Halifax Cerb Social?

[taloon 1472]

I think we are almost settled on the Grafton Lounge. I spoke with their manager yesterday and everything went smoothly. The price is reasonable and the room will be totally ours for the whole night.

For any attendees, you would simply enter the establishment as if you were going in for a drink and then go upstairs to the private room. Simple. I've told the staff that we are having a private party for a dating website. (which is mostly correct)

Entry will be free for the lovely escorts and there will be a cover at our door for the clients. Not sure on the price yet. Does $20 sound reasonable to you folks?

The party will start around 10ish and go until the place shuts down at 2.

There is only one real hiccup I can see in the whole plan. The Grafton Lounge starts charging people their own cover after 11pm. Now I don't want people to get dinged at their door and then get dinged again at ours, so what do you think we can do to avoid that?

Anyhow, that is Plan A for right now. Nothing set in stone but it is looking very good at the moment. If anyone thinks of anything I have overlooked please let me know.

[Emily Wilson 3537]

i think this is absolutely an amazing idea and i know myself i WOULD LOVE to come to a cerb social.....i will keep checking this thread out because if i were to miss this i would be very upset :( KEEP ME POSTED CERBIES... and have an amazing sexual saturday..and hope all fantasies come true ;)

[Guest W***ledi*Time]

It may be worth taking into consideration that if the location and date are published here on the public board, where anyone in the world can read about it, there is the risk of rubberneckers staking out the place for their own amusement and observing the participants. Not the best situation as far as discretion and safety are concerned.

[Areez 11906]

As long as a potential date is clear for me on my schedule and gets confirmed, then I know that I would be there.

 

I'd also hope that if the date is far enough in the future and it is 100 % confirmed, some of our Ottawa and points west CERB friends would plan to attend. :)

 

*hands up* ME! be another reason for me to visit halifax at the same time :D

 

It may be worth taking into consideration that if the location and date are published here on the public board, where anyone in the world can read about it, there is the risk of rubberneckers staking out the place for their own amusement and observing the participants. Not the best situation as far as discretion and safety are concerned.

 

Taken from previous social.. usually the location is only given to the attendee. But the time and date could be announced for the general public.

 

seemes like i have to keep an eye out he he he :p

[mrrnice2 157005]

It may be worth taking into consideration that if the location and date are published here on the public board, where anyone in the world can read about it, there is the risk of rubberneckers staking out the place for their own amusement and observing the participants. Not the best situation as far as discretion and safety are concerned.

 

 

That is a REALLY good point of information. Might I suggest that someone be willing to accept PM requests from those interested and in that way share the date as it becomes firmed up.

 

As well, 10 - 2 would work but there are also us oldies who would rather 8 - 1 ????

[Guest J******72]

The private room has frosted doors, so once you're in, we should have a modicum of privacy from onlookers.

 

Yep, we want to keep this off anything googleable - Frank magazine will show up! Communicating date/time/details via PM as suggested in this thread should hopefully be sufficient.

 

I would think it's possible to establish with management and anyone manning the door to not change a cover charge to those that are attending "the dating site meet up".

 

To gain access to the room, can we PLEASE use a code phrase, like "The rooster crowed at midnight"??

:p

[drlove 37204]

Do we have to be specific and make up the name of a dating site to cover our bases? That is, if someone were to show up and ask directions to the private room for the dating site get together, a staff member could conceivably ask "which dating site?"

[cometman 35115]

Thought I would have a problem fixing my work shift and make sure I would get the right night off. Not a problem anymore, just received my promotion through my Company to work in the Office. A good ol'9-5 job, Monday to Friday.

 

Bring on the Halifax CERB Social Numero Uno!!

 

Man, this is the best Friday the 13th EVER!!

 

To cometman, on Wednesday, after work, I will be checking out Grafton Lounge to see their ways in and out of the establishment. For their "ABSOLUT-ly Private Dining Area" it is on the 2nd floor, for 40 VIP's. I will be checking out the layout and how well they provide extra security and privacy for their customers.

