We announce the dates as early as possible. We totally understand there are people out there that have to bid their vacations as early as Jan 2. We usually try to get the dates announced by the end of the year to give people as much time to prepare as possible.
That said, we are still waiting for word from LVMS on the dates for 2007.
Selecting dates is always a gamble. Take this year for example. Had we taken the weekend prior to when we were there this year the temperatures would have been in the low 80s (compared to the mid 90s). The next weekend too would have been in the low 80s but with a higher chance of clouds.
We can't go too late in the year or we risk cutting off many of our participants that would have to drive through snow etc - yes, as early as October for some of those guys.
We can't go before school is back in session or the temperatures are even worse than they were this year.
We try to weigh in all of the factors when selecting the dates - but ultimately it comes down to when LVMS wants to work with us.
Bookmark
http://Vegas.Supras.Org or
http://www.SILV.info and check back from time to time near Christmas. We always post up the dates there before making any announcements on any forums/lists.