Originally Posted by kokonutz

Yes, the FTUs including the upcoming one in Seattle are run by the FtEF. You can read the thread about that organization in this forum, but generally speaking it is put on and run by the same guys who co-own milepoint, except they run it through a non-profit organization. Gary Leff, author or the blog view from the wing and co-owner of milepoint is organizing the Seattle event and you can look at the thread in this forum about that specific event for more details.

The Chicago Seminars are put on by a group of volunteers from flyer talk and as such operate on a less formal (but still highly organized) basis. Since they are a Ft community barn-raising affair the threads about them reside in the community forum.

I have not attended either because from looking at the offerings they seem rather remedial for anyone who has spent a few days reading flyer talk. They also appear to be quite similar in terms of speakers, programs, etc.

My personal advice is, before shelling out a hundy or whatever, swing by the ft community forum and check out a local ft happy hour or dinner. You'll find not just a ton of info at these informal gatherings but you get a chance to network with points and miles geeks. I even met my wife at a ft gathering!

A great way for even introverts to get a feel for the people behind the handles and soak up some points and miles nerd knowledge.