 

I too am discrete and secretive about my 2nd lifestyle and am aiming to make our event happen "under the sheets".

Someone mentioned late May/early June......my absolutely busiest time of the year. I'd be up for this and would definitely pre-pay my share, but risk being a no-show. If that would screw up the numbers, I'd refrain from registering. If not, full steam ahead. Wtf......10-2? I have a 2 hour drive, you damned teenagers! I might actually have to think about getting a room.

 

Additional Comments:

Do we have to be specific and make up the name of a dating site to cover our bases? That is, if someone were to show up and ask directions to the private room for the dating site get together, a staff member could conceivably ask "which dating site?"

Ah, no...I think we'd actually just ask for the drlove reserved room.........or whoever's name. We'll have to read up on the Ottawa's thread for protocol and ask for guidance. Also, as pointed out, details by pm.

[Katherine of Halifax 113932]

Hi there,

 

Please count me in! Will there be door prizes? I'd be happy to donate a full body massage with all the trimmings. :icon_biggrin:

 

Just let me know!

 

Katherine

[taloon 1472]

Hey folks,

Thanks for all of the support and comments so far. Keep them coming! (No pun)

Concerning safety, security and privacy I'm hearing you loud and clear. While I have already posted the place I'll be sure to only give out the actual date and time to members.

I could even go further than that. It would be possible to set up a 'non-disclosure' agreement at the door that everyone would have to sign before they enter. This would be a simple document that would hold up in court and it would prevent anyone from speaking/writing about the event in any fashion. That way, if anything got out, we could just find the guilty party and sue for breach. If people think this is a good idea, I can have it done.

I'm also hearing the posts on "too late" and this gets back to the whole privacy/security thing. If the social were to start at say 8pm, the bar is going to be mostly empty and it will be very easy for prying eyes to spot members going in and out. However, if we start at say 10pm, the bar will be half-full and getting in and out becomes much more discreet. Does that make sense?

As for a 'secret word' or 'pass code' I'll try and work something out.

On the flip-side I'm not hearing any dissent on the price that I suggested. So everyone thinks that $20 would be reasonable? It would get you into the room for the night, there will be some appetizers, you will get to mingle with the lovely escorts and your fellow clients, and I love the idea of some of the girls offering their services as door prizes. Maybe even just a lap-dance/strip tease right there at the party! Fantastic!

[Grizzly Slushie 1487]

I was preparing myself for a couple hundred muahahahaha. Right on, I am even more psyched.

 

So all we have covered is the price for the engagement, this "non disclosure agreement" {have no idea why this is up in the air, I am a HUGE NAY!!} and door prizes {so far a massage}.

 

We just have to figure out the date/time for the event, a "secret word" or "pass code" and which CERB Members are joining/interested.

 

Anything else that can add to our event or a "MUST"??

[polarice55 510]

I am in absolutely.

[Guest dame*****n09*]

If out-of-provincers are allowed I'd love an invite. There's no chance of such an event where I am.

 

There's only a slim chance that I would be able to make it. $20 is more than reasonable, though, and I'd happily pay that in advance just in hope of being able to be there.

 

I would be skeptical of being able to enter or leave unseen by other patrons, however, no matter how many people are there - never mind being noticed by the staff. All caution i always appropriate, But participants need to be comfortable with the risks.

[mrrnice2 157005]

I am going to throw out some considerations that might be food for thought. These thoughts are based on concerns for discretion, safety, attendance and in hopes that this will be an amazing event that will lead to future ones to follow.

There is no way that any specific date once selected is going to work for everyone as schedules are sometimes fixed in stone and cannot be arranged around. However, the further in the future that a date is selected, perhaps the more leeway people will have in being able to clear their schedule in order to attend, so I am going to suggest something even as late as mid-September. I DO know that a number of Ottawa members have previously expressed interest in attending a Maritime social and a later date might help some of them as well in their planning.

