2011 DTW / Ann Arbor Art Fair Alumni & Friends Mini-Do (July 22-24)
#46
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Programs: Airline Free Agent, Fairmont Lifetime Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 3,041
Congrats Dr. jjlovecob! I think you have a good excuse for not making it
I have put my Greece ticket search efforts on hold for now to deal with some business issues which may take a while. If I am still here I am not missing the DO!
I would like to see hands on stuff on award booking. I also volunteer Cliff to test us for his Chicago FT presentation on technology;-)
I have put my Greece ticket search efforts on hold for now to deal with some business issues which may take a while. If I am still here I am not missing the DO!
I would like to see hands on stuff on award booking. I also volunteer Cliff to test us for his Chicago FT presentation on technology;-)
#47
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-Atlantic
Programs: AA Plat, UA Silver, DL Silver, Marriott Titanium, etc.
Posts: 4,212
Originally Posted by jjlovecub
Grizshel,
Unfortunatley I will not be able to make it this year after several years in a row. As I told Bike Guy, I will be at my graduation! Normally, I am not one for walking but this is a special one as I will change my name to Dr. JJLOVECUB. I don't know anymore but I have a cool title Hope to catch you all next year!
Grizshel,
Unfortunatley I will not be able to make it this year after several years in a row. As I told Bike Guy, I will be at my graduation! Normally, I am not one for walking but this is a special one as I will change my name to Dr. JJLOVECUB. I don't know anymore but I have a cool title Hope to catch you all next year!
#48
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-Atlantic
Programs: AA Plat, UA Silver, DL Silver, Marriott Titanium, etc.
Posts: 4,212
I have put my Greece ticket search efforts on hold for now to deal with some business issues which may take a while. If I am still here I am not missing the DO!
I would like to see hands on stuff on award booking. I also volunteer Cliff to test us for his Chicago FT presentation on technology;-)
I would like to see hands on stuff on award booking. I also volunteer Cliff to test us for his Chicago FT presentation on technology;-)
Don't know if we'll have any of the top experts on award booking this year, but we might be able to pitch in and give a few good tips at least. Still checking on internet access for Saturday afternoon. Does anyone remember? - it seems we set it up at the Pittsfield Town Hall last time we were there.
#49
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Programs: Airline Free Agent, Fairmont Lifetime Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 3,041
If the number of attendees is small maybe we can all fit in one of the big tables at a local Panera bread store, bring our laptops and have HANDS ON award booking help. After many presentations on awards over the past few years, I think we can all use hands on help and leave theory behind.
And better get your extra 50k Chase Sapphire rewards points if you recently got just 50k. Check millionmilesecrets.com for it or the applicable FT thread^
And better get your extra 50k Chase Sapphire rewards points if you recently got just 50k. Check millionmilesecrets.com for it or the applicable FT thread^
#50
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lansing, MI
Programs: Delta skymiles Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2
Hi - we are newbies to flyer talk and would love to gather with you in Ann Arbor. Please count myself and my hubby in! We can't wait to make new friends and learn from the experts!
#51
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: SE MI.
Posts: 309
Count me in
Looks like I can make it for Saturday after all. For those that may be interested I'm going to do a short talk about tech related tools and techniques that can be used help increase your efficiency at information gathering.
I'll pull together a short overview of things I'll cover and post on this thread soon.
I'll pull together a short overview of things I'll cover and post on this thread soon.
#52
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-Atlantic
Programs: AA Plat, UA Silver, DL Silver, Marriott Titanium, etc.
Posts: 4,212
grwcrna: Hi - we are newbies to flyer talk and would love to gather with you in Ann Arbor. Please count myself and my hubby in! We can't wait to make new friends and learn from the experts!
Looks like I can make it for Saturday after all. For those that may be interested I'm going to do a short talk about tech related tools and techniques that can be used help increase your efficiency at information gathering.
I'll pull together a short overview of things I'll cover and post on this thread soon.
I'll pull together a short overview of things I'll cover and post on this thread soon.
gpapadop: If the number of attendees is small maybe we can all fit in one of the big tables at a local Panera bread store, bring our laptops and have HANDS ON award booking help. After many presentations on awards over the past few years, I think we can all use hands on help and leave theory behind.
P.S. - I have a great story about my transportation to get to Ann Arbor - I'll tell you when I get there.
Also, if you are having trouble finding a good and cheap hotel room in Ann Arbor, drop me a PM.
UPDATE, 6/29/2011:
see post #53.
