PiP IV ...........or?
 

It is that PiP (Party in P "_ _ _ _" ) planning time of year again………….

I had a great time at the last one, primarily due to the crowd, with the balance of the thrill coming from being in Cannes for a few days. We need to do it again!

Two questions that need answering for that to happen are "when" and "where".

The where that I would like to propose is Perth, Australia.

The when is a tougher question. We have some rather significant events planned for June, August, September and November on three different continents and I think that it will be rather tough to do all of them as well as a PiP in Perth. Moreover, I feel planning an FT event should be done only after considering what other commitments others might have in terms of FlyerTalk Do's etc. The organizers of the events already gathering steam would reasonably expect to not have other events planned right around or too close to their own events. Turnouts are always better when events are spaced out a bit anyway.

So here is what I have been tossing around as an alternative to squeezing in another major event this year:

Plan a PiP IV for 2003 and start working towards a FlyerTalk Do Challenge 2003. Maybe even give it a snazzy title like FlyerTalk Do Challenge 2003.

What I envision is a card which shall get stamped at each Do you attend and in order to qualify for the grand prize (whatever that ends up being) you must attend a Do on at least 4 different continents in 2003. The definition of a qualifying Do will have to be worked out as we go.

I am guessing that there will likely be events to get your card stamped at including:

A Dusseldorf Do
A few Do's on the East Coast
A SEA Do or two
A San Francisco breakfast Do or two with Rudi
A SIN run rendezvous Do
A PiP IV Do
A Single's Do
A SAN Do
A Freddies Do

Etc.

…and maybe……..

A Tokyo Do (so we can get that four continents idea working)
A BBQ Tour Do (if I can twist a certain Texas resident's http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif arm into leading the way)

How about this idea? It would mean postponing the PiP until next year, but we could perhaps get a better turnout and not put so much strain on our collective wallets.

I am having a great time recently planning my schedule to allow me to attend as many of these this year as possible, and I would love to hear your thoughts on this idea for PiP postponement.

Mike

[This message has been edited by mjm (edited 02-22-2002).]

Perth sounds good to me, but Melbourne sounds better. It's a much richer city with loads to do. And it's a non-stop from the U.S. which is important for many of us.

As for Asia, rather than expensive Tokyo, why not KUL or SIN or BKK?

I guess it is Perth becauses of PP

[This message has been edited by Rudi (edited 02-22-2002).]

Rudi you got the idea. However, if we can identify a city as paradise like city then we can use that also. Honolulu is the grandfather city for these parties and we can use that style of city selection if everybody is up for it.

Tokyo would just be one possibility. It occured to me that as a transfer point for many flights to the rest of Asia, we might be able to do something here easily. I would love to do SIN, KUL, etc. as alternatives, but I know that most of the year I am here and can host one here even if it is just for one night. The cost issue is without question true though so we would have to be creative if one were done here.

More importantly though guys and everyone, how about the timing being next year as opposed to this?

Mike

[This message has been edited by mjm (edited 02-22-2002).]

I like this idea!!!

The FT Do-Down Under!!!

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I missed Party in Provence but I am not going to miss this one. Looks like a great chance to finally use some KLM points.

Perth! Perth! Perth!!! (if only I really did get three votes...) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Jan/Feb 2003 would be fine by me. Nice weather that time of year in Oz I hear, too...

Award tix to OZ are much easier to get in the winter (June, July, Aug). And paid fares are much lower as well. Just a thought.

Good point, Geo. Barring a huge cash windfall or a big Oz fare sale, I'm going to be going for an award ticket myself, should Oz be our destination.

Ouch! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Oops, you mean Techgirl this time, right? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif



------------------
The perfect ladies' man is a perfect gentleman.

Have never been to Perth os that strikes my fancy, however in past events, a lot of people like to use their miles to attend and i know that awards to Australia are often hard to come by. I think that we really try to do something domestic in the US, not because we're trying to be best for the hmies, but because it still provides the best chance for those who really love FT to get toether. I think we've found over time that the destination is always cool but we tend to still spend most if not all our time in each others company.

I think PIP II in Hawaii is a great idea or even a popular destination that most everyone visits anyway - such as San Francisco. But, seeing over a 100 FTers at one of the next events would truly be way cool.

How about a PIN - party in Napa which would allow some great times, and great side attractions?

I'd suggest here at the House of Miles but honestly, there's really not much to satisfy the adventurous for most FTers.

Thank you, Randy, for the suggestion of a domestic gathering. While Cannes had less than 50 in attendance, and DUS is really Bernie's gig, I think domestic (North America) is realistic with all the cutbacks in travel that so many of us have had to deal with this year.

