Feb 7, 2015, 11:55 am
Last edit by: SkiAdcock
Registration is live.
If you've been to a previous event expect something very similar. If you haven't been before, check out the 2014 Thread
For those who might be new to Flyertalk. If you're interested in meeting other FTers in smaller groups in different locations throughout the year, FT has a forum called "CommunityBuzz".
This is where people will post get-togethers (often called "DOs"), whether it be something as simple as meeting up for lunch or dinner or as organized as activities over a few days in places like London, Australia, Austin, Alaska, etc. It's a great way to meet other travel-oriented folk, but not in academic or large setting like the seminar event.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz-380/
For those that are new to Flyertalk & want to keep current with what's happening with the Chicago Seminar Event, in every thread there is a link near the top of the thread that says "Thread Tools". On the drop-down menu is an option to "Subscribe to this Thread". When you subscribe to the thread there's also a drop-down menu where she say how often you want to receive notification of updates to the thread (never, as it happens, weekly, etc) & then you get email notifications of posts to the thread in the timelines you've indicated.
Hotel Shuttle Info
The shuttle leaves the hotel to go to ORD on the hour. It goes from ORD to the hotel on the half hour. You pick it up at ORD at the hotel/shuttle bus stop section @ door #2
Changing Your Registered Sessions:
If you've been to a previous event expect something very similar. If you haven't been before, check out the 2014 Thread
For those who might be new to Flyertalk. If you're interested in meeting other FTers in smaller groups in different locations throughout the year, FT has a forum called "CommunityBuzz".
This is where people will post get-togethers (often called "DOs"), whether it be something as simple as meeting up for lunch or dinner or as organized as activities over a few days in places like London, Australia, Austin, Alaska, etc. It's a great way to meet other travel-oriented folk, but not in academic or large setting like the seminar event.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz-380/
For those that are new to Flyertalk & want to keep current with what's happening with the Chicago Seminar Event, in every thread there is a link near the top of the thread that says "Thread Tools". On the drop-down menu is an option to "Subscribe to this Thread". When you subscribe to the thread there's also a drop-down menu where she say how often you want to receive notification of updates to the thread (never, as it happens, weekly, etc) & then you get email notifications of posts to the thread in the timelines you've indicated.
Hotel Shuttle Info
The shuttle leaves the hotel to go to ORD on the hour. It goes from ORD to the hotel on the half hour. You pick it up at ORD at the hotel/shuttle bus stop section @ door #2
Changing Your Registered Sessions:
- Log into your Eventbrite account
- Choose "My Tickets" from the dropdown menu by your name at the top of the page
- Click "Manage Order" for Chicago Seminars 2015
- Click "edit" on the right side of the screen
- Make changes to your seminar choices
Chicago Seminars October 16-18th, 2015
Oct 12, 2015, 8:29 am
#241
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
Cheers.
Oct 12, 2015, 8:33 am
#242
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
Thoughts & tips for those attending the Chicago Seminar Event for the first time...
* Dress casual or biz casual, whichever you prefer/feel most comfortable in. It's long days/nights.
* Layer or have a lightweight sweater or jacket in case it gets cold or if you're wearing it, can take off if it gets too hot. Also, it's going to be chilly outside this weekend for those coming from other hotels.
* Realize that you're not the dumbest person in the room when it comes to travel, and also odds are you're not the smartest. The range of knowledge is quite wide in a group of 500, but sometimes it's easy to feel intimidated. Also know some people exaggerate when they discuss their status, tricks, tips.
* Take a deep breath & also realize you're not going to remember everything. When there is so much information shared in such a short period of time, it can be a bit overwhelming (understatement). If you can get one good tip out of each session you're ahead of the game.
* Take notes, whether it's via paper, laptop, iPad, smartphone, whatever. You won't remember everything if you try to just do it mentally. If you're attending with someone or you meet someone who will be in a different session, make arrangements to swap notes after the event.
* Go to the hotel restaurant/bar in the evenings, even if you don't drink. You're surrounded by a few hundred like-minded individuals so even if you don't know anyone you have something in common, so ask to sit with others & feel free to join in with the others. Don't just head back to your room after the sessions are over, as it's in the hallways, bar & restaurant that good tips/conversations occur/friendships are made. You don't have to close down the bar (although some have been known to do that!), but stop by for a while to meet/chat/eat/drink.
* Even if you're an introvert, do ask if you can join others and chat. I know it can be difficult to do, but you'll benefit by doing so. Some FTers will find this hard to believe because I'm pretty out-going/gregarious, but I am shy & it is hard for me to reach out/ask if I can join a group when I don't know others so I sympathize. But again, the thing to remember is that you all have something in common - travel. You might want to think of a few ice-breaker questions in advance. Or you might want to eavesdrop on conversations & if you find one of interest, just join in.
* And yes, to the veterans, reach out to others & invite them to join you. We were all newbies once.
* Just acknowledge that the chairs are uncomfortable (misery loves company) & with 500 attendees and a full hotel, the internet might run slow. Meals aren't as bad as everyone makes out - and the fact so many get served in such a short period of time is amazing. Remember, you don't fly for the food/you're not attending the event for the food either.
* Start checking out forums on Flyertalk. You'll get lots of good information at the CSE, but there is a lot more knowledge in the various airline, hotel, manufactured spend forums on Flyertalk & you can access it 24/7/365.
* One last thing - don't forget to buy lots of charity raffle tickets from me or my volunteers. We've got great prizes, are supporting 3 wonderful charities, and we accept credit cards as well as cash.
Have fun & see everyone this weekend!
