View Poll Results: Where Should We Hold The First EK Do?
Dubai
32
69.57%
London
11
23.91%
Singapore
2
4.35%
Other
1
2.17%
Voters: 46. You may not vote on this poll
The First EK "Do"
Jan 12, 2011 | 2:14 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA GS-2MM, QF LTG, EK Gold, Marriott Amb, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 4,006
The First EK "Do"
As many of you will know, there are regular social get togethers for FT Members, often referred to as "DO's"
Do a search and you will see a vast array of results. Some of these are forum/airline specific, and some are country specific. For example, this coming weekend, there is the SIN Do, held obviously here in Singapore. This event has been running for several years and receives very high reviews among attendees. People fly in from all over the world.
I am keen to explore the possibility of having an EK Do, with a view to making it a social gathering, to discuss the Skywards program, to meet fellow FT'ers and to hopefully involve (officially or unofficially) folks from EK/Skywards.
I would value your feedback as to what things you would like to see or do, how social you wish to make it, and which city you think would be most appropriate. Any/all feedback is welcome - as long as it's constructive.
I would also welcome anyone who might like to assist in the organising of the event.
I have created the poll above to suggest a possible location. In terms of dates, probably toward the second half of the year. We won't be able to please everyone and we will try and schedule the most convenient time in terms of travel (ie avoid peak times like European Summer etc)...
Thanks for your help. Look forward to hearing from you.
SIMON
(eightblack)
Moderator-EK Forum
Do a search and you will see a vast array of results. Some of these are forum/airline specific, and some are country specific. For example, this coming weekend, there is the SIN Do, held obviously here in Singapore. This event has been running for several years and receives very high reviews among attendees. People fly in from all over the world.
I am keen to explore the possibility of having an EK Do, with a view to making it a social gathering, to discuss the Skywards program, to meet fellow FT'ers and to hopefully involve (officially or unofficially) folks from EK/Skywards.
I would value your feedback as to what things you would like to see or do, how social you wish to make it, and which city you think would be most appropriate. Any/all feedback is welcome - as long as it's constructive.
I would also welcome anyone who might like to assist in the organising of the event.
I have created the poll above to suggest a possible location. In terms of dates, probably toward the second half of the year. We won't be able to please everyone and we will try and schedule the most convenient time in terms of travel (ie avoid peak times like European Summer etc)...
Thanks for your help. Look forward to hearing from you.
SIMON
(eightblack)
Moderator-EK Forum
Jan 12, 2011 | 8:52 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
I have often wondered what "DO" stands for.
At this point, I have made precisely one return trip on EK, but I am planning more, and it may become one of my two preferred carriers. I have spent years based in North America and just made 1K (roughly speaking, platinum) in the United programme, but there are few entities on the planet that I despise as much as UA. (And as nearly as I can tell, they feel the same way about me.)
I don't know if I will be able to make it, it might depend on timing, but I am based near SIN now, and expect to travel to LON a lot, transitting in DXB if it is on EK. And if it offers any opportunity to improve my rather retarded Arabic language skills, that's a bonus
At this point, I have made precisely one return trip on EK, but I am planning more, and it may become one of my two preferred carriers. I have spent years based in North America and just made 1K (roughly speaking, platinum) in the United programme, but there are few entities on the planet that I despise as much as UA. (And as nearly as I can tell, they feel the same way about me.)
I don't know if I will be able to make it, it might depend on timing, but I am based near SIN now, and expect to travel to LON a lot, transitting in DXB if it is on EK. And if it offers any opportunity to improve my rather retarded Arabic language skills, that's a bonus
Jan 12, 2011 | 9:09 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2010
Programs: EK Platinum, Starwoods Platinum, HH Gold
Posts: 28
Social networking
Can we use a 'virtual' do. Perhaps a live chat session, or some frequent/high profile EK FTers on a video feed. I understand that it might not be significantly different than being on FT, but at least it might be more dynamic.
Jan 12, 2011 | 9:58 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA GS-2MM, QF LTG, EK Gold, Marriott Amb, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 4,006
I have often wondered what "DO" stands for.