What exactly is the PIP? The ultimate party meant for all FTers to attend? Or a party at a exotic location that costs a lot for a plane ticket and accommodations? I think it would be great to go to Australia, but the time and money is not available.

I really liked the FAQ in Montreal, and the Catman Do III in New York City. Both had wonderful organization (thank you so much, flyme2, brigett, cat, premex and holly, and whoever else I forgot to thank) and I met so many FTers. Not that other get-togethers were not organized or anything negative. I just think something more feasible for the majority of FTers would be nice.

I want people to organize exotic meetings so I can read trip reports and dream, who am I to be against travel? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif But it would be nice if every year there was a party for the soul http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif purpose of meeting other FTers and getting to know each other. San Francisco, Chicago, New York City, and Washington, DC are all great cities with *activities*. Public transportation, priceline opportunities, great restaurants, etc. are plentiful.

This is my 2 cents. I would meet another FTer at Burger King to visit and chat, it's the company that counts!

Linda

Penang anyone?

While I have not attended any FTer DO's, it has not been for lack of interest . . . I certainly would love to put faces to names of some chat buddies.

I therefore would add a great big "DITTO" to Linda's comments . . . making it four cents' worth, I guess.


------------------
It's not a perfect world.

SYD or MEL if Oz, however I would also suggest JNB

Perth and environs are very pretty. One thing to be mindful of is that SYD-PER is a USA transcon type distance and fares are priced accordingly, although for non-locals QF has a not terribly cheap airpass deal. Virgin now flies it, but no points of any kind accrue or awards are possible to redeem. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Award tickets on the Pacific leg are traditionally tough to confirm, especially up front. And Ansett Mark II is still teetering pretty much precariously, and is still in the hands of administrators and I do not believe they will initially accept Star (UA etc) miles for award tickets. Later on this may change of course.

However with TWO oz dollars to one $US Australia is an incredibly inexpensive destination once you are here, with drink food, hotels cabs etc usually being HALF what you'd pay in the USA.

Another possible option to consider is somewhere South American - RIO being a pretty obvious choice as far as great cheapness when there, and wonderful things to do/see. A lot of carriers fly to GIG, and there are often good specials, and heaps of point redemption options as well. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I suggest the following places.

1. Domestic USA where nearby airports are served by Southwest. Cost of air travel is cheaper. (lower cost/mile http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif)

2. Europe in the spring/fall. Fares are not too bad & weather not too bad. Winter in Europe is even cheaper but weather not as good. (southern Europe may be better in winter). Could get lots of miles. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

3. If UA brings back the cheap SIN fares, maybe SIN would be suitable for a PIP. I miss the $500 fares!

4. Of course, I would like PER for PIP. I will start my award trip to OZ in PER in Nov. Award tix may be hard to come by & the fares to OZ are on the high side.

5. I would like to go to PIP. I had other plans when I found out about the PIP. I would have planned my Nice trip for Sept. instead of Oct of last year.

Thank you for reading this long post. Anywhere PIP ends up would be worthy of attending. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I was at the Catmans party in NYC in March of 2001. It was fabulous . Please count me in . I will be reading theses boards with interest.!!!

Although Perth is fine with me,
'P'raque in spring is very nice too, I heard...


edited to ask: how does one bold an alphabet?

[This message has been edited by belle3388 (edited 02-24-2002).]

Do you mean a Capital letter?

For me it doesn't really matter where the events are because if it is inexpensive than I will buy the ticket and if it is expensive than I will turn in miles.
For example there is going to be an event in dus-summer of 2003 (see my profile) and as soon as 365 days before event rolls around magic111 will be looking for a chance to redeem miles as I do not expect cheapo tix to Germany in the summer. Of course if inepensive tix do show up then I will turn the award back in and purchase tix.

So the trick is a destination that's easy to get reward seats to, cheap to buy tickets to, and has plentiful non-stop access from many points. Of course also has to be a fun place.

My suggestions:

Miami
San Francisco

Either in the fall.

I hereby nominate nominate the city of Atlanta for the next PIP.

Atlanta is a beautiful city during the fall, with temps in the mid-70s to low-80s. Hotel accomodations and restaurants are plentiful and affordable (of course, if you wanna dine on a shoestring, we have the world-famous Krispy Kreme donuts http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif.) Also, access by air is literally second to none, with Hartsfield being the world's #1 airport in terms of commercial air traffic.

A successful FT weekend event requires committed organizers. And committed organizers do a lot of work. I know. Captain Mike and I organized the SAN FT weekend last July, that attracted about 60 FTers.

