Frequent Traveler University (FTU) Events [merged]
Oct 27, 2015, 10:16 am
#227
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,738
I think it would be fun to go to an advance session and connect with other people. The reason I've never gone is that I've seen the PowerPoints posted by the speakers to their blogs and they look like they were put together by a 4th grader and questioned why anyone would pay to sit through these presentations.
Maybe someone else can chime in on the experience?
Oct 27, 2015, 10:39 am
#228
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
I went to the small "experimental format" advanced session in Atlanta after the Freddie Awards. Some "speakers" were good and genuine experts, while others frankly were not, and especially not of interest to me. The big problem was that some of the participants seemed to know nothing and expect the "speakers" to devote time to personal coaching on basics. YMMV.
However, before criticizing the current team, one should compare it to previous lineups at regular and advanced FTUs and similar competing events. Also, it matters a lot whether the format is that everyone attends every presentation versus parallel sessions focusing on different interests.
However, before criticizing the current team, one should compare it to previous lineups at regular and advanced FTUs and similar competing events. Also, it matters a lot whether the format is that everyone attends every presentation versus parallel sessions focusing on different interests.
Nov 1, 2015, 12:19 am
#229
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Northern California
Programs: AA Plat Pro, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Aeroplan 25K, UA Silver
Posts: 494
I think it would be fun to go to an advance session and connect with other people. The reason I've never gone is that I've seen the PowerPoints posted by the speakers to their blogs and they look like they were put together by a 4th grader and questioned why anyone would pay to sit through these presentations.
Maybe someone else can chime in on the experience?
If you want to read detail, my suggestion is you read a book, study blogs, or ask direct questions that you'd like answered.
By the way, having attended FTUs as well as other travel conferences, I usually find a couple of extremely useful tips from the speakers. Although, I believe the biggest value is talking with travel geeks one to one. It's amazing what one can learn from non-bloggers.
Nov 1, 2015, 9:52 pm
#230
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: YYC
Posts: 4,035
Nov 2, 2015, 2:42 am
#231
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA | CLT, formerly LHR & AMS (with just a bit of PSP)
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hilton Diamond, BonVoy Titanium, (soon former) Caesars7*, (former) Wynn Black, HR "Icon"
Posts: 8,172
+1 agree 100%.
My issue with a lot of the focus is the MS angle. I have little/no interest in MS. But, part of that is my cynical nature with regard to how time consuming so much of MS "process" is. I'm often like "wow, you spent 50 hours doing that, if you put that much time into other stuff (*cough casino promotions*) you could have had a ROI that would be 10x as much....." - but, I will quickly admit, that's not a fair argument since optimising most casino situations (or AP casino play) requires a much larger tolerance for risk.
I think the networking is a very powerful driver for a lot of people. Of course, it becomes a very personal opinion how much value one puts on networking.
My issue with a lot of the focus is the MS angle. I have little/no interest in MS. But, part of that is my cynical nature with regard to how time consuming so much of MS "process" is. I'm often like "wow, you spent 50 hours doing that, if you put that much time into other stuff (*cough casino promotions*) you could have had a ROI that would be 10x as much....." - but, I will quickly admit, that's not a fair argument since optimising most casino situations (or AP casino play) requires a much larger tolerance for risk.
I think the networking is a very powerful driver for a lot of people. Of course, it becomes a very personal opinion how much value one puts on networking.
Nov 2, 2015, 10:37 am
#232
Original Member, Ambassador: External Miles and Points Resources
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Digital Nomad Wandering the Earth - Currently in LIMA, PERU
Posts: 58,626
Nov 4, 2015, 6:21 am
#233
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Programs: Airline Free Agent, Fairmont Lifetime Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 3,041
Tahsir the Bengali kid is an absolute brain trust in The Hobby. And naturally talented entertaining speaker as well.
At the end of the day, these are social events. I prefer small FT DOs that do not require a ticket.
Yawn
At the end of the day, these are social events. I prefer small FT DOs that do not require a ticket.
Yawn
Nov 4, 2015, 7:30 pm
#234
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Los Angeles / Basel
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 26,930
Was looking at the line up of speakers this morning.
– Matthew Klint (Live and Let’s Fly): Hey! I know that guy from bad OMNI! ^
– Stefan Krasowski (Rapid Travel Chai): Another solid choice.
– Tahsir Ahsan (Bengali Miles Guru): Who? From what?
– Greg Davis-Kean (Frequent Miler): Solid choice.
– Omar Zaman (Travel Summary): Who? From what?
– Jamie Larounis (The Forward Cabin): The plagiarizer fraud-encourager.
– Melinda Danielsen (Magic of Miles): Tommy's wife moves from reg desk to speaker's podium. ^
– Tiffany Funk (One Mile at a Time): I guess Ben's busy driving a Ford?
I won't call this 'the B team,' but not a 'Titan' (as gpapadop would say) among them? At an FTU ADVANCED?
– Matthew Klint (Live and Let’s Fly): Hey! I know that guy from bad OMNI! ^
– Stefan Krasowski (Rapid Travel Chai): Another solid choice.
– Tahsir Ahsan (Bengali Miles Guru): Who? From what?
– Greg Davis-Kean (Frequent Miler): Solid choice.
– Omar Zaman (Travel Summary): Who? From what?
