Thanks for the quick responses. Thanks ALC for the suggestion of a set itinerary upon arrival.

I have done some additional searching on this forum and have found several instances of similar situations.

What I have gathered is:

1) be proactive- others will also be displaced and I am competing for space.
2) be prepared - with suggestions and routings.
3) Be persistent.

I am not sure sure Aeroplan cares that I am SE/MM...other than I have access to IKK...which may or may not help in this instance.

I am researching now...any other suggestions are welcome.

Plumber