My personal philosophy is that whoever is willing to raise his or her hand in the air gets to propose whatever location and dates suit the organizer (of course, avoiding FT events on the calendar). If mjm wants to organize an event in Perth, that's great. And some will come. I didn't attend mjm's Party in Provence last November, but it was obvious that he put enormous effort into planning a delightful party.

Will a US based party attract more? Yes, because so many of us live in the US and are able to fit in weekend travel into our work week. So far, it looks as though Chicago might be the best attended FT weekend event 2002. But the London dinner in January pulled in 20-plus people, the DUS weekend in Feb pulled in 40? or so; there will be a Paris weekend in late September that will attract many from Europe and the US, and even a Santiago weekend in November that has a dozen or so of us indicating we will fly south.

While it's all well and good for each of us to say where we would like to go, a party requires an organizer. I salute the people willing to do the work of planning, and will always argue that those of us who volunteer get to chose destination and timing.

mjm, if Australia sounds like a party place to you - go for it! There'll always be some FTers willing to take the flights and join you.

If it is in the US, could it be somewhere in NewMexico or Mississippi, b/c I need a reason to visit those states.

This post is about a mile long so have patience…………………

Wow! After reading this bunch of responses, I am very enthused to get this show on the road again. PiP IV will happen and I will be more than pleased to look after the arrangements. The input has been great and I may call upon some of you for advice or assistance going forward. It looks to be an event that is wanted and one that we all look to as one of the events we might target to attend using some of our vacation time, money and/or miles.

It will take some doing to have it live up to the standards being set and reset with each event that happens. Somehow it must seek to achieve the spirit of all the parties including the 1999 and 2001 PiPs, the DUS Do's, the various Stateside Do's including CatManDo, SEA, SAN, New Orleans, and Anna, Wendy, and Nick's ORD fling this summer, the upcoming first ever South America bash, and all the other terrific events we have been able to enjoy.

People are, as Randy says, the main reason we go. That being the case I am going to do as I did with the PiP 2001, and list a few of the main cities seeming to be the popular frontrunners and let the gang here decide. I can get to Perth anytime and I bet that a few people will be keen to do that trip as well. So much more fun with other travel fanatics to hang out with anyway. I am getting the impression that someplace in the U.S. will be easiest in terms of achieving the numbers needed to make it a PiP worthy of the title and heritage of the event. The two coasts appear to be the ones to which people can most easily get within time available and on the greatest variety of airlines.

I am partial to California as I am a native of Berkeley and would be very pleased to welcome people to my home state for such a party. The San Francisco FT contingent is huge and will have plenty of good resources for partying. The East Coast is also a great option however. Hmmmmm………

a) Northern California
b) East Coast
c) ?????

geo1004 said:

"The FT Do-Down Under!!!"

Will happen at some point I believe but maybe as a separate party. Will follow up on this one in a separate thread.

Kempis said:

"I missed Party in Provence but I am not going to miss this one. Looks like a great chance to finally use some KLM points."

We will look forward to seeing you there this time. I will keep an eye on the Futbol schedule. :

Spiff said:

"Perth! Perth! Perth!!! (if only I really did get three votes...)"

Keep an eye out for another thread on a Do Downunder. The Margaret River beckons…..

Studley said:

"Oops, you mean Techgirl this time, right?"

She's the one. We had a brief discussion about it in Chat some months back and it sounds like terrific way to use a bit of vacation time.

Randy Petersen said:

"I think that we really try to do something domestic in the US…"

It is shaping up that way at the moment and as it would be most accessible by the greatest number of people given time, budgets, and award ticket availability, I am leaning in this direction myself.

"I think we've found over time that the destination is always cool but we tend to still spend most if not all our time in each others company."

That is one of the great things about this board. Far flung people getting together over great distances because we want to hang out together. Exotic destination parties abound as it is so we could schedule this one for more of a middle ground and people could attend the other Do's as time etc. allows.

"….seeing over a 100 FTers at one of the next events would truly be way cool."

Anna, Wendy, and Nick's Do in the Windy City is headed in that direction. I too hope for that kind of turnout at this one also.

"How about a PIN - party in Napa which would allow some great times, and great side attractions?"

Excellent! Wine as a mini-theme for any of the party is one I can absolutely get into.

"I'd suggest here at the House of Miles…………."

Bet there are more than a few that would make that pilgrimage. : )

Ling said:


"What exactly is the PIP?"

Fun, fun, fun.

"I just think something more feasible for the majority of FTers would be nice."

