FlyerTalk Forums - Chicago Seminars Oct 12-14, 2012

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I'll try to answer

Quote:

Originally Posted by needtoescape (Post 18132553)

I'm on the verge of registering and had a few questions:

1) I assume it is still worthwhile to go even if I can't attend the Friday night sessions, true or false?

2) How much knowledge is necessary to get the most out of the "advanced" sessions? I have been a regular reader on FT for a couple of years, so in the areas of my interest, I believe that I have more than "beginner" knowledge but am not an expert. I don't want to attend sessions that are way over my head, but OTOH, I don't want to attend sessions that are too basic or about topics that are less relevant for me.

3) Are the hotel and airline "breakout" sessions structured so that:
a) there is a general session applicable to all programs followed by a breakout where participants choose a single program (or alliance) for the remainder of the time
b) There is a general session followed by the opportunity to select more than one (non-concurrent) breakout sessions
c) There are breakout sessions (program/alliance specific) only?

4) Are there any hotels within easy walking distance of the host hotel, since it is fully booked, and past participants have indicated issues with the shuttle service from the overflow hotel?

Thanks!

1. I think most people will tell you it is still worth it.

2. I'm just guessing but two years on FT should get you into the advanced sessions. I personally would pick by topic as you can mix and match knowledge levels.

3. We learned alot at last years breakout sessions. First everybody liked them. We had too many groups in one room so we split it up this year with Hotels at one time and airlies at another. Also there will be short presentations by qualified people to start the sessions. Geoffco has top tier on three airlines. He'll talk til somebody kicks him off the stage and we have moderators for each of the major domestic airlines. Toomanybooks may do a moderated session on Southwest. In the hotel moderated breakout, we have one expert each of four talking for ten minutes max about their program then leading a discussion group.

4. I can't answer. Somebody want to step in here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by needtoescape (Post 18132553)

4) Are there any hotels within easy walking distance of the host hotel, since it is fully booked, and past participants have indicated issues with the shuttle service from the overflow hotel?

Thanks!

There really aren't any hotels nearby that are walking distance to the Holiday Inn. I stayed at a Marriott property last year near the airport, but I rented a car.

There is a Sheraton north of the hotel, but you need a car, but some stayed there and took taxis. It appeared to me that the shuttle to the backup Holiday Inn seemed to work. I believe they had a school bus to accommodate the volume of people.

If you are not at the host hotel or backup hotel - you likely need to get a car. Cars are expensive in Chicago unless you have a corporate contract. But there are hotels cheaper than the host hotel (a Marriott Courtyard 5 miles down for example).

Quote:

Originally Posted by cova (Post 18133345)

Seeing as it is a weekend, car rates shouldn't be expensive. Perhaps try www.autoslash.com where they'll check the rates for you up until your date of rental.

There are 3 hotels in Elk Grove which are close to the host hotel but not really within walking distance (Ramada, Howard Johnson, Days Inn), the Ramada & HoJo are plausible at best but the Days Inn steer well clear of!!!

Thanks Frugal Travel Guy, Cova, and Sweet Willie for your quick and informative responses!

I don't think I want to rent a car, take taxis, or stay at a Ramada, Howard Johnson, or Days Inn (I was hoping for a SPG or Hilton property next door to the host hotel ;)), so I will be fine with the shuttle from the overflow hotel.

I appreciate that the seminar is during the time that USAirways historically does the Grand Slam, making a stay at a hotel chain where I don't have status or collect points worthwhile.

Quote:

Originally Posted by needtoescape (Post 18133586)

I appreciate that the seminar is during the time that USAirways historically does the Grand Slam, making a stay at a hotel chain where I don't have status or collect points worthwhile.

just a thought, car rentals are usually a "cheap" way to get hits for rentals reserved on weekends. You could get 2, perhaps 3 car rental hits depending upon your travel that weekend.

The "QUANTITY" drop down menu is limited to one (1). Is this user error or is Eventbrite going to require me to go through the whole spiel twice? [thegrailer+1 attends the ORD DO with me] No biggie just annoying

Cheers -

One at a time Grailer

Quote:

Originally Posted by thegrailer (Post 18156232)

Just one at a time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frugal Travel Guy (Post 18159541)

Just one at a time.

Thank you

Just registered! This is my first conference/get together of any kind like this, very excited to learn a lot and meet people.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chopkins (Post 18162779)

Just registered! This is my first conference/get together of any kind like this, very excited to learn a lot and meet people.

You won't regret it. There are a handful of us DC folks going!

I've registered. Not 100% certain I'll attend but it's quite likely. Not going to stay at the host properties this year, though. Probably burn some points at a Starwood of Hilton property.

So bummed I can't make it this year. Learned a tons last year. BUT I just picked up a tip from the lovely Sweet Willie to check out autoslash.com. See you learn even when you can't attend the DO!

According to the Eventbrite registration page, less than 275 tickets remain available ... meaning over half the allotted 550 tickets are gone ... in less than 9 days. I believe it took over 90 days last year to reach that same 275 sales level.

Congrats to Frugal Travel Guy on putting together yet another great program. Looking forward to attending #3!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frugal Travel Guy (Post 18159541)

Just one at a time.

Just like earning EQM, one mile at a time.

thanks for the kudos but it is not me

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmd001 (Post 18170110)

When we are done we will have over 50 volunteers involved in putting this event on.. It is a labor of love and "grass roots" program designed for those of all experience and financial circumstances.

Come meet your travel buddies and learn a trick or two.