My first FT gathering was in September 2001. It was a mileage run/DO with a bunch of AA FTers. I still count people I met that weekend among my circle of friends.

Eighteen Hours in Taipei

My second FT gathering was in my own backyard in DFW in September 2001. One of the hosts of that DO actually serves on the board of my company now.

Party in the Metroplex

Over the years, I've had friendships with many FTers - even dated a couple of them. Many of those bonds have long outlasted their posting duration on these forums. I can count people I met through FT among my inner circle in real life and I love that I've got more than a couple dozen cities around the world where I will never lack a dining companion for the friends I've made here.

I don't find much time to attend DOs these days... I still try to make London every February as I have for close to a decade. And I do scan Community from time-to-time to see if anything matches up with my travel plans.