I was getting the following message when I tried to add a post:
You have reached the maximum number of posts (0) allowed in a 24 minute period for this forum
Last edited by GrizShel; Jun 29, 2011 at 11:46 am Reason: not allowed to add a new post on this thread!!!
#53
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-Atlantic
Programs: AA Plat, UA Silver, DL Silver, Marriott Titanium, etc.
Posts: 4,212
We will have internet access at the Pittsfield Township meeting room! (we'll just need to remember to ask for the password when we pick up the room key.)
Here's the address:
Pittsfield Charter Township
6201 W. Michigan Avenue
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
Looking forward very much to a great time of sharing good food and drink and sharing travel tips and tricks with each other!
I'd encourage each person who attends to come up with one travel challenge they'd like the group to work on. Here's mine, rather simple but I'm really not sure the best way to do this:
I need to get a one-way flight at the best possible paid rate or award deal from Taipei to Manilla this fall. I currently have miles in the following programs:
AA
British Airways
Continental / UA
Delta
bmi
Added factor: I'll probably have about 2x50 lbs of luggage to check on this flight.
Here's the address:
Pittsfield Charter Township
6201 W. Michigan Avenue
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
Looking forward very much to a great time of sharing good food and drink and sharing travel tips and tricks with each other!
I'd encourage each person who attends to come up with one travel challenge they'd like the group to work on. Here's mine, rather simple but I'm really not sure the best way to do this:
I need to get a one-way flight at the best possible paid rate or award deal from Taipei to Manilla this fall. I currently have miles in the following programs:
AA
British Airways
Continental / UA
Delta
bmi
Added factor: I'll probably have about 2x50 lbs of luggage to check on this flight.
#54
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Programs: Airline Free Agent, Fairmont Lifetime Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 3,041
I got my award tickets to ATH Aug 1 -20 so I should be at the DO!
#55
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-Atlantic
Programs: AA Plat, UA Silver, DL Silver, Marriott Titanium, etc.
Posts: 4,212
That's great news, see you in 3 weeks!
I'll be offline most of the next week, if your status for the Do in post #2 changes, let us know.
Here's a rental car challenge to tackle for the Do, we'll compare answers and learn from each other:
Find the best 8-day rate you can for a mid-size rental car from Jackson Hole, WY airport for peak July travel dates in 2011 and 2012, namely:
* July 2 to 10 for 2011 (or if you read this too late try July 9 to 17).
* June 30 to July 8, 2012. (yes it will be possible to make July 2012 reservations with at least some companies before our Do).
(the rate code should be generally available to all, but rates requiring easily obtained memberships like AAA and Entertainment Card will be allowed).
I'll be offline most of the next week, if your status for the Do in post #2 changes, let us know.
Here's a rental car challenge to tackle for the Do, we'll compare answers and learn from each other:
Find the best 8-day rate you can for a mid-size rental car from Jackson Hole, WY airport for peak July travel dates in 2011 and 2012, namely:
* July 2 to 10 for 2011 (or if you read this too late try July 9 to 17).
* June 30 to July 8, 2012. (yes it will be possible to make July 2012 reservations with at least some companies before our Do).
(the rate code should be generally available to all, but rates requiring easily obtained memberships like AAA and Entertainment Card will be allowed).
#56
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Charleston, SC, USA
Programs: Avis Pref+, Hyatt Explorist, Marriott Life Gold, Honors Silver, IHG Plat via MC.
Posts: 6,786
Please note that ex-Beatle Paul McCartney will perform live at Comerica Park (new Tiger Stadium) in Downtown Detroit on Sun. 7/24 @ 8PM!
The Downtown Detroit Marriott at the Ren Cen has rooms available for Cat. 4 awards! From there it's a 25 minute walk or 8--10 minute People Mover (toy Metro/ Subway/ L) ride to the concert.
Sorry, I can't make it, as I will be in Milwaukee that weekend to hear the Monkees & Frankie Valli in concert, then Sir Paul on Wed. 7/27 in Montreal!
The Downtown Detroit Marriott at the Ren Cen has rooms available for Cat. 4 awards! From there it's a 25 minute walk or 8--10 minute People Mover (toy Metro/ Subway/ L) ride to the concert.
Sorry, I can't make it, as I will be in Milwaukee that weekend to hear the Monkees & Frankie Valli in concert, then Sir Paul on Wed. 7/27 in Montreal!
#57
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-Atlantic
Programs: AA Plat, UA Silver, DL Silver, Marriott Titanium, etc.
Posts: 4,212
Here's some more info, looking forward to seeing you!