At this point, I have made precisely one return trip on EK, but I am planning more, and it may become one of my two preferred carriers. I have spent years based in North America and just made 1K (roughly speaking, platinum) in the United programme, but there are few entities on the planet that I despise as much as UA. (And as nearly as I can tell, they feel the same way about me.)
I don't know if I will be able to make it, it might depend on timing, but I am based near SIN now, and expect to travel to LON a lot, transitting in DXB if it is on EK. And if it offers any opportunity to improve my rather retarded Arabic language skills, that's a bonus
At this point, I have made precisely one return trip on EK, but I am planning more, and it may become one of my two preferred carriers. I have spent years based in North America and just made 1K (roughly speaking, platinum) in the United programme, but there are few entities on the planet that I despise as much as UA. (And as nearly as I can tell, they feel the same way about me.)
I don't know if I will be able to make it, it might depend on timing, but I am based near SIN now, and expect to travel to LON a lot, transitting in DXB if it is on EK. And if it offers any opportunity to improve my rather retarded Arabic language skills, that's a bonus
For example, tomorrow at the SIN DO, we are having a tour of Changi Airport, being hosted by UA for a tour of their operations and then having a separate tour of the SATS catering complex, including lunch!
The rest of the weekend is eating a lot, drinking some more and catching up with like minded people.
This is a great idea. And I think I have in mind a great "first guest". I just have to see if he/she is open to it. Will keep you posted.
Jan 12, 2011 | 11:27 pm
#5
Moderator: Emirates Skywards and Qatar Airways Privilege Club
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: 12R/30L
Programs: EK Gold|EY Gold|Bonvoy Ambassador| IHG Plat|HHonors Diamond
Posts: 2,850
I think it's a great idea eightblack , was thinking about it since I read about the SIN Do. This should def. be hosted at the Hub.
Don't expect to be able to get into DXB for a tour .... though either way a small social gathering even for a small number of members is a start.
Don't expect to be able to get into DXB for a tour .... though either way a small social gathering even for a small number of members is a start.
Jan 13, 2011 | 10:00 am
#6
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 19,801
Be carefull what you get into. That's a mighty big challenge you are setting yourself there. It's not that I'm opposed to the idea, quite on the contrary, but be carefull not to make it too ambitious.
- EK is not in alliance. It's a standalone airline, and therefore there's probably only one place where you can pull this off: DXB.
- Of course it would be nice if you could fly between places, and that will take you straight into SE-Asia or Oceania. Where else does EK have connecting flights?
- I dont' think there's much use/fun in flying to LHR, then flying back from LGW. LON is a spoke in the EK network.
- EK fly widebodies: which would make it virtually impossible to organize any chartered flights.
- Also, this is the GCC you are talking about. Whilst I really like/admire EK's cosmopolitan feel/service/public, this might be a challenge if you are going to have to accomodate both locals and internationals...
Another major issue is the fact that you are the moderator of the forum, and therefore should not have too close a relationship (if any at all) with the airline and/or its management. Yet, clearly, in order for the DO to run smoothly and be well organised one would need the close collaboration of the airline, airport, DNATA, etc.
I really think you need to clear this issue, before going forward.
It might be a good to just start off with some kind of "MEETING" first, then if you are succesfull inviting the folks from EY, QR, etc. A DO is a big event to start off with...
Anyway, good luck with the EK DO-initiative!! DXB might be a great place to hold the event, although I think there should also be some flying (chartered flights??) on the program...
.
- EK is not in alliance. It's a standalone airline, and therefore there's probably only one place where you can pull this off: DXB.
- Of course it would be nice if you could fly between places, and that will take you straight into SE-Asia or Oceania. Where else does EK have connecting flights?
- I dont' think there's much use/fun in flying to LHR, then flying back from LGW. LON is a spoke in the EK network.
- EK fly widebodies: which would make it virtually impossible to organize any chartered flights.
- Also, this is the GCC you are talking about. Whilst I really like/admire EK's cosmopolitan feel/service/public, this might be a challenge if you are going to have to accomodate both locals and internationals...
