriend and I were in Vegas over the 4th of July and thought we'd catch that shuttle from Harrah's to Rio for our dinner reservations at the VooDoo. Long wait, and a slow trip. On the way back the line was too long for us to get onto the first shuttle that came by, so we just took a cab instead of waiting for the next one.

there is a tram that runs behind the hotels there also
The Monorail. Pretty good way (though it goes pretty slowly since it makes a lot of twists and turns) to get from one end of the strip to another, but it's kind of expensive. I think it was $18 for our two roundtrip tickets, and one day we got a daily pass which is a better deal if you're making two or more trips in a day. Seems kind of high since it's only a few miles and I can get anywhere in NYC for under $2 on the subway. :)

The Monorail. Pretty good way (though it goes pretty slowly since it makes a lot of twists and turns) to get from one end of the strip to another, but it's kind of expensive. I think it was $18 for our two roundtrip tickets, and one day we got a daily pass which is a better deal if you're making two or more trips in a day. Seems kind of high since it's only a few miles and I can get anywhere in NYC for under $2 on the subway. :)

True, but if you consider that a cab ride + tip for any reasonable distance down the strip is going to probably cost you $10 or so anyway due to traffic, it's not horrible. The problem is that it sometimes takes a while to get to the monorail if you're staying in hotels on the other side of the strip. It's often a bit of a walk to get to a station as well.

What (if any) are the dress codes at the clubs hosting the after-parties on Monday and Tuesday - ie, do we have to change out of work attire from the networking party to get through the door of the clubs where the after-parties are being held?

cheers

Greg

There are dress codes for both places. When I was there in June, men had to have closed toes dress shoes and long pants, no jeans. They also had to have on collared shirts. Woman it was much more lax.

Sue

:beer: :beer: :evilb: :banana: :banana:
HAVE A GREAT TIME WITH THE OVER 1000 other HostingCon Guests !!!!

Registration for HostingCon 2006 went over 1000 today and is still climbing.


What A Great Event and way to meet and network !!

Sue

Cool - thats a lot bigger than last year??

Yes - Much Bigger

1000+ is great.
Congrats gang!