* Dress casual or biz casual, whichever you prefer/feel most comfortable in. It's long days/nights.
* Layer or have a lightweight sweater or jacket in case it gets cold or if you're wearing it, can take off if it gets too hot. Also, it's going to be chilly outside this weekend for those coming from other hotels.
* Realize that you're not the dumbest person in the room when it comes to travel, and also odds are you're not the smartest. The range of knowledge is quite wide in a group of 500, but sometimes it's easy to feel intimidated. Also know some people exaggerate when they discuss their status, tricks, tips.
* Take a deep breath & also realize you're not going to remember everything. When there is so much information shared in such a short period of time, it can be a bit overwhelming (understatement). If you can get one good tip out of each session you're ahead of the game.
* Take notes, whether it's via paper, laptop, iPad, smartphone, whatever. You won't remember everything if you try to just do it mentally. If you're attending with someone or you meet someone who will be in a different session, make arrangements to swap notes after the event.
* Go to the hotel restaurant/bar in the evenings, even if you don't drink. You're surrounded by a few hundred like-minded individuals so even if you don't know anyone you have something in common, so ask to sit with others & feel free to join in with the others. Don't just head back to your room after the sessions are over, as it's in the hallways, bar & restaurant that good tips/conversations occur/friendships are made. You don't have to close down the bar (although some have been known to do that!), but stop by for a while to meet/chat/eat/drink.
* Even if you're an introvert, do ask if you can join others and chat. I know it can be difficult to do, but you'll benefit by doing so. Some FTers will find this hard to believe because I'm pretty out-going/gregarious, but I am shy & it is hard for me to reach out/ask if I can join a group when I don't know others so I sympathize. But again, the thing to remember is that you all have something in common - travel. You might want to think of a few ice-breaker questions in advance. Or you might want to eavesdrop on conversations & if you find one of interest, just join in.
* And yes, to the veterans, reach out to others & invite them to join you. We were all newbies once.
* Just acknowledge that the chairs are uncomfortable (misery loves company) & with 500 attendees and a full hotel, the internet might run slow. Meals aren't as bad as everyone makes out - and the fact so many get served in such a short period of time is amazing. Remember, you don't fly for the food/you're not attending the event for the food either.
* Start checking out forums on Flyertalk. You'll get lots of good information at the CSE, but there is a lot more knowledge in the various airline, hotel, manufactured spend forums on Flyertalk & you can access it 24/7/365.
* One last thing - don't forget to buy lots of charity raffle tickets from me or my volunteers. We've got great prizes, are supporting 3 wonderful charities, and we accept credit cards as well as cash.
Have fun & see everyone this weekend!
Oct 12, 2015, 8:34 am
#243
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: DFW
Programs: AA flyer, Hilton, SPG, Hyatt stayer
Posts: 64
I'm in! Arriving ORD @ 5:15PM Friday. Will have the hubs with until Saturday morning. (He's my resident member of the Century Club) and my girlfriend in Marketing from Hotels.com for the rest of the event.
I've never been this excited to go to Chicago!
FWIW - my IHG booking also shows "0 Non-qualifying stay" because of booking the group rate. I reallly REALLY hope it counts toward Accelerate!
I've never been this excited to go to Chicago!
FWIW - my IHG booking also shows "0 Non-qualifying stay" because of booking the group rate. I reallly REALLY hope it counts toward Accelerate!
Oct 12, 2015, 12:01 pm
#244
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
Just noticed there's a change in the off-site Saturday night dinner even that sweetwillie was organizing & now has been switched to another individual.
If you're interested in attending it, please post in this thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/commu...17-2015-a.html
Cheers.
If you're interested in attending it, please post in this thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/commu...17-2015-a.html
Cheers.
Oct 12, 2015, 2:50 pm
#246
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Look up - On a ✈ DELTA ✈ jet NOW!
Programs: Blogger & Delta Diamond Medallion Million Miler
Posts: 4,174
If you see me (the ugly one on the left), even at a table with others, just ask if I am René I will warmly welcome you to join how ever many are there chatting and geeking out over all things points. Now I may be a tiny bit distracted during the ND game Saturday night but we do have all day/night!
I think you will find ALL of the speakers are just as welcoming and warm. We are there to share and have fun just like you. Please say hello!
Oct 13, 2015, 7:52 am
#247
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 125
hey guys- two questions. i'm local but may have trouble making the 5pm Intro and Welcome. Is this critical to attend? Also, can anyone tell me what Customer Service & Aviation with Captain Denny Flanagan is about? thanks - i'm looking forward to the wkd!
Oct 13, 2015, 8:35 am
#248
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
Cheers.
Oct 13, 2015, 1:57 pm
#250
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SAV
Programs: ??????????
Posts: 963
Anyone looking for a room ... CALL THE HOTEL. There are rooms available both Friday and Saturday. I'll be sending out an email later tonight with a few updates for everyone (including room availability) but there are rooms available. CALL IF YOU WANT ONE.
Oct 14, 2015, 12:45 pm
#254
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 89
Thanks! Was able to book.
Oct 14, 2015, 2:02 pm
#255
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
Weather This Weekend
Temps are dropping this weekend. Plan accordingly...
Thursday
Day: 67
Eve: 41
Friday
Day: 53
Eve: 33
Saturday
Day: 51
Eve: 32
Sunday
Day: 56
Eve: 42
Monday
Day: 67
Eve: 54
Thursday
Day: 67
Eve: 41
Friday
Day: 53
Eve: 33
Saturday
Day: 51
Eve: 32
Sunday
Day: 56
Eve: 42
Monday
Day: 67
Eve: 54