Linda, I think this makes a world of sense for this event, and I will be following this advice for a party for everybody. I promise a trip report if a mini-Do happens in Australia. : )

Mudgal said:

"While I have not attended any FTer DO's, it has not been for lack of interest . . . I certainly would love to put faces to names of some chat buddies."

That is one of the more interesting activities. Reminds me of trying to imagine the faces of DJ's as a kid. With VJs now it is a different world, but faces with names at FT Do's is a blast. Chat and posting is never the same again, in a very cool kind of way.

Jongar said:

"SYD or MEL if Oz……….."

As above, keep an eye out for that to happen, but in a different thread. Barossa could be a good alternative or addition to Margaret River.

Joh said:

"……….with TWO oz dollars to one $US Australia is an incredibly inexpensive destination once you are here….. "

Absolutely. I use that one with my wife when rationalizing the expenses. : )

"Another possible option to consider is somewhere South American……"

Santiago is on the cards for November this year. The first one in South America I believe. I would encourage everybody looking into a trip down that way to check the thread in Community.

chemist661 said:

"….I will start my award trip to OZ in PER in Nov."

If I head down there, I will e-mail you because it would be around then if I could swing it.

RTW4 said:

"I was at the Catman's party in NYC in March of 2001. It was fabulous . Please count me in . I will be reading theses boards with interest.!!!"

I will keep track of all people expressing interest and set up a mailing list for those that miss the new posts to the thread or who want to attend but have not checked FT in a while.

belle3388 said:

"'P'raque in spring is very nice too, I heard..."

Me too Belle. Maybe on a European run one of these days we can get a few people together there. Would love to visit it some day myself.

magic111 said:

"….there is going to be an event in dus-summer of 2003 (see my profile)……"

I have got to get to that one. The pictures of the last one tell me the fun is way to much to miss again.

Echelon

avek00 said:

"I hereby nominate the city of Atlanta for the next PIP."

I actually talked about that with Loco Miler and Belle3388. The working title was "Party in Peachtown" so we could work the acronym properly. Still tossing it around in the back of my mind.

SanDiego1K said:

"A successful FT weekend event requires committed organizers."

Ain't that the truth. One thing I have to say though is that the PiP 2001 was the most easily coordinated event I have ever worked on. I think that the frequency with which this gang travels made it so painless. I walked away having broken exactly even and with a tremendous sense of encouragement to do further events.

Finally, if you have read this far, let me say that I hope everybody makes a big effort to attend one of the fantastic events that are already set to happen this year. As SD1K has so correctly said the effort is huge, and those organizers would be very gratified to see a good turnout sat the events they are organizing. I will periodically post more on the PiP IV over the coming months and will set up a mailing list to ensure all are made aware of developments.

Thanks for all the feed back and I look forward to seeing you all at an event soon.

Mike

MJM,

You cut out my quote. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Echelon,

Can I blame this one on coffee deprivation? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I typed that first thing this morning here in Japan.

I like the San Francisco idea and totally agree with the idea on choice of places being easy to et to. Miami would be new for me, but the East Coast is a big place and I will leave it to the populus to decide.

My apologies for the oversight,it is a good idea and I think we are headed in that direction.

Best,

Mike

I can tell you the saddest part of these get togethers...
LEAVING! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Doesn't matter if you're mileage running, or DOing, parting is such sweet sorrow. (Somewhat borrowed from Wm. Shakespr.)


Dan (a member of both clubs)

Echelon's Miami idea seems good to me. South Florida in the off-season is one of the greatest places to visit. Almost all of the world-class facilities that are geared to seasonal crowds are running full blast but are easy to get into and frequently heavily discounted. Just avoid an event weekend, such as the tennis tournament on Key Biscayne or a golf event anywhere.
And getting there in off-season is no more than $250 a head from anywhere in the country.
However, some of us who were forced to miss the Party in Provence for uncontrollable reasons are ready for the next party anwhere in the world and, never having visited Oz, would also certainly be interested in going there.

Ling, don't forget that there are a lot of us who don't live in the U.S., and they are affected by travel cutbacks too. Since we already have so many events in the US, and several in Europe, it is only fair to have some in Asia-Pac. So I hope mjm sticks with OZ or Japan, but as someone else said, whomever raises the flag gets to choose the location.

As for OZ being a tough award ticket, we're all professional FF'ers here. Getting a tough award ticket should be easy for us, right?

P.S., I just had a thought. If we can find a Flyertalker who resides in Beijing or Shanghai, it would be awesome to have a PIP or DO there. They could arrange it as a business conference and we could all get business visas!

Originally posted by mjm
This idea gets my vote. Three good airports nearby and we could still go to Napa.

Put me on the mailing list for this one.

