"Chicago Seminars 2011" October 29 and 30 Registration Open
Feb 22, 11, 8:49 pm
#17
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: UA MM *G, AA EXP, OW Emerald, Hyatt Globalist, Gold everywhere else
Posts: 826
After missing last year to due to a previous commitment, I'm going to keep that weekend open this time. Bring on the signup links...
(~$400 AUS-ORD this far out? Ick, what's up with that?)
(~$400 AUS-ORD this far out? Ick, what's up with that?)
Feb 22, 11, 9:22 pm
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,096
Originally Posted by paranoiatx
After missing last year to due to a previous commitment, I'm going to keep that weekend open this time. Bring on the signup links...
(~$400 AUS-ORD this far out? Ick, what's up with that?)
(~$400 AUS-ORD this far out? Ick, what's up with that?)
Feb 23, 11, 8:16 am
#23
Join Date: May 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: AA (current EXP, occasional PLT, 0MM); UA; DL
Posts: 6,159
Thank you for doing this again. I am planning to be there. While I can't bring 1000 apples or bananas, I'd be happy to help with other chores. 
I understand factoring in the hotel's POV in giving preference to those who are also renting a room. However, keeping the FF community's interest in mind as well, I suggest also reserving a % of slots for those who could not attend last year's DO.
Of course, if this means that I get left out, so be it, and I can always look for an apple/banana elsewhere in Chicago.
Just a quick comment, have you considered other area hotels? McCormick Place? 
I understand factoring in the hotel's POV in giving preference to those who are also renting a room. However, keeping the FF community's interest in mind as well, I suggest also reserving a % of slots for those who could not attend last year's DO.
Of course, if this means that I get left out, so be it, and I can always look for an apple/banana elsewhere in Chicago.
Originally Posted by toomanybooks
When considering a repeat of last year's DO, of course we looked at other hotels in the ORD area. To forestall numerous comments I know are coming...
Last edited by aktchi; Feb 23, 11 at 10:25 am
Feb 23, 11, 10:49 am
#26
Moderator: Mileage Run, United Airlines; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: The City/Honolulu
Programs: UA 3MM; Hyatt Glob*****; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,422
Hmmmmm. I replied to this thread yesterday, but it has disappeared. Hopefully, this one will stick.
I'd also be interested in a UA Ops tour if that does happen.
I'd also be interested in a UA Ops tour if that does happen.
Feb 23, 11, 2:16 pm
#27
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: DTW/FNT
Programs: Delta (nee NW), Hilton Diamond. IHG (PT)
Posts: 4,823
Originally Posted by toomanybooks
Reserved for comments from toomanybooks
Furthermore, these other hotels:
1. Failed to return repeated phone calls.
2. Changed terms and conditions after we had negotiated things.
3. Changed weekend dates on us unilaterally when a better offer came along, then lied about it (a real pi$$er)
4. Wanted IMMENSE amounts of money for microphones, projectors, wi-fi, etc.
5. Switched sales reps on us so we had to explain everything all over again
6. Were going to cost 50% more
7. etc.
....
The only hotel that would not make us sign a personal guarantee was the EGV Holiday Inn, because they know for certain we will completely fill their hotel in a few hours the way we did last time..
Furthermore, these other hotels:
1. Failed to return repeated phone calls.
2. Changed terms and conditions after we had negotiated things.
3. Changed weekend dates on us unilaterally when a better offer came along, then lied about it (a real pi$$er)
4. Wanted IMMENSE amounts of money for microphones, projectors, wi-fi, etc.
5. Switched sales reps on us so we had to explain everything all over again
6. Were going to cost 50% more
7. etc.
....
The only hotel that would not make us sign a personal guarantee was the EGV Holiday Inn, because they know for certain we will completely fill their hotel in a few hours the way we did last time..
It's a bit easier for our organization because we have a track record for these conventions that goes back more than a half century, so it's easy for a hotel to look up our record for room pick ups.
For a meeting like a FT DO, there's no such track record to draw on.
Unfortunately, Mrs BobH and I already have multiple scheduling conflicts that weekend and this DO represents the fourth city in three states we're supposed to be at during a 96 hour window and at best we're going to make 2 of the 4 events.
Question of the day -- is there a way we'll be able to get copy of the presentations after the DO? And yes I already have a copy of Ingy's book which should be a required prerequisite for all attending.
Bob H
Feb 23, 11, 6:04 pm
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: BOS/ORH
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 18,234
Is it known how many days before and after the seminar dates the rate would be good for? I guess i need to learn to be more patient
Since the information presented may be sensitive handouts arent really given out. sometimes the presenters make edited versions of their presentations available. Yes Ingy's book is great. Hopefully more will be available at the seminar. I'm guessing they will be available for a donation to some sort of charity
You didn't miss, its not posted yet
New schedule is supposed to be out March 14th so plenty of time to book WN.
Originally Posted by BobH
Question of the day -- is there a way we'll be able to get copy of the presentations after the DO? And yes I already have a copy of Ingy's book which should be a required prerequisite for all attending.
Originally Posted by cjares
I'd love to sign up, but did I miss the sign-up link, or is it not yet posted?
Originally Posted by toomanybooks
Hey, take WN to MDW. Can't book yet, though.