Having attended two socials in Ottawa within the last year and since I believe in the motto of "Don't fix it if it ain't broken," then I would like to share some of their ways of doing things in hopes that we can learn from their experience.

I believe that I am correct that some of their initial forays into socials did not go well because guidelines for behaviour, dress, discretion were not in place. With the socials that I attended there were a number of ground rules in place and people were asked to adhere to them. For the most part people do so, and the events were great fun and successful.

The time for the event in Ottawa was from 6:30 until whenever it was over. People did arrive at 6:30, and by 8:30 the majority of attendees were there. In both cases people tended to be out and on their way by midnight when it really did seem to clear out. I know with certainty that many men had prearranged dates with women who were attending, so that was another reason that many left well before the wee hours of the morning.

Any door prizes that were donated were distributed by a draw that took place at 10 o'clock.

The event was publicized to the bar as a singles/dating group with BREC as the name of the group (CERB spelled backwards). As people entered they simply asked to be directed to the BREC social.

There was a definite pre-arrangement made with members so that it was known well in advance who would be attending. A table at the door was manned by the organizers to meet people as they arrived and to ensure that only those who were supposed to be there came in.

Depending on the location, discretion need be emphasized. If washrooms are not inside our private area then people will be in and out of the room for that reason. Smokers will be in and out of the room in order to address that, and generally people were asked to keep their Cerb personas to the Cerb room.

It was suggested that dress be business casual. Dress for ladies was asked to be toned down somewhat so as not to draw unnecessary attention to the gathering.

It was made clear to the ladies that this was to be a non-solicitation event. Now we all know why Cerb exists, however the intent was to have this to truly be a social, a meet and greet, and for the ladies to use it as that while at the same time giving them an opportunity to make future contacts.

Name tags were given out at one of the socials that just had the first name of the attendee. Cerb names were disclosed in personal conversation.

Ladies were not charged to attend. If the suggested cost of $20 does not cover it, then $30 would not be unreasonable for the men. The cover paid included appetizers that were brought in throughout the evening and each lady attending also received a small gift bag.

In conclusion, I would make one final suggestion and that being that an alternate location be determined and booked that is not ever to be published in this thread. The date can be made public if the location remains confidential to those who will attend, and they need not know that even until the last few days, other than a general area.

Thanks to those who are spearheading this event and I hope that it comes off and that I shall be able to attend.

MN2

[Secrets of Victoria 7208]

I am all for an event such as this, but with a few concerns.

 

Door prizes that are offered by any of us should be drawn at a certain time absolutely, that way everyone involved is there.

 

The idea of lap dances/striptease being offered by any lady at this event? To me, that would just lower the standard of the event from a social gathering/meet and greet to a simple 'college style keg party' type of event.

Ladies that might not offer those services could be offended and the guys would then be placing all of their attention on one or two ladies that might actually do this. It's a social gathering, not a strip club.

 

Signing a 'non-disclosure agreement at the door, hmm, I think this one is pushing the boundaries of the 'privacy act'.

I see three potential problems with this one: 1) everyone entering would have to sign and show ID in order to have any such document be worth anything, 2) every time someone went in or out of the room, they would have to reveal who they were to whomever is at the door, 3) should the barstaff change over duties (as most rotate door staff), we would have to go through a 'screening' process to get back in, therefore revealing identities once again.

Any smokers at this event, or if the washrooms are located outside of the room, would be subject to just that.

 

Most of the social events that I have been to like this, have been held in something such as a large hotel suite or small banquet room. This way, you have someone at the door, you give your cerb handle upon entry, and you don't have to leave the room to use washroom facilities.

Based on the price of a suite, bar supplies (or event management cost), snacks, staffing if necessary, door prizes offered by the ladies etc, divided by the number if gentlemen attending, there is your cost to attend.