[This message has been edited by Nanook (edited 02-25-2002).]

In the summer of 2000 oneWorld had a promo for 100,000 miles if you hit all six continents on OW airlines. Having nothing else to do on July weekends, I went for it. My Australian stop was Perth, the quickest and cheapest place to reach from Singapore.

I was there for two and a half hours and never left airport property, though I passed immigration and walked around the parking lot in front of the terminal. However, having spoken to several people on the flights to and from, I am sure it would be a wonderful place to return to for a bit longer. I still have a little "Your Guide to Perth and Fremantle" I picked up and would like to use it.

So, if anyone is planning a party there, I'm game! Besides, if you're in North America, think of all the miles. Perth is the furthest place in the world from Boston that you can reach on a major airline!

Well... I did make the commitment at the closing of the PIM (Party in the Metroplex) that studley and bollar co-hosted in September 2001 that I would host the next Dallas/Fort Worth shindig.

Heck, after coordinating a FT event in a another city entirely, hosting one in my own backyard should be easy.

I don't think anyone is quite ready for Dallas yet again, however, so in the meantime if I can help on the PIP IV, please let me know! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Dan,

Ain't it the truth. One solution.....more Do's.

Monitor,

Thanks for the tips on Florida. I hope you and Mrs. Monitor can make it this time and not get stuck in A'dam. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Will keep you posted.

Stimpy,

I really like the Shanghai idea and having spent three years there I think I could manage something pretty interesting. Hmmmm... maybe a mini-Do there at some point. I want to give that some serious thought. Int'l somewhere mini-Do is a must next year I think. This year Paris and Santiago are on the cards with other FTers organizing so I will shoot for a possible "this side of the world" mini-Do next year at some point (Shanghai and Perth looming large on that planning horizon) as well as a larger more organized PiP somewhere based on the votes gathered here.

Nanook,

Got you down for the list and your vote noted. Thank you.

Efrem,

Spoken like a true Mileage Master. I shall definitely keep you apprised of the developments for any event shaping up in Perth or over here somewhere.

Techgirl,

Thank you for the offer. I may seek your assitance on best ways to handle some of the logistics. I still fancy BBQ down in your neck of the woods though. May have to stop by in December when I am there visiting my brother.

Keep the comments coming folks. It is all great stuff and helps me figure out the best thing(s) to set up for everybody.

Mike

While a F-T get together in Australia would be a fun idea, the problem many of us have is that we have limited vacation time and to get to Australia will eat up part of the precious time that we have.

Ling said it best and I won't repeat what you said there my sister and good friend.

I don't know what place to suggest. I'm taking a break from organizing dos! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Wow! This is eerie as Catman took the words right out of my mouth. I logged on to reply to this topic after giving it some thought and this is what I had planned to say. I thought Ling put it very well especially in her questioning of what we want to accomplish. I think it would be fantastic to get into 3-digits. I was just going to add that time has always been the issue for me and why I have been unable to attend any of the previous PIPs. If one were held domestically (or in Canada or Mexico), I could consider it for at least a long weekend if I can't get away any longer at that time. A weekend to Mexico City or Toronto wouldn't be cheap, but a weekend to Oz would be prohibitive. At any rate, I will make every attempt to attend wherever it is held and thanks for bringing up the subject for discussion.

Albuquerque is fun to say and spell. What other reason would you possibly need?? ;-)

OK, Jackson needs some work to make it more interesting......

When I was a small fry, I had some difficulty saying Massachusetts.

It always seemed to come out as Massachew****s.

But agree that Albuquerque is more fun to say. Especially if one adopts that famous Bugs Bunny Brooklyn accent when you do it.

PremEx,

Be careful about what you say about Brooklyn in these here parts, partner.

dhammer53 BROOKLYN reality tour host and driver (who happens to have been born and bred in Brooklyn). http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif

smiley face edit

[This message has been edited by dhammer53 (edited 02-26-2002).]

Well, two good airports plus SFO. Unless we can schedule a fog-free day. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

If done right, it might even be possible to get group tickets to a 49er game -- they have all sorts of group plans. Being from the Bay Area originally myself, I like this idea as well.

As much as I'd love to go to Australia, it does seem a bit cost prohibitive these days.

I would list, in no particular order, some of these options:

SFO (Napa Valley in the spring)
SNA/LAX (Disney! any time of year)
MCO (Disney! in the winter/spring)
COS (Ski Weekend in the winter, with a side trip to visit the House of Randy http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif )
PHX (Scottsdale in the winter/spring)

Sure there are lots of other options out there too, as evidenced by the numerous posts.

Wherever it ends up, I'll do my best to be there! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif