Apr 29, 2016, 12:36 pm
Last edit by: thehowieee
Dates for 2017 event are: Oct 20-22, 2017 -- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/external-miles-points-resources/1825965-8th-annual-chicago-seminars-october-20-22-2017-a-2.html
* Event Registration: http://chicagoseminars2016.eventbrite.com - lunch and daily snacks are included in registration (breakfast is NOT included in registration ... see below)
* Hotel registration is live in post # 2. Breakfast for 1 is included in room rate if booked using seminar code.
* Schedule of weekend events is in post #3.
* Current event sponsors in post #4 (and email provided if someone is interested in sponsoring)
* Some info re: charity raffle is in post #5.
* Request for volunteers is in post #6. (volunteers get a thanks & handshake - and an apple).
* A full list of the current speakers is in post #7
* Event Registration: http://chicagoseminars2016.eventbrite.com - lunch and daily snacks are included in registration (breakfast is NOT included in registration ... see below)
* Hotel registration is live in post # 2. Breakfast for 1 is included in room rate if booked using seminar code.
* Schedule of weekend events is in post #3.
* Current event sponsors in post #4 (and email provided if someone is interested in sponsoring)
* Some info re: charity raffle is in post #5.
* Request for volunteers is in post #6. (volunteers get a thanks & handshake - and an apple).
* A full list of the current speakers is in post #7
Chicago Seminars October 14-16th, 2016
Sep 12, 2016, 1:25 pm
#181
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,110
I can only speak for myself, but if I was going to take the time to give up part of a weekend & to learn more about credit cards, redeeming airline or hotel points, etc, I'd want to get the most out of it. In addition to the sessions on Sunday you'd miss, you'd miss the trading information/sharing experiences that happens Saturday night at the reception, dinner, bar, etc, which can be equally, if not more, valuable.
PS - Welcome to Flyertalk!
Cheers.
Sep 12, 2016, 5:07 pm
#182
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SAV
Programs: ??????????
Posts: 963
For anyone who has been before, do most people stay through Sunday? We are driving up from Indy and thought about leaving Saturday after the last seminar.
My friend and I are both pretty good at applying for credit cards, but I am hoping to learn how to actually redeem the points wisely for travel--most of the time I end up paying for tickets out of pocket even though I have 250K miles since the flights are cheap on Delta but the points redemption is high.
My friend and I are both pretty good at applying for credit cards, but I am hoping to learn how to actually redeem the points wisely for travel--most of the time I end up paying for tickets out of pocket even though I have 250K miles since the flights are cheap on Delta but the points redemption is high.
You'll get plenty of value Friday/Saturday, but personally, I'd stay if you can.
Sep 13, 2016, 7:51 am
#183
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
Yes. There are sessions that run through the day on Sunday & they're well-attended. Some might miss a few of the afternoon ones if they need to catch a flight.
I can only speak for myself, but if I was going to take the time to give up part of a weekend & to learn more about credit cards, redeeming airline or hotel points, etc, I'd want to get the most out of it. In addition to the sessions on Sunday you'd miss, you'd miss the trading information/sharing experiences that happens Saturday night at the reception, dinner, bar, etc, which can be equally, if not more, valuable.
PS - Welcome to Flyertalk!
Cheers.
I can only speak for myself, but if I was going to take the time to give up part of a weekend & to learn more about credit cards, redeeming airline or hotel points, etc, I'd want to get the most out of it. In addition to the sessions on Sunday you'd miss, you'd miss the trading information/sharing experiences that happens Saturday night at the reception, dinner, bar, etc, which can be equally, if not more, valuable.
PS - Welcome to Flyertalk!
Cheers.
Sep 13, 2016, 8:38 am
#184
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: Delta Kryptonium
Posts: 1,144
I'm driving from Detroit & I always stay through Sunday, usually leaving about 3 p.m.
Sep 13, 2016, 6:06 pm
#185
Join Date: May 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: UA, AS, Marriott, Hyatt
Posts: 46
Available Seminar Openings
I am interested in purchasing a ticket to this event but want to confirm that Shawn's "Beginner and Intermediate Reselling for Profit and Points" still has 2 seats open. Can anyone let me know? I'd hate to go all the way there only to not attend. Thanks!
Sep 14, 2016, 1:10 am
#186
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
There is always open seats or standing room at each session.
Sep 18, 2016, 5:10 pm
#187
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Ohio (CLE or CAK)
Programs: United platinum, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum Elite, Hyatt Explorist, IHG plat
Posts: 83
As an fyi, there are 209 spots still open in the eventbrite registration. Maybe have MMS, Milevalue, etc do a post on Chicago Seminars since I haven't seen one show up yet?
Also, I agree that Sunday's wander-from-one-to-another roundtable discussions are definitely worthwhile, as then usually end up being huge Q&A sessions on that particular hotel or airline. Definitely worth staying for, as I'm surprised that some folks head out a bit early.
We've always stayed Sunday night too and then flown out Monday morning, so if anyone is up for dinner in the Holiday Inn bar/restaurant on Sunday night just let me know! Their food is actually very good.