 

I for one, along with Katherine, are more than open to offering services for a draw, but I certainly would never consider offering them right there.

 

I would be more than happy to scout some of the upscale hotels and talk to an event manager or two, to quote an event such as this. Much easier than a bar system, and a lot more private and secure. It can be quoted as a 'family gathering' (which I have used before) for any indiscretions to be eliminated.

Any ladies willing to participate as a group on this, I would be more than happy to be a part of it.

No prying eyes this way

 

Just my two cents

[Guest dame*****n09*]

I am going to throw out some considerations that might be food for thought. These thoughts are based on concerns for discretion, safety, attendance and in hopes that this will be an amazing event that will lead to future ones to follow.in't broken," then I would like to share some of their ways of doing things in hopes that we can learn from their experience.

MN2

 

Excellent post and fine suggestions.

I neglected earlier to thank the organizers for taking on some hard work of organizing. Let me correct that now :)

[Boomer 33202]

I think Mr Nice covered most details very well. I have attended many of the Ottawa socials and will probably be at this one. I will make several additional comments.

 

I wouldn't leave this one until September as the interest is current, and may wane if left too long. I believe the last one was $40, which I think is quite reasonable. A number of gentlemen donated gifts for the ladies, myself a $50 gift certificate for the Body Shop, and I think Mr N gave a bottle of wine.

 

I think at the end of the day the committee needs to be small, maybe two or three. For the last couple it was necessary to register by email or PM and then pay the fee by a certain date, usually by an email transfer or in person before you were confirmed. The location was only transmitted to the confirmed attendees during the week prior to the event.

 

I believe the biggest hurdle is that someone has to be willing to pull out a credit card to book the venue. There are a number of people here in Ottawa who have been a part of these and I am sure would be quite happy to offer advice privately.

 

Lastly I would emphasis that this is a social, and if dress and behavior rules are observed then everyone can have a great time, and make some new friends

[Guest J******72]

... The idea of lap dances/striptease being offered by any lady at this event? To me, that would just lower the standard of the event from a social gathering/meet and greet to a simple 'college style keg party' type of event.

 

.. I for one, along with Katherine, are more than open to offering services for a draw, but I certainly would never consider offering them right there.

 

I agree.

 

I like the idea of a dress code, but I'm lacking business casual clothes, so I'd have to wear a nice pair of jeans and a shirt. I think we certainly need to keep the event looking respectable, though.

 

Additional Comments:

Good comments, Boomer. Let's have fun!

[cometman 35115]

I am all for an event such as this, but with a few concerns.

 

Door prizes that are offered by any of us should be drawn at a certain time absolutely, that way everyone involved is there.

 

The idea of lap dances/striptease being offered by any lady at this event? To me, that would just lower the standard of the event from a social gathering/meet and greet to a simple 'college style keg party' type of event.

Ladies that might not offer those services could be offended and the guys would then be placing all of their attention on one or two ladies that might actually do this. It's a social gathering, not a strip club.

 

Signing a 'non-disclosure agreement at the door, hmm, I think this one is pushing the boundaries of the 'privacy act'.

I see three potential problems with this one: 1) everyone entering would have to sign and show ID in order to have any such document be worth anything, 2) every time someone went in or out of the room, they would have to reveal who they were to whomever is at the door, 3) should the barstaff change over duties (as most rotate door staff), we would have to go through a 'screening' process to get back in, therefore revealing identities once again.

Any smokers at this event, or if the washrooms are located outside of the room, would be subject to just that.

 

Most of the social events that I have been to like this, have been held in something such as a large hotel suite or small banquet room. This way, you have someone at the door, you give your cerb handle upon entry, and you don't have to leave the room to use washroom facilities.

Based on the price of a suite, bar supplies (or event management cost), snacks, staffing if necessary, door prizes offered by the ladies etc, divided by the number if gentlemen attending, there is your cost to attend.