– Jamie Larounis (The Forward Cabin): The plagiarizer fraud-encourager.
– Melinda Danielsen (Magic of Miles): Tommy's wife moves from reg desk to speaker's podium. ^
– Tiffany Funk (One Mile at a Time): I guess Ben's busy driving a Ford?
I won't call this 'the B team,' but not a 'Titan' (as gpapadop would say) among them? At an FTU ADVANCED?
Which is interesting because I'm assuming Ford was the reason Ben did so many LA/Hollywood trip reports. Tiffany seems like she has a good personality and has a hand in Ben's PointsPros, so maybe she has some good info?
I think it would be fun to go to an advance session and connect with other people. The reason I've never gone is that I've seen the PowerPoints posted by the speakers to their blogs and they look like they were put together by a 4th grader and questioned why anyone would pay to sit through these presentations.
Maybe someone else can chime in on the experience?
I think it would be fun to go to an advance session and connect with other people. The reason I've never gone is that I've seen the PowerPoints posted by the speakers to their blogs and they look like they were put together by a 4th grader and questioned why anyone would pay to sit through these presentations.
Maybe someone else can chime in on the experience?
P.S. I don't read slides, but I have fairly complex, very professional looking
slides. I don't post them -- would you when you lead a talk entitled "Hacking United"...?Tashir is amazing. Listening to his talks alone are worth the price of admission if you are serious about MSing.
Nov 25, 2015, 9:06 pm
#236
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Chicago
Programs: Hilton Gold, IHG Plat, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 287
Feb 7, 2016, 3:07 am
#239
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA | CLT, formerly LHR & AMS (with just a bit of PSP)
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hilton Diamond, BonVoy Titanium, (soon former) Caesars7*, (former) Wynn Black, HR "Icon"
Posts: 8,172
FTU SIGNATURE EVENT VEGAS | 29th April to 1st May 2016
FTU SIGNATURE EVENT VEGAS
29th April to 1st May 2016
LINK to event
Current line-up :
in addition, there will be the first ever FTU Social Charity Blackjack tournament :
29th April to 1st May 2016
LINK to event
Current line-up :
— Ben Schlappig (One Mile at a Time)
— René de Lambert (Renés Points)
— Tahsir Ahsan (Bengali Miles Guru)
— Tiffany Funk (One Mile at a Time)
— Jamie Larounis (The Forward Cabin)
— Greg Davis-Kean (Frequent Miler)
— Edward Pizzarello (Pizza in Motion)
— Omar Zaman (Travel Summary)
— Daraius Dubash (Million Mile Secrets)
— Summer Hull (Mommy Points)
— Matthew Klint (Live and Let’s Fly)
— René de Lambert (Renés Points)
— Tahsir Ahsan (Bengali Miles Guru)
— Tiffany Funk (One Mile at a Time)
— Jamie Larounis (The Forward Cabin)
— Greg Davis-Kean (Frequent Miler)
— Edward Pizzarello (Pizza in Motion)
— Omar Zaman (Travel Summary)
— Daraius Dubash (Million Mile Secrets)
— Summer Hull (Mommy Points)
— Matthew Klint (Live and Let’s Fly)
The all-day Manufactured Spend boot camp intensive is sold out, but fear not. For those with interest in MS, there are still sessions on the latest and greatest Manufactured Spend opportunities on both Saturday and Sunday that are included with the FTU Signature Event. Instead of spending the entire day on just one subject, there will be two 1 ˝ hour sessions over two days and it also gives you the opportunity to attend a variety of the other sessions available during the weekend. There will be 3 sessions running concurrently during the day so attendees at the FTU Signature Event will be spoilt for choice. Plus, not every session is repeated at every FTU so there is bound to be something new for those who have attended FTU's before.
On Friday night after the cocktail reception, continue the fun by participating in the first ever FTU charity Blackjack Tournament: Industry VIPs and travel writers versus frequent travelers. This tournament is all about fun. Never played cards before in a casino environment? No worries. This tournament is a great opportunity to play blackjack in a friendly atmosphere. The dealers will be professional casino “Go-Go” dancer dealer/entertainers. It also gives you the chance to compete against some of your favorite travel writers and industry VIPs.
We have great prizes lined up that include up to 50K SPG points courtesy of Starwood Preferred Guest.
Expect lots of fun and some surprises. This is sure to be a must-do event! Tickets for the Blackjack tournament are $50, and all proceeds go towards the InsideFlyer Kiva charity Lending Team. Your ticket also includes $25 in match play coupons that can be used at The D Casino, which makes this not only an amazing opportunity for charity but also a fabulous "deal". Tickets for the optional Blackjack tournament can be purchased here - https://ftuniversity.com/events/ftu-...ure-las-vegas/
We have great prizes lined up that include up to 50K SPG points courtesy of Starwood Preferred Guest.
Expect lots of fun and some surprises. This is sure to be a must-do event! Tickets for the Blackjack tournament are $50, and all proceeds go towards the InsideFlyer Kiva charity Lending Team. Your ticket also includes $25 in match play coupons that can be used at The D Casino, which makes this not only an amazing opportunity for charity but also a fabulous "deal". Tickets for the optional Blackjack tournament can be purchased here - https://ftuniversity.com/events/ftu-...ure-las-vegas/