william has previously replied that the VIP level is by invitation only and has to go through some kind of starwood board of directors deliberation.

Although little is know, insiders have known that usually some SPG franchise property owners have gotten them, those who contribute a significant amount of business to starwood also gets them. AS to what contribute significant amount of business, that has relatively been kept low profile by all starwood insiders but it would be safe to say unless you have some form important business connection with starwood board, its quite a lot.

BUT SPG VIP status isnt really that great if you think about it as these people more or less can afford those presidential suites and the beaniies are usually just a bit more than SPG plat members unless the hotel is fully booked out or that the SPG property is holding onto room inventory from general public.

cheers