 

I for one, along with Katherine, are more than open to offering services for a draw, but I certainly would never consider offering them right there.

 

I would be more than happy to scout some of the upscale hotels and talk to an event manager or two, to quote an event such as this. Much easier than a bar system, and a lot more private and secure.

No prying eyes this way

 

Just my two cents

Good post and mirrors some of my concerns.

I like the hotel facility idea....more private than a bar and need not be in the center of downtown.

A show at the event? Probably not the best idea. A mix and mingle social event would be more to my liking. That's actually what this is advertised as....a CERB social. I have a stag party to attend next week.....20 bucks and the girls will be there to put on a show....a different type of event than a CERB social. MN, having attended Ottawa's social, will be a great source of info. If any of the ladies wished to offer a door prize- great, but that would be their offer to make and not be asked for it. It could make me purchase multiple tickets, though. LOL

I'm curious if they had anything in Ottawa for background? Music? Some sort of agenda? For shy attendees, simply a mix and mingle could be painful and awkward. Even a video screen with something on it could be an icebreaker.

 

Additional Comments:

I agree.

 

I like the idea of a dress code, but I'm lacking business casual clothes, so I'd have to wear a nice pair of jeans and a shirt. I think we certainly need to keep the event looking respectable, though.

 

Additional Comments:

Good comments, Boomer. Let's have fun!

Lol......I thought of the same thing. If I leave the house in business casual clothes, I'll have some 'splainin' to do. I agree that we don't want this to even remotely resemble a guy's Super Bowl party in Bernie's garage. I'll figure something out for myself.

[drlove 37204]

I would be skeptical of being able to enter or leave unseen by other patrons, however, no matter how many people are there - never mind being noticed by the staff. All caution i always appropriate, But participants need to be comfortable with the risks.

 

I have a suggestion which may help to resolve this issue. Simply put, when the location is booked, advise the staff that this will be a private function. No more information to them is necessary. Details may be disseminated on a "need to know" basis only, thus avoiding any potential leaks to the public and/or media.

[taloon 1472]

Hey everyone,

 

Thanks for all of the great suggestions, comments, and advice. This is a learning experience for me and your thoughts are more than welcome.

From this point on all bets are off for a location. I may have dropped the ball in announcing the location publicly, so I will look for a new spot over then next few days. I will keep everyone apprised of the date and time but the real location will remain a secret until the day before the event. For anyone making plans from away, it will be somewhere in downtown Halifax, but that is as specific as I will make it.

However, at this time I would like to announce the the date of our social will be Friday, June 22. I know that this date may not please everyone, but it is far enough in advance so that most can attend. More updates soon.

[drlove 37204]

I would be more than happy to scout some of the upscale hotels and talk to an event manager or two, to quote an event such as this. Much easier than a bar system, and a lot more private and secure.

 

I've always been partial to The Marriott Harbourfront Hotel. Just a suggestion...

[Secrets of Victoria 7208]

In order to facilitate a date, you first need to establish how many will be coming, and from where.

Most of these events are announced months in advance, not weeks, with updates sent by pm to keep everyone in the loop.

Flights, hotel arrangements, work schedules have to be accommodated in this factor as well.

After all, it's not just Halifax we are inviting, but open to all members of cerb.

 

Another suggestion for location is private dinner cruises, casino, event halls and convention centers.

Just throwing a few out there, but we also have to take into consideration the availability of the location.

The further in advance you book a location, the more likely you are to be successful.

[taloon 1472]

In order to get a better idea on the numbers lets just do a quick test.

Let's assume that things were to go forward on the 22nd of June, downtown Halifax. Please PM me within the next 48 hours and let me know that you would like to attend.

I know that these numbers will not be accurate, but at least they will give me a better idea to work with. Cheers!

[polarice55 510]

I am in. Absolutely. Would love to meet all the ladies.