Also, I agree that Sunday's wander-from-one-to-another roundtable discussions are definitely worthwhile, as then usually end up being huge Q&A sessions on that particular hotel or airline. Definitely worth staying for, as I'm surprised that some folks head out a bit early.
We've always stayed Sunday night too and then flown out Monday morning, so if anyone is up for dinner in the Holiday Inn bar/restaurant on Sunday night just let me know! Their food is actually very good.
Sep 18, 2016, 5:27 pm
#188
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SAV
Programs: ??????????
Posts: 963
As an fyi, there are 209 spots still open in the eventbrite registration. Maybe have MMS, Milevalue, etc do a post on Chicago Seminars since I haven't seen one show up yet?
Also, I agree that Sunday's wander-from-one-to-another roundtable discussions are definitely worthwhile, as then usually end up being huge Q&A sessions on that particular hotel or airline. Definitely worth staying for, as I'm surprised that some folks head out a bit early.
We've always stayed Sunday night too and then flown out Monday morning, so if anyone is up for dinner in the Holiday Inn bar/restaurant on Sunday night just let me know! Their food is actually very good.
Also, I agree that Sunday's wander-from-one-to-another roundtable discussions are definitely worthwhile, as then usually end up being huge Q&A sessions on that particular hotel or airline. Definitely worth staying for, as I'm surprised that some folks head out a bit early.
We've always stayed Sunday night too and then flown out Monday morning, so if anyone is up for dinner in the Holiday Inn bar/restaurant on Sunday night just let me know! Their food is actually very good.
Sep 20, 2016, 9:46 am
#189
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 19
Do A Pay per View
I would love to come to one of these conferences but cannot make this from where I live, Savannah.
I would gladly pay the same fee for a pay per view, where I could watch on my computer, and be able to ask questions by typing those in.
Is it possible to consider doing this in the future?
Why not do this in Savannah, GA in the spring. Savannah is one of the most gorgeous and unique places in the USA.
I would gladly pay the same fee for a pay per view, where I could watch on my computer, and be able to ask questions by typing those in.
Is it possible to consider doing this in the future?
Why not do this in Savannah, GA in the spring. Savannah is one of the most gorgeous and unique places in the USA.
Sep 20, 2016, 9:51 am
#190
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SAV
Programs: ??????????
Posts: 963
I would love to come to one of these conferences but cannot make this from where I live, Savannah.
I would gladly pay the same fee for a pay per view, where I could watch on my computer, and be able to ask questions by typing those in.
Is it possible to consider doing this in the future?
Why not do this in Savannah, GA in the spring. Savannah is one of the most gorgeous and unique places in the USA.
I would gladly pay the same fee for a pay per view, where I could watch on my computer, and be able to ask questions by typing those in.
Is it possible to consider doing this in the future?
Why not do this in Savannah, GA in the spring. Savannah is one of the most gorgeous and unique places in the USA.
Regarding tech, this isn't something we'd consider doing -- too much to ask for from a bunch of volunteers -- we have a hard enough time making sure the projectors in each room work!
Coordinate a lunch with me at Zunzi's, Kayak, or Collins Quarter and I'll be happy to chat points/miles with you. I live downtown off of Forsyth.
Sep 20, 2016, 9:56 am
#191
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 19
I work here in Savannah and actually live over in SC. I work out on Mall Blvd., close to the Oglethorpe Mall. I would be glad to buy you lunch and talk miles. Email me at housleyengineering AT gmail DOT com
Sep 21, 2016, 8:04 am
#192
Join Date: Apr 2016
Programs: AA, UA, SPG, Hyatt, IHG Spire Elite, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8
I would've loved to stay overnight on Sunday however there were no frontier flights until Tuesday, and my husband and I are already out of vacation days so we have to fly out Sunday evening (will miss 2pm onwards, our flight leaves at 4.45) 
Ah the life of a 9-5!
We actually live quite close to Savannah (well, ok, two hours), but if there is a weekend meetup happening let us know!
Ah the life of a 9-5! We actually live quite close to Savannah (well, ok, two hours), but if there is a weekend meetup happening let us know!
Sep 22, 2016, 1:12 pm
#193
Join Date: May 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: UA, AS, Marriott, Hyatt
Posts: 46
Someone mentioned the Sheraton Suites nearby already. I'm confirming that I'm staying there. Let me know if you want to ride share on Uber/Lyft, etc. to and from the hotel to the HI. 3k SPG per night is a great deal.
Sep 25, 2016, 9:22 pm
#194
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Stuck in the office, FOR NOW...
Programs: WN, UA Silver, Marriott/SPG Platinum, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 22
Both of the Priority Pass lounges at ORD list International only. Is that enforced? I'd like to break in this new membership.
Sep 26, 2016, 3:59 pm
#195
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,546
Yes it is. T5 is not connected to the other terminals inside of security. Unless you have a boarding pass for a flight departing from T5 there will be no way to access those lounges.