Another major issue is the fact that you are the moderator of the forum, and therefore should not have too close a relationship (if any at all) with the airline and/or its management. Yet, clearly, in order for the DO to run smoothly and be well organised one would need the close collaboration of the airline, airport, DNATA, etc.
I really think you need to clear this issue, before going forward.
It might be a good to just start off with some kind of "MEETING" first, then if you are succesfull inviting the folks from EY, QR, etc. A DO is a big event to start off with...
Anyway, good luck with the EK DO-initiative!! DXB might be a great place to hold the event, although I think there should also be some flying (chartered flights??) on the program...
.
After reading Mr Mods previous Trip Report, I'd guess he had a much smaller p... up, sorry social gathering in mind.
I'm always looking for excuses to visit Dubai.
How about we meet in the Dubliner and take it from there
Cheers,
Rick
Jan 13, 2011 | 1:40 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 286
I've obviously voted for Dubai as that's a cab ride, part of me wanted one of the EK destinations I don't get to frequent though!
Jan 13, 2011 | 11:38 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: United Arab Emirates & Arizona, USA
Programs: UA MM/1P, EK Ag, Marriott Life Ti, Hilton Dia, IC Dia, Hyatt Glob, Accor Pt
Posts: 4,721
Count me in. Any of these cities would be fine with me. Thanks for organizing and please let me know if I can help in any way.
Jan 14, 2011 | 5:40 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA GS-2MM, QF LTG, EK Gold, Marriott Amb, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 4,006
Well yeah, I guess that's what I would expect from it, really.
Along the lines of LH-UACO with their *A MEGA-DOs: All kinds of events at lots of places all over the world, then an official sent-off at one central hub, and stuff like that: http://www.starmegado.com/gallery/
Thing is, it always requires a minimum investment in time and money from the participants (with the EK flyertalk forum certainly not as busy as some other fora like CO or LH). And it would require a maximum investment in time and resources from the organizers, whereever and whomever they are...
Along the lines of LH-UACO with their *A MEGA-DOs: All kinds of events at lots of places all over the world, then an official sent-off at one central hub, and stuff like that: http://www.starmegado.com/gallery/
Thing is, it always requires a minimum investment in time and money from the participants (with the EK flyertalk forum certainly not as busy as some other fora like CO or LH). And it would require a maximum investment in time and resources from the organizers, whereever and whomever they are...
My thinking is that we will pick a location (ie most likely DXB), offer everyone the chance to attend, put together an agenda which can hopefully include EK/Skywards and use the first event to get to know one another and talk about common interests.
No chartering planes, visiting the Airbus factory, or trying to build an event the size of the Star Alliance Mega-Do. Well not yet at least.
And I'm happy to facilitate the logistics...
Lets keep chatting and see where we get to.
Jan 16, 2011 | 4:37 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Dubai, UAE
Programs: BA Gold, GGL, Virgin Silver, Skywards Platinum, SPG VIP
Posts: 193
Great initiative. I am fully supportive. Please let me know what, if anything I can do to help. DXB makes the most sense to me as the location.
Jan 17, 2011 | 6:53 pm
#11
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: AUS / DXB
Programs: BA Silver | AA LT Gold | EY Silver | Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 1,838
Another vote for DXB. I'll definitely attend if I am in the country.
Jan 18, 2011 | 2:32 am
#12
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 286
Perhaps we could arrange a Friday brunch. I am on a mission to complete every one in town at the moment! It makes it easy to budget as it's a fixed cost for all you can eat/drink. They also do Saturday ones if Western based people need a weekend.
Jan 21, 2011 | 4:37 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA GS-2MM, QF LTG, EK Gold, Marriott Amb, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 4,006
The Dubai Do - Its On!
The overwhelming response to the poll was Dubai.
That's settled then...
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/commu...27-2011-a.html
That's settled then...
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/commu...27-2011-a.html
Jan 22, 2011 | 7:16 pm
#14
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 19,801
The overwhelming response to the poll was Dubai.
That's settled then...
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/commu...27-2011-a.html
That's settled then...
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/commu...27-2011-a.html
Jan 22, 2011 | 7:19 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA GS-2MM, QF LTG, EK Gold, Marriott Amb, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 4,006