ITINERARY
Saturday:
11:30 - 12:30 Coffee / light lunch Time (location TBD)
12:30 - 4:30 Miles and Points Time, includes:
* Dlouise37 Technology talk
* Best travel tips contest
* Discussion of rate guarantee programs
* Teaming up to solve your personal travel challengesl
LOCATION:
Pittsfield Charter Township
6227 Michigan Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48108-9791
(734) 996-3011
DIRECTIONS (from Fairfield Inn at Briarwood Mall):
Fairfield Inn Ann Arbor3285 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 - (800) 408-1366
1. Head southwest on Boardwalk Dr toward Victors Way
go 102 ft
2. Turn right onto Victors Way
go 0.2 mi
3. Turn left onto S State St
go 0.2 mi
4. Merge onto I-94 E via the ramp to Detroit
go 2.8 mi
5. Take exit 180A to merge onto US-23 S toward Toledo
go 1.4 mi
6. Take exit 34 for US-12 toward Saline
go 0.4 mi
7. Turn right onto US-12 W/W Michigan Ave
go 1.1 mi
ARRIVE Pittsfield Township, MI
total 6.1 miles.
5:30 - 9 PM: Drinks and Dinner (Original Cottage Inn)
Cottage Inn Pizza
512 East William Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2490
(734) 663-3379
(I think we'll go back to the OCI, but I am going to ask Bikeguy what he thinks of the Conor O'Neill's Traditional Irish Pub/Restaurant at 318 S Main St. (neaby OCI), as that also looks like a nice option. (feel free to voice your opinion as well.)
Sunday:
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM Brunch at Webers
3050 Jackson Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI
(734) 665-3636 ()
ITINERARY
Saturday:
11:30 - 12:30 Coffee / light lunch Time (location TBD)
12:30 - 4:30 Miles and Points Time, includes:
* Dlouise37 Technology talk
* Best travel tips contest
* Discussion of rate guarantee programs
* Teaming up to solve your personal travel challengesl
LOCATION:
Pittsfield Charter Township
6227 Michigan Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48108-9791
(734) 996-3011
DIRECTIONS (from Fairfield Inn at Briarwood Mall):
Fairfield Inn Ann Arbor3285 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 - (800) 408-1366
1. Head southwest on Boardwalk Dr toward Victors Way
go 102 ft
2. Turn right onto Victors Way
go 0.2 mi
3. Turn left onto S State St
go 0.2 mi
4. Merge onto I-94 E via the ramp to Detroit
go 2.8 mi
5. Take exit 180A to merge onto US-23 S toward Toledo
go 1.4 mi
6. Take exit 34 for US-12 toward Saline
go 0.4 mi
7. Turn right onto US-12 W/W Michigan Ave
go 1.1 mi
ARRIVE Pittsfield Township, MI
total 6.1 miles.
5:30 - 9 PM: Drinks and Dinner (Original Cottage Inn)
Cottage Inn Pizza
512 East William Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2490
(734) 663-3379
(I think we'll go back to the OCI, but I am going to ask Bikeguy what he thinks of the Conor O'Neill's Traditional Irish Pub/Restaurant at 318 S Main St. (neaby OCI), as that also looks like a nice option. (feel free to voice your opinion as well.)
Sunday:
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM Brunch at Webers
3050 Jackson Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI
(734) 665-3636 ()
Last edited by GrizShel; Jul 13, 2011 at 8:18 pm
#58
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Programs: Airline Free Agent, Fairmont Lifetime Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 3,041
Ok, I think I am good for most of these. I may need to leave around 8 pm on Saturday night to go pick him up from UofM soccer camp across town. Looking forward to see everyone!
#59
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,372
+1 here, same timing. I'm taking a redeye from SEA the night before so may be a little late for the miles and points program
#60
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: DTW/FNT
Programs: Delta (nee NW), Hilton Diamond. IHG (PT)
Posts: 4,823
Here's some more info, looking forward to seeing you!
Pittsfield Charter Township[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B]
6227 Michigan Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48108-9791
(734) 996-3011
DIRECTIONS (from Fairfield Inn at Briarwood Mall):
Fairfield Inn Ann Arbor3285 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 - (800) 408-1366
Pittsfield Charter Township[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B]
6227 Michigan Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48108-9791
(734) 996-3011
DIRECTIONS (from Fairfield Inn at Briarwood Mall):
Fairfield Inn Ann Arbor3285 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 - (800) 408-1366
There's a much shorter way to get there from the Briarwood Motel Cluster ---
Just take State St. South to Ellsworth and then turn left and go east a couple of miles to Platt Street and turn right (and go south) crossing US12/ Michigan Ave to the township hall.
Bob H