Canarsie

This exploratory discussion with a poll is in conjunction with the initial findings posted at The Gate regarding the potential demand for seminars by FlyerTalk — whether as one major event every year or every other year, or perhaps smaller events at key locations around the world.

Sample topics could include but not be limited to:

• How to use MyFlyerTalk and other functions of FlyerTalk designed for efficiency and time savings
• How to decipher the cryptic discussion of “tricking” and negotiating special savings and “fuel dumps”
• FlyerTalk 101: a basic primer for the new or inexperienced user
• Moderators, TalkBoard members and Ambassadors: What are their roles and how can they be of assistance to you?
• What is a “mileage run” and how to use the tools available on FlyerTalk to construct one to your benefit
• Technical sessions: how to search on FlyerTalk, how to perform functions such as multi-quote, add a signature, formatting what you post on FlyerTalk, etc.
• The tone of FlyerTalk: how can it be improved?
• Presentation sessions by the “bloggers” of Frugal Travel Guy, FrequentFlier.com and — of course — The Gate
• All about FlyerTalk features in-depth, such as FlightConnect, LoungeConnect, live chat, photo gallery and calendars for gatherings of FlyerTalk members

If FlyerTalk held its own seminars, would you attend? Please participate in the simple poll above, and please elaborate your opinions, thoughts and suggestions in this discussion.

Thank you in advance.

itsaboutthejourney

Great ideas there. I see things broken into 2 tracks:

1 - Functionality/mechanics of the FlyerTalk site and features
2 - Informational seminars for things such as Milage Runs, maximizing credit cards, etc.

I'd think this would be a coveted audience so sponsorships could cover the costs so I voted no to paying, but I wouldn't be opposed to a small fee to cover expenses.

weather

I feel exactly the same way. Would love to attend and would help pay expenses but would be opposed to someone making money from sharing information.

woofly

Agree as somebody who spends most of my time in the Miles and Points forums it would be great to hear about the additional forums and how the FT community is leveraging those conversations.

GRALISTAIR

I would actually be willing to give a presentation too. I love public speaking. However, and this is a must, would have to be a Friday evening or any time at the weekend. Justifying time off work to attend an event like this would not be easy.

goalie

A great thread ^ and I would be very interested in not only attending but also volunteering* (and perhaps if (n.b. if) the overhead is covered, any remaining fund could be donated to charity?)


*don't know about speaking unless folks really want to know the science about giving out Tootsie-Pops® (tho in reality, it's all about spreading smiles)

abaheti

One word: Webinar. Could make it much easier to attend and great format for some of topics listed in the first post. Other topics lend themselves to live settings, of course.

polarpacific

Great idea !

Where and When ?

saltytheseagull

I'm confused... doesn't this already exist?

Non-NonRev

+1 - You beat me to it

I work on weekends and wouldn't be able to go on those days.

Webinar would also offer the ability to wideo-podcast for those who were not able to attend or watch the live session.

GRALISTAIR

I hear what you are saying but the advantage of having a live seminar is that it can be tied in with a DO also. More of us would meet each other and a few cold adult beverages can also be enjoyed.

travis bickle

I would prefer it NOT devolve into a "look at all the wonderful results I had type of presentation".

Taking off on a momen'ts notice in order to accrue X amount of points requires an initial availability of $$$ and time. I for one do not have the available $$$ or money that a number of other FTers have, nor do I have the benefit of living in/near a major airline hub [sob] so - show/demonstrate the tools, definitely give examples letting us know what potential benefits exist, and then let us plug in our own time and money factors concerning how often something can be done.

PS - and, I think the FIRST session should be on improving the tone of FT.

swag

As with other frequent traveler seminars, I'd be interested in attending if the location and timing worked out. (I've never made one, since they always seem to be on weekends when I have other plans).

I wouldn't mind paying; if I have to travel to attend, the travel costs would likely dwarf the attendance fee anyway.

Personally, I'd be more interested in the travel topics than the FT-site sessions; after a decade here, I think I know how to use the site. But that's just me...

ThereYaGo

I guess that depends on the fee...?

Canarsie

I just want to be clear that this is not an idea proposed by Internet Brands, the company which owns FlyerTalk. However, I believe that key people at Internet Brands are aware of this discussion. Nothing is “set in stone” pertaining to this proposed idea, so please be creative and come up with your own suggestions on what would be ideal for you, as FlyerTalk members have been doing.

Because I have been involved in organizing FlyerTalk events in the past — such as the 2010 Delta Air Lines FlyerTalk Event, for example — it would be naďve to ignore that there would be costs involved that may or may not be covered by sponsors. That is the main reason for the question about fees.

Webinars is certainly a potentially good idea and can indeed be integrated with the proposed concept, but I would have to agree with the following statement:Having now met hundreds of FlyerTalk members in person, I can say from personal experience that nothing can replace face-to-face contact — even at a seminar.I completely agree.There you go, ThereYaGo.

What